Local Designer Series: Accounting and Finance Major Takes a Risk into the World of Design

Local designer started school looking to pursue a career in the world of finance, but working in retail ignited her love of clothing and her desire to create. Once she started her family, she decided that she needed to work at her dream job to take it to the next level. And, she is doing just that.

DGG: Tell us about yourself, Jesse.

Jesse Harrell: Born and raised in Detroit, I am a self taught designer and mother of a 4-year-old son. I first fell in love with fashion while attending Oakland University where I was pursuing a degree in Accounting and Finance. After obtaining a seasonal employee position at a popular retail store in the area, it was there where I discovered my true love for fashion. After changing schools and changing majors I received some classical training at Wayne State University, however, I became a mom early in my studies, propelling me to continue to build my skills and techniques on my own while raising my son full time.

DGG: Tell us about the Jesse Jane, LLC.

JH: Styles by Jesse Jane LLC, was created based off the demand for women who wanted to look edgy, yet sophisticated. For women who love fashion and adore the clothing that comes the runways each season, but lives a real life and needs a wardrobe that can fit her lifestyle. For the woman who wants clothing designed specifically for her. This is why a big part of this business is Styling Services for our JANES.

Some of the services that Jesse Jane provides are:

-“JANE on the Go” Pieces 

These are the One of a Kind Ready to Wear Pieces that are always available to sell. These “Jane on the Go” pieces range from XS-XXL for women. These pieces are one-of-a kind pieces, meaning no two garments are ever the same. We believe in standing out and being unique, so having two “JANE’s” in the same outfit could be never logical in our world. These pieces are constructed by hand from pattern drafting to the actual construction and even fabric manipulation by Jesse Jane herself. Couture Edgy Ready to Wear Clothing.

-Styling Services

Custom Orders: These are garments that are specific for a certain occasion.

Personal Styling for JANES: This is when a client decides she wants to become a “JANE”. When speaking on “JANE “Status, she receives the following accommodations.

~ Email updates of upcoming events, new arrivals, and special offers.

~A mini collection for both Fall/Winter and Spring/Summer of 5-7 pieces will be constructed and designed around the lifestyle of the JANE and mixed with the aesthetic of Jesse Jane. The collections will be specifically and exclusively designed for the Jane in question.  The Jane will be allowed to select 5 out of the 7 pieces per collection and allowed to purchase other garments if desired.

DGG: What is the Jesse Jane, LLC design aesthetic?

JH: The aesthetic behind Jesse Jane is edgy yet sophisticated, very graphic in color and technique yet very classic in silhouette. So, yes you may see a hand painted graffiti inspired shirt but the shape is very classic and able to wear with a pair of jeans or with a nice blazer and to the office. Here at Styles by Jesse Jane we are more concerned with building you a wardrobe instead of just one custom pieces; the quality of our JANES and not necessarily the quantity of JANES is our biggest concern.

DGG: What are your goals for Jesse Jane, LLC over the next year working at DGG's Fashion Incubator?

JH: While working at the Incubator I plan to continue to learn and grow my business, continue to build my clientele, and with the help of the DGG it will have me ready for the next level, which will be opening up my own showroom in the heart of the city.

DGG: What has been the best and worst advice you have received since starting your company?

JH: The best advice I have ever received when it comes to not only being a designer but by being an entrepreneurs is to always stay true to your designs and vision, and nothing great happens overnight. Worst Advice that I have received was that it would be easy.

DGG: What has been one hardship you have overcome since starting your line?

JH: A hardship that I had to overcome was finding out exactly how I wanted present myself and the present my brand.

DGG: If you could dress anyone in your collection, who would it be and why? 

JH: I can not wait for the day where I can dress Kelly Osbourne in some of my clothes. I love her style, and I truly believe that she embodies everything that a JANE.

DGG: Describe your style.

JH: My style is very edgy yet classy. On any given day you can catch me wearing my black leather riding boots, my Jesse Jane slim fit pants, and black and white studded Jesse Jane top, paired with jewelry, a pop of color on the lip and my leather and denim jacket, and some sort of caffeine in my hand. Black is my happy color, and I wear it very often

DGG: How do you take your coffee?

JH: I start every day with a freshly brewed cup of Starbucks Veranda mixed with caramel cream, sugar, and if it’s a special day a dollop of whip cream.

DGG: Altuzarra or 3.1 Phillip Lim?

JH: Altuzarra hands down, I love the edgy yet classy side to the pieces. From the color pallets to the way the clothes sit on the models I am such a huge fan.

DGG: Simple or statement necklaces?

JH: Every woman should have a combination of both in their collection. I have pieces as simple as a necklace with just a chain and the evil eye on it, to pieces that I get custom made from a local jewelry designer, Bonnie's Boutiques, for my runway pieces.