We took some time to sit down with Kay Sides, Founder of HATCh and R0AM in LA. We wanted to catch up with her to find out how she got into the fashion industry, her showroom, the iconic brands that she has been involved in, and her lifestyle brand that she launched a few years ago that are essentials as well as being coveted by some of your favorite celebs.
ATHLEISURE MAG: We’ve enjoyed R0AM as you sent the flip flops during the Summer and have worn them so many times (such a lifesaver during NYFW) and then I we recently were sent the Shearling Clogs which were so cozy after running around the Food Network NYC Wine Food Festival as we had a staycation in BK and I loved wearing them around the hotel and out to the bodega when we weren’t covering the event. Of course, I have been a fan of yours as we had the pleasure of working together years ago! For those who may not be familiar, tell me a bit about your background and how you came into the fashion industry?
KAY SIDES: Thank you so much :)
I’ve been incredibly fortunate throughout my professional journey. I started at Chanel while still in college and quickly became an integral part of the accessories team - managing wholesale accounts across accessories and RTW, conducting store trainings, maintaining merchandising standards, and helping open new doors. From there, I became Creative Director and Buyer at Maxfield, then went on to found HATCh, one of the largest multi-brand agencies in the U.S. We’ve had the honor of helping build some of the most iconic contemporary and young designer brands for both the U.S. and global markets. R0AM came about very organically about seven years ago.
AM: Tell us about HATCh, why you created it, what does this showroom do, and who are you repping now?
KS: Yes, we were so lucky to be brought into that project! Our role was to help launch women’s Lacoste and make it feel fresh and relevant for the U.S. market. It was a pivotal time that introduced the brand to top luxury and specialty contemporary retailers nationwide. HATCh has always been known for its dynamic designer-meets-contemporary mix - at the time we represented Lacoste, Katayone Adeli, Rick Owens, James Perse, Henry Duarte, and Lena Wald, among others.
Over the years, we’ve launched and represented brands like Alexander McQueen McQ, Yohji Yamamoto (coming soon), Aviator Nation, Taschen Books, Banjanan, Zadig & Voltaire, Stance, and Lana Bilzerian, to name a few. We work incredibly strategically - creating integrated sales, marketing, and distribution strategies for every brand partner, and managing all aspects of wholesale and brand positioning.
AM: How did you go from having this successful showroom to deciding that you were going to launch what started as a shoe brand in 2018?
KS: Thank you so much! R0AM truly grew out of an organic need. I couldn’t find shoes that were both cool and comfortable - stylish, versatile options for women who lead dimensional lives (which is to say, all women!). Something that could carry you from school drop-off to meetings, to Pilates, to walking your dog or cooking dinner - without ever needing to change shoes.
I loved so many of the luxury collaborations out there, but to be honest, they weren’t comfortable for me, and they were always $600–$700. I wanted to create something attainable and designed for real life - shoes that feel good, look good, and fit seamlessly into every part of your day.
AM: What is the meaning behind the brand’s name?
KS: I’ve been an adventure and outdoor sports enthusiast my entire life, so the name R0AM resonated deeply - it embodies movement, freedom, and exploration. It implies action and comfort, while visually feeling modern and stylish. Growing up in Hawai‘i and spending so much of my life in nature, I knew the brand also had to be built with consciousness and care at its core. That’s something I’m deeply proud of.
AM: What are the different roles that you have in R0AM and what do you love the most?
KS: Honestly, I’m involved in everything. I oversee design, fit, comfort, sustainability, and creative direction - from photo shoots and campaigns to every ad and communication touchpoint. I’m lucky to have an incredible team that manages the technical side of production, fit, wholesale, and retail operations, and I work closely with each of them, every day.
Even our warehouse manager and I talk daily! I love every aspect of it. When I started, I didn’t know anything about designing footwear, and I still learn something new all the time. I thrive on that challenge. It’s such a gift to collaborate with such bright, creative, and committed individuals.
AM: From a sustainability perspective, what can you tell us about your approach to the design of the shoe?
KS: It’s a non-negotiable for us. From day one, we’ve been entirely vegan - no harm to animals. We use in-market luxury materials, certifiable bio-EVA outsoles made from sugarcane, recycled tread, and compostable, recycled packaging. We recently launched The Slip, made from certified BLOOM technology (algae). For a small, independent brand, we’re proud to be doing our part to minimize harm and protect this beautiful planet.
AM: When did you launch apparel and what kind of pieces can customers expect in this assortment?
KS: We launched apparel a couple of years ago, and it’s grown steadily ever since. The collection mirrors the qualities people love about our footwear - insane comfort and elevated design. Even our most casual styles are luxurious, made from sumptuous jersey, often lined with the softest inner jersey, featuring padded hoods and subtly structured bodies.
The silhouettes are incredibly flattering thanks to thoughtful seaming, and our Tux Jogger - technically a sweatpant - feels elevated, polished, and flattering on every body type.
AM: Since you juggle HATCh and R0AM, how do you take time for yourself to give yourself the proper self-care that you need?
KS: Self-care is everything. I make time to work out, meditate, do contrast therapy, and practice silence - all of which help me stay centered so I can show up fully for my team. It keeps me grounded, grateful, and ready to give 100 percent every day.
AM: We always like asking about our faves fitness routines - are there 3 favorite workouts you enjoy doing or studio fitness that you do?
KS: Each week, I strength train, run, and do Pilates. I mix in hiking, surfing, and boxing whenever I can. Movement is truly my therapy.
AM: From the shoe portion of the brand, what are 3 must-haves that we should have as essential items to wear from R0AM?
KS: The three must-haves from R0AM’s footwear collection would have to be a cozy clog, a statement platform, and our signature moto boot.
Definitely start with a cozy clog - we have so many options, from cush-lined to unlined, platform to non-platform. Our new brushed terry styles are a dream, and whether you go for the glam hardware versions or the classic fuzzy OG R0AM look, these are styles we truly dominate in. They’re unbelievably comfortable and perfect year-round.
Next, you can’t go wrong with a platform. No one does stacks like we do - our custom-molded platform is designed to be insanely lightweight and ultra-flattering. I’m currently obsessed with the Knotty Stack in Oyster and the Fuzzy Stripe Stack in Taupe and Beige.
And finally, the Moto Boot - it’s so sexy and versatile. The perfect low-cut silhouette that instantly elevates a simple leggings-and-jacket combo. It transitions effortlessly from festival style (paired with shorts or jorts) to a boho moment with a flowy dress. It’s one of those pieces that transforms any look with ease.
IG @roamwears
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY | Kay Sides
Read the OCT ISSUE #118 of Athleisure Mag and see THE RIGHT STEP | Kay Sides in mag.
