Trace Ayala is a celebrated American fashion designer, actor, and entrepreneur. He is known for co-founding the premium clothing label William Rast along with his childhood buddy, pop star Justin Timberlake.
Move below to read more about Trace Ayala.
Who is Trace Ayala?
Trace Ayala stands out as a versatile creative voice. He first gained recognition as Justin Timberlake’s closest friend and personal assistant.
Behind-the-scenes, Trace played a role in managing celebrity tours and entertainment logistics.
His major career leap came in 2005 when he co-founded William Rast with Timberlake, combining their love for denim and streetwear.
The brand quickly grew into a sought-after name for contemporary American fashion. Trace has also appeared in acting roles and contributed to various entertainment projects.
His down-to-earth style and dedication to friendship, business, and creativity make him popular among fans.
Trace’s unique ability to balance creative vision and business management sets him apart from others in the fashion industry.
Early Life of Trace Ayala
Trace Ayala was born November 26, 1980, in Memphis, Tennessee. Raised in Millington, Trace came from a tight-knit family with parents Juan and Belinda Ayala and siblings Brittany and Brant.
As a youngster, Trace attended private school, joined local sports, and gravitated toward design and music.
Memphis’s rich cultural scene and Southern influences played a big part in shaping his tastes.
Trace showed a knack for artistic expression early, often sketching clothing ideas and listening to music with Timberlake.
He later moved to Orlando, where staying close to friends and family helped him find steady support and encouragement.
With every move, he developed resourcefulness and a sense of loyalty, ultimately laying the groundwork for his fashion career.
Trace Ayala Age
Trace Ayala is 44 years old in 2024 because he came into the world on November 26, 1980.
He belongs to the Sagittarius sign and keeps a youthful, energetic attitude through his work and family life.
Trace Ayala Education
Trace Ayala attended private schools in Memphis, focusing on academics along with sport and creative interests.
Later, he went to college, where his studies included arts, business organization, and design.
Throughout his education, Trace held part-time jobs and gained hands-on experience in the food service industry. His real lessons came from networking and organizing music tours.
He learned business management by working as a personal assistant, which prepared him for the demands of fashion entrepreneurship.
Ayala’s educational path was nontraditional-he made the most of opportunities, built real-world skills, and used his academic background as a foundation for his technical and creative growth in style and entertainment.
Beginnings in Entertainment
Trace Ayala’s career started with small acting roles and appearances related to music and entertainment.
He featured in the TV series Punk’d and appeared in the film Edison (2005).
These early gigs gave him insight into the entertainment industry and allowed him to build contacts, especially through his connection with Justin Timberlake.
Working Close to Justin Timberlake
Early in his career, Trace became known as Justin Timberlake’s personal assistant. His duties included managing logistics for tours, schedules, and public appearances.
This role sharpened Trace’s organizational talents and gave him valuable experience behind the scenes of major productions.
His role as a close aide helped form the foundation for his later ventures.
Co-Founding William Rast
In 2005, Trace Ayala and Justin Timberlake co-founded the clothing brand William Rast. The name combines their grandfathers’ names-William Bomar and Rast.
William Rast began as a denim-focused label and quickly expanded into a full lifestyle brand.
Trace took charge of the creative and business aspects, turning the brand into a recognizable name in fashion.
The line gained major retail partnerships, appearing in stores such as Bloomingdale’s and Kitson.
William Rast became popular for its mix of luxury with Americana-inspired streetwear elements.
Launching Trace This! Apparel
Trace later launched his own clothing line called Trace This!, focusing on streetwear with a personalized touch.
This gave him a chance to experiment creatively and establish a unique personal brand beyond William Rast.
Expanding into Hospitality
Further diversifying his career, Trace partnered with Timberlake on Southern Hospitality-a Memphis-style restaurant in New York City.
This business combined their shared cultural heritage with hospitality, showcasing Trace’s interests outside fashion and entertainment.
Overcoming Challenges
Throughout his career, Trace has faced the ups and downs typical of the fashion industry.
He adapted to changing consumer trends and the pressures of entrepreneurship by staying focused on his creative vision and long-term partnerships.
Continued Collaboration and Growth
Trace remains a key collaborator with Timberlake and continues to impact both entertainment and fashion.
His career shows the power of friendship, creative-risk taking, and business acumen in building something lasting and influential.
This journey highlights Trace Ayala’s evolution from entertainer and assistant to a successful designer and entrepreneur, celebrated for his creativity and strong work ethic.
Trace Ayala Wife and Children
Trace Ayala is currently single, following his divorce from Samantha Robertson. Both Trace and Samantha were married for about a decade, from roughly 2010 to 2022.
They share two daughters Sophia, born in 2011, and River Grace, born in 2014.
Despite the divorce, Trace and Samantha maintain an amicable co-parenting relationship focused on their children’s upbringing.
Samantha Robertson is a public figure with interests in acting and design. She remains active on social media, sharing family moments and lifestyle updates.
She became engaged to former NFL quarterback Jay Cutler in late 2023, with the engagement announcement made in November 2024.
Before Samantha, Trace had notable relationships, including an engagement to actress Elisha Cuthbert in the mid-2000s and a relationship with actress JoAnna Garcia Swisher from 2006 to 2009.
He also had shorter relationships with Tara Reid and Jenny Morris in the early 2000s.
Trace maintains a strong friendship and business partnership with pop star Justin Timberlake.
Their relationship dates back to childhood and extends to co-founding the clothing line William Rast and other ventures.
This partnership highlights their mutual respect and shared creative vision.
Trace largely keeps his personal life private, focusing publicly on his daughters and business endeavors while sharing positive family-oriented messages on social media.
Also, Read: Kristen Sze Biography
Is Trace Ayala Still Married?
No, Trace Ayala is no longer married. He is divorced from Samantha Robertson.
Although their marriage ended, they continue to co-parent their two daughters while maintaining a respectful relationship focused on their family.
Trace Ayala Dating History
Trace Ayala’s dating history includes several notable relationships and engagements with high-profile actresses and public figures.
In the late 1990s to early 2000s, Trace had brief relationships or encounters with actresses Jenny Morris and Tara Reid.
These early dating experiences marked the beginning of his public relationship timeline.
From around 2003 to 2005, Trace was closely involved with actress Elisha Cuthbert.
Their relationship included an engagement, making it one of his more serious early commitments, but they eventually ended the engagement and relationship.
Between 2006 and 2009, Trace dated actress JoAnna Garcia Swisher. Their relationship was another significant phase in his dating history, spanning several years.
Reports indicated a steady romantic involvement, although it did not progress to marriage or engagement.
Around 2010, Trace began dating Samantha Robertson, who would become his future wife.
They dated for a couple of years before getting engaged in 2012 and subsequently married in 2013. This relationship lasted nearly a decade before ending in divorce in 2022.
Trace’s dating history also includes rumored or brief links with other figures, but none as publicly confirmed or detailed as the relationships with Elisha Cuthbert, JoAnna Garcia Swisher, and Samantha Robertson.
Since his divorce from Samantha, Trace Ayala’s current reports indicate he is single as of 2025, with no publicly known new long-term relationship.
Were Trace Ayala and Jay Cutler Friends?
Trace Ayala and Jay Cutler were not directly friends, but they shared a mutual connection through Samantha Robertson.
Jay Cutler has been close friends with Samantha, who is Trace Ayala’s ex-wife.
The relationships created a friendly network where Jay was pals with Samantha’s ex-husband Trace Ayala.
However, there is no evidence that Trace Ayala and Jay Cutler developed a personal friendship independent of this connection.
Their relationship appears more indirect through mutual acquaintances rather than a close friendship of their own.
Is William Rast Founded by Justin Timberlake and Trace Ayala?
Yes, William Rast was founded by Justin Timberlake and Trace Ayala in 2005.
The clothing line began as a denim brand and quickly gained recognition for its blend of Americana style and contemporary fashion.
The name William Rast is a combination of Timberlake’s grandfather’s first name, William Bomar, and Ayala’s grandfather’s last name, Rast.
Both Timberlake and Ayala have been heavily involved in the brand’s creative direction and business growth.
The brand has collaborated with various designers and retailers, expanding its presence in the fashion industry.
Trace Ayala Net Worth
Trace Ayala’s net worth is estimated between $2 million USD as of 2025. His income includes profits from William Rast, acting projects, hospitality business, and investments.
The success of his clothing brand and restaurant partnerships contribute most to his earnings. Annual income fluctuates based on fashion launches and business deals.
Ayala owns real estate and maintains a business presence across fashion, hospitality, and entertainment.
His track record shows financial stability and smart investment choices.
Trace Ayala Height and Weight
Trace Ayala stands 5 feet 6 inches which is equal to 168 centimeters or 1.68 meters tall and weighs around 75 kilograms which is equal to 165 lbs.
He has dark brown hair and dark brown eyes. Trace maintains an athletic build, favoring relaxed but stylish outfits-denim jackets, jeans, and casual shirts.
His look combines comfort, Southern charm, and designer flair, reflecting his signature approach to clothing and public image.
Social Media Appearance
Trace Ayala is active on social media specially on Instagram. He uses the platform to post lifestyle photos, family updates, behind-the-scenes at fashion events, and moments with friends.
His online activity highlights positive relationships and enthusiasm for style, music, travel, and daily inspiration.
Conclusion
In Conclusion, Trace Ayala shows how creativity and loyalty can foster a dynamic and fulfilling life.
Ayala’s journey proves that blending heritage, friendship, and a willingness to learn will open doors in any industry.
Trace inspires others to value their community, push creative limits, and stay persistent even when challenges arise.
Readers are encouraged to share their thoughts and stories in the comments below.
Also Read: Bonner Black Biography
