Daily Inspiration: Meet Jermela Booker

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jermela Booker.

Hi Jermela, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
So in 2015, I started to visit different flea markets and pop up shops to purchase denim items such as: jeans, shorts, jackets, skirts, you name it to reconstruct and sell. The creatives and vendors I connected with at these different markets motivated me to take the entrepreneurial life serious. I didn’t have a website at the time so I would place orders via email, text, or direct messages on social media. I then continued to do that for three years. In 2019, I started to turn things up a notch. I was a junior in college at Dillard University located in New Orleans, LA. One day I was sitting in my dorm room and decided to elevate my craft by making a brand name called “323DENIM”. I choose 323DENIM because I’m in love with denim and 323 is the area code for my city. I always represent where I come from, LA made and raised me.

I’m 22 years old. I discovered my passion for fashion at the age of ten. I would sit in the living room or go outside to tie dye, cut, or sew my old clothing for fun. My family and friends begin to also let me customize their clothing as well. Then that’s how individuals in my city began to know who I am. The consistent love and feedback begin to inspire me to start my own brand.

However, after I came up with the name I decided to make an Instagram and Twitter page to share my photos and video content to the world. I would also participate in fashion shows and pop up shops at my school to network and share my story. On June 20th, 2020 a month after I graduated college I posted a picture of my 1of1 custom denim on Twitter and gained 45,000 likes & 5,000 retweets. I was so overwhelmed of joy and instantly start working on a website and ordered plenty of inventory. The next day I had over 100 emails and direct messages. Ever since then, I fell in love with the entrepreneur life.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
This journey definitely started off a little rough due to me being a full-time student in college. But I always been determined to start my own clothing line, so I never cared what came with the lifestyle. There were some nights I stayed up creating pieces til the sun came up then go to class right after. Till this day, I do the same thing in my office or at home. I’m my own designer, photographer, editor and model.

After, I graduated college with my B.A in Criminal Justice the process became a lot more smoother. I remember when I first launched my website on June 25th, I had 71 orders to fulfill. I completed all of them in 1 week in my mom’s living room. That’s when I knew this journey will not be easy but overall very exciting. I’ll never stop creating, I think when you really love something you’ll sacrifice anything for it.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
323DENIM is a 1of1 denim brand that represents freedom and versatility. When I create my clothing, the goal is to make others feel confident in themselves. Every piece I make is different. It’s your vision, I create it.

I specialize in tie dye and distressing denim. I also do embroidery along with patchwork. I think what sets me apart from others is my unique designs that no one else can create. Others may try but it will not look the exact same you know.

Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
Producing quality work, consistency and staying creative. I think those three things are very important because if you’re constantly dropping dope pieces, photoshoots, or sharing posts people can see and feel you’re passionate about what you do. Fashion never dies, these trends only keep going. I also realized being patient along this journey means a lot. Nothing comes overnight, so I always remind myself to stay humble.

Contact Info:

• Email: 323denim@gmail.com
• Website: 323denim.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/323denim/
• Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/alemreJ