Today we’d like to introduce you to Jade Turner.
Jade, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I was always into fashion growing up but mainly streetwear and oversized clothes. Growing up, drawing was a hobby and I also used it to help express my creative thoughts. I took both an art and graphic design class in high school, but over time I would only draw to pass time and didn’t get back to graphic designing until years later. So soon after graduating high school, I started noticing people creating clothing brands and would advertise their items using social media platforms such as Instagram and Twitter to create posts to sell items. I would think about starting my brand, but I had no courage in my creativity and no brand name.
In the pandemic summer of 2020, I was reintroduced to drawing while at home in quarantine. I wanted to create a brand with a logo that had meaning as well as originality. I came up with an ankh forming into an anchor to symbolize knowing who you are while learning your strength to withstand obstacles during life’s journey. The word vibe came to mind because it is how I express my personality and what energy I may be feeling for the day. Then, I drew the letters V and A which is the abbreviated logo for Vibez Apparel. Vibez Apparel ultimately represents being strong and staying true to yourself. After purchasing a laptop, I started watching YouTube tutorials to re-learn Adobe Illustrator to do my graphics and typography. I paid a graphic designer to draw the ankh/anchor logo. So now I got the logo and name, and now it’s time to start creating designs and ordering products.
Vibez Apparel is a unisex streetwear brand that represents casual everyday wear to be expressive of individual creativity and art through your style of fashion.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I’m still on the road but I believe that it’ll become smoother along the way. I encountered some bumps and hit a couple of potholes on this journey, and I started back in 2020. I still have work to do. Honestly, I’ve learned to embrace my struggles by analyzing, reflecting, and learning from them. Like when I first started, I was just rushing to do things without proper planning. Spending more money on products without realizing I need to market, do photo shoots, do pop-ups, and network. I also was unaware of these things until I started asking more questions and being around people who were in the space I was entering into. I’m grateful that I was able to learn from these things to put me into the position I’m in today with my brand and take it to the next level. Every day I learn something new, and I keep proving to myself that I’m capable and able to do whatever I set out to do.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I work for the Federal Reserve full-time, and I have my clothing brand. I’m not going to get into the details of what I do for work, but it’s a job that I’m grateful for. I like to say that I’m an entrepreneur with a 9-5 side hustle. With a clothing brand, I do the creating and marketing which allows me to learn different areas of the business while wearing multiple hats to understand each function and role. As far as my clothing brand, it’s a collection of custom graphics on t-shirts, shorts, hoodies, hats, etc. I plan on expanding and growing the brand by adding more items and accessories.
I am most proud of myself and how far I’ve come in general. I have been thru some things, but I just never gave up. I’m currently working on some projects and stepping outside of my comfort zone to build my brand. So be on the lookout for me.
What sets me apart from others is my intentions. I like to be intentional in what I do so I can inspire others who want to pursue going after better for themselves and believing that they are deserving of it.
What does success mean to you?
Anything that I do will have meaning and purpose to inspire. All the tangible things and money will come along, yet what will people remember you for once you are no longer here on earth? Nobody will remember how much money you made or how big your house was unless they google your net worth. For me, success is defined by living your life and fulfilling your soul’s purpose while making a positive impact on other people’s lives.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.vibezapparella.net
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vibezapparel_la/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083327643490
Image Credits
I’m really my own photographer so I give myself credit! Ha, just joking but shout out to my sis They Call Me PYT for taking my pictures. Big shout out to my guy Jose, he did my very first shoot and has done great work with me as well. Also, I worked with Sunlit and Kenny from the 33rd compound so shout out to them for snapping some dope shots of my last photoshoot. I can’t leave out my niece Janai, she knows how to capture the moment if the camera is in her hand.
