Today we’d like to introduce you to Chavon James.
Chavon, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Born and raised In Pontiac, Michigan in a single-parent household. My mother Yvette raised me and my younger sister Vashanti in Lancaster Village (LCC). Growing up, I played basketball my whole life with dreams of going to the WNBA but after I graduated high school, I shifted to my other passion. That passion was becoming an entrepreneur and a professional actress. Following graduation from Oakland Community College With my Liberal Arts Degree, I quit my dietary job at North Oakland Medical. I packed up my Ford Focus and I relocated to Los Angeles In September 2003 with The support of my granny (Rosemary). And LA has been home for almost 17 years now.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
My road has been rough but I Was determined to persevere thru all the darkness until I found some light again. My biggest struggle has been continuing to live my life and cope with a lot of my family no longer physically being here in this existence. I lost my Uncle Andre in 2007, my granny to ovarian cancer in 2008, my pops to cancer in 2012 and my mom suffering a major stroke in 2013. I kidnapped my mom and moved her to LA putting her in a facility. (The state of Michigan eventually closed the case and all charges were dropped). Though I suffered a lot of loss, my mother stroke made me realize I have to let go of the past, go to therapy to work through my trauma and honor my mother. I am her legal conservator, caregiver and power of attorney. Financially it’s definitely been a struggle taking care of my expenses and my mother’s expenses but somehow, I manage to make it happen. I’ve never complained and I always figure the shit out!!!
Please tell us about In My Bag Boutique LLC.
I’m multifaceted but I own a boutique in the heart of DTLA, In My Bag Boutique. (@inmybag.clothing). I’m known for being a legal conservator/caregiver to my mama, my brands (In My Bag Clothing, 52 State Vintage, 80s Golden Era and Poeticmindsmatter) Acting, Writing, producing projects, curating poetry pop-ups and day parties in Los Angles Area. My poetry pop up is called #LoveJonesPoetryPopUp (@poeticmindsmatter) And my day party is called #ChucksandCocktails (@Chucksandcocktailsla).
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
The credit goes to my parents for giving me life (Yvette and Sonny).
My grandparents for all the wisdom, teaching me self sufficiency and for all their support my whole life. (Clarence And Rosemary).
My sister Vashanti always has my back and supports me in everything that I do.
I’ve had a lot of support but the people that have played a big role in my life especially during this pandemic has been the Universe, my mama, my sister Vashanti, my therapist (Dr. Cauley), Close friends (Terrell, Nika, Tori, Naomi, Mel B, Chana-Rest Peacefully Babe) and close family.
In terms of my business My graphic designer AJ, My customers, my homeboy Rizzo, my attorneys Chris and Jay, India (thanks for nomination), Legal Zoom, Robert the homie, my friend Demealla, Love Jones family, my boy Scotty, Greona, Mc Logan’s, Saj, My printer John , Ngo, Flor, Brian Tackle Twill, Citi bank family, (Manny and Nelli) my realtor (Rommy), VST Tees, Andante, vista print, Crisp Imaging(Cedric) and a host of other amazing businesses.
Contact Info:
- Address: In My Bag Boutique LLC
215 W, 6th st. R113
Los Angeles CA 90014
- Website: http://inmybagbrand.
com/ - Phone: 213-421-4934
- Email: inmybagclothing2020@
gmail.com - Instagram: @inmybag.clothing
- Facebook: @inmybagboutique2020
Image Credit:
Josh Whiters
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