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.
