Today we’d like to introduce you to Jess Nichole.
Jess, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Growing up I’ve always been obsessed with fashion in every aspect aw well as productions: movies, plays, music videos, fashion shows, etc. With family members in both the fashion industry and entertainment industry I was highly influenced as a kid by both worlds. By the age of 7, I began dressing my little cousins in my mother’s clothing and turning them into my models who walked the imaginary runway in the middle of my grandmas living room as the rest of the family watched from the couch and enjoyed my fashion show. By the age of 10, I started collecting fashion magazines and designer biographies. From then on, I knew that I had to have a career in fashion. After graduating high school in 2009 I enrolled into a two years fashion marketing program at LATTC. And shortly after was presented the opportunity to work as a wardrobe assistant on a TV network sitcom. This was my first big break into both the fashion industry and entertainment industry.
Has it been a smooth road?
Working in both the fashion industry and entertainment industry had its ups and a lot of downs. On the entertainment side you spend 5-6 days on set having 12-14 hour workdays. There’s very little time for yourself and a personal and Social life outside of work doesn’t exist and it becomes hard when your friends and family are on the outside looking in and can’t relate. They for the most part don’t understand why you’ve only had 5 hours of sleep in 7 days or why you have to miss another hangout or family event. On the fashion end sometimes there’s no budget and you spend a lot of your time working for the love of art but no revenue. I’ve worked for plenty of lead stylist or costume designers who either never paid me, never paid me on time or didn’t actually do any of the creative work yet they made the coin and got the credit. And that can be completely frustrating. There were also so many times when I’ve been frustrated and down on myself for feeling like I should be way farther ahead than where I am. There’s been so many times where I’ve felt like my artistry was better than others and no disrespect to them, by why are they getting the jobs and clients I want.
And now as my own boss and business owner I feel like there’s no such thing as a smooth road. You spend a lot of time spending money to make money and sometimes not knowing when your next big gig or dollar is coming from. I’m completely self-made, no investors, no rich parents or family, etc. So it’s literally all hustle and grind, blood sweat and tears. Sometimes business is up and sometimes it’s down and you have to go into overtime to make sure things are paid for. All Of those struggles can sometimes cause slight depression and interfere with your creativity. Being a creative or an artist is hard work, you’re always going to be trying to perfect your craft and being a business owner is even harder but you just have to remember there’s so much beauty in the freedom of being able to do what you want and what you love.
I am blessed to have an extremely supportive mother, at moments when I’ve felt like giving up or just completely depressed and out of it my mom has been my rock, number 1 fan and overall a nonstop blessing. On times when I couldn’t afford an assistant my mom has invested her time and stepped in and has helped keep this engine going. And I feel like it’s important to have someone like that around you to keep you lifted up in the midst of the struggles. Also, I’m so grateful to be surrounded by amazingly strong women. My close circle of girls are hustlers! Everyone’s chasing their dreams and passions while motivating and supporting each other. We are all somewhat in the early stages of our careers right now and we keep each other grounded! And that honestly helps keep me going. I’m also super appreciative of my best friends, immediate family and to my circle of other creatives I’ve collaborated with over the years who’ve helped bring my visions to life.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Jess Nichole Studio & Shop Nostalgic Rose – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
My main business is ‘Jess Nichole studio’ and this business is all things creative. Clients can book me to style them for almost any and everything (personal styling, commercials, red carpets, music videos, editorials, etc.) I also do creative directing, image consulting, makeovers, closet organizing, brand consulting and production coordinating for fashion shows and collection presentations. With ‘Jess Nichole Studio’ I want to continue to build my portfolio and content. I am always looking for photographers, videographers, hair and makeup artist or other creative directors or stylist to collaborate with. I also aim to give up and coming stylist the opportunity to intern or assist me. So that they can have a chance to build their network and resources but also learn both the business and creative side of the industry. I think that being an intern and assistant really helped develop me and taught me the important do’s and don’ts and I think it’s important for me to mentor others and give lessons and advice that I didn’t get but wish I had.
My side business is ‘Shop Nostalgic Rose’. I’ve always been a lover of vintage things and after being in the industry ten years and having to work with small budgets I like to think that I’ve mastered the art of thrifting. I decided to take this talent and turn it into a business. ‘Nostalgic Rose’ is an up and coming curated haven of all things fashion. From vintage clothing, shoes and accessories to preloved designer items and a mix of our own in house capsule collections of dope modern stylish pieces. I did a soft launch for the brand this summer and all items are currently being sold via our Instagram page. However, we are re-launching for fall with a website to be able to search and shop all our goodies. Followed by pop up shops around LA.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
As a real LA girl, born and raised in south central LA. I love my city! I love our culture. We are the perfect blend of boujee and ghetto lol. The city is a hub for so many different cultures but also so many gems and talented people. And of course, the food, beautiful people and weather can’t be matched. I dislike when people move here from other states and cities and get caught up in the Hollywood mix and give LA a connotation of being fake and phony when really that’s them personally and not the real LA. I also highly dislike traffic! It’s only getting worse. LA is full, stop moving here guys lol! Please and thank you.
Contact Info:
- Address: Jess Nichole Studio
Spaces Fashion District
Los Angeles CA 90021 - Website: www.jessnichole.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @JessNichole__
- Other: www.instagram.com/Shopnostalgicrose
Image Credit:
Alonzo Hernandez, Dimitry Loiseau, Jules, Davis
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