Over Hulton man launches fashion brand after being homeless at 16
Thomas Burke, now 34 and living in Over Hulton, says the contrast between where he started and where he stands today still feels “unreal”.
He said: “Life was turbulent at home when I was younger.
“I found myself homeless at 16, bouncing between friends’ couches and sometimes living in Queens Park.”
Originally from Wythenshawe but raised mostly in Bolton, Thomas eventually secured a room at The Salvation Army, a moment he credits with changing everything.
“That place was a Godsend. It was a shelter, somewhere to be safe.”
Thomas took on any job he could find: factory shifts, late‑night bar work at Manchester Airport, and eventually manual labour as a floor screeder.
Despite winning a highly competitive training manager apprenticeship, one of just a handful selected from 400 applicants, he still struggled financially after moving into a flat on Deane Road.
He said: “By the time I paid rent and bills, I was still broke. I went days without electricity.
"It wasn’t a great time.”
He returned to full‑time labouring, worked his way up, and eventually launched his own screeding business eight years ago.
A glimpse of an upcoming Dissect Clothing drop (Image: Thomas Burke)
It grew quickly, allowing him to buy property, a vehicle, and build a stable life.
Thomas said: “I always knew I wanted more."
Two years ago, that stability collapsed.
A serious back injury left Thomas in constant pain.
Still trying to work through it, he was prescribed opioids, a combination he says quickly spiralled out of control.
He said: “I was taking like ten a day - absolutely zombified.”
Pushing his body beyond its limits only made the injury worse.
Depression followed, drinking increased, and both his relationship and family business fell apart.
He added: “I just wasn’t in the right headspace.”
Realising he was heading down “a path of no return”, Thomas made a clean break.
He said: “I decided to stop drinking, stop self‑medicating.”
The brand's ethos: 'clarity over chaos' (Image: Thomas Burke)
After months of recovery, he underwent spinal surgery in September 2025 and spent weeks bed‑bound.
It was during that period of forced stillness that he finally acted on an idea he’d carried for years.
He said: “I’d always wanted to start a brand, but I never had the balls to go ahead with it.”
From that moment, Dissect Clothing was born.
The recent shoot of Dissect Clothing's latest drop (Image: Thomas Burke)
Overwhelmed by pressure and expectation, Thomas said he didn’t need more, he needed less.
Thomas said: “I didn’t need more.
"I needed fewer distractions, fewer things that didn’t reflect who I am.”
The brand’s ethos, Clarity of Chaos, reflects that shift.
Thomas added: “It’s not about trends. It’s about stripping things back and designing with purpose.
"Thoughtful details. Nothing added just for the sake of it.”
With no background in fashion or marketing, Thomas taught himself everything from scratch.
He added: “It’s all brand new to me, zero experience, so I’m very proud of myself.”
His first drop of hoodies and T‑shirts, released just before December, performed better than expected.
Dissect Clothing is now moving into luxury streetwear, with upcoming releases including tracksuits, hoodies and knitwear.
"This isn’t just fashion. It’s a lifestyle. A voice.” (Image: Thomas Burke)
Two investors and a head of digital marketing have recently joined the venture, and a new website is currently in development.
Despite the momentum, Thomas remains grounded.
He said: “I started this when I felt like my life was crumbling around me, no income, no expectations, just trying to survive.”
Now settled in Over Hulton, he says his past continues to shape his approach.
He said: “This isn’t just fashion. It’s a lifestyle. A voice.”
“I don’t want to run before I can walk, but the sky is the limit.”
Dissect Clothing can be found on Instagram and Facebook, with a new website and collection launching soon.
