We were lucky to catch up with Jaèlaun Moses M.S. recently and have shared our conversation below.

Jaèlaun , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today If you could go back in time do you wish you had started your business sooner or later

Looking back, I’d like to believe I was before my time. Fashion has always been a passion of mine. In 2012, my sophomore year of college I started a styling page on Instagram of me styling people for different occasions or trends, creating looks to give inspiration to others and even posted some of the cutest pieces while out shopping. I didn’t think I would get anywhere, so I stopped. So to see how influencers are making it big for doing those same things I get so frustrated with myself because I let my doubt & fear get in the way of me sticking to what I love.

Now it’s harder to get noticed because of the algorithm. In 2020, I was working full time at a boarding school, very burnt out and mentally drained, I decided to start my online boutique in the middle of the pandemic and it was probably the worst time to start it.. It started out pretty good. Then life shifted SO much for everyone.

I am in a field that is “over saturated” so trying to set myself a part from others, stick to my mission, while also not losing the enjoyment of my passion, it became hard. If I would have started in college like I had planned, I would be so much further. I would have progressed so much not just professionally but personally. I would have been able to create my different workshops, academy, mentorship programs etc. not saying I still can’t do those things, it’s just seems… different now.

Knowing what I know now, I would absolutely go back in time and stick to the plan. I was on the right path and didn’t even know it.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Jaèlaun (Jaè for short). I was born & raised in Pittsburgh, PA. I currently work full time at an University, run my online boutique (Jaè Taj) and I am currently enrolled in school to get my second Masters in Human Resource Development.

Jaè Taj was released to the world in August of 2020. I got into the industry by just pursuing what I loved and hoping to be a part of the change that needs to happen in the fashion industry. Being a plus sized woman, it was always a challenge finding very cute, sexy, good quality pieces in my size. The fashion world still believes that plus size women need to look like an Ocean City motel and it is sickening. It’s getting a little better but there’s still SO much work to be done.

Although I work with vendors/buy wholesale my goal is to create my own clothing for ALL sizes & shapes because everyBODY matters. Along with that, I offer wardrobe styling services. I love putting looks together for people so that they feel and look like their best self for any occasion or just because.

I think what I am most proud of is doing it scared and taking the leap of faith on something I consider my dream. I am also proud of being my authentic self during this journey. I never sugarcoat entrepreneurship or make people believe I know it all or have it all together. I take my customers/clients with me through my journey because they too are a part of it. I include them, I build a rapport with them. To me, they aren’t just another “order” but someone who is helping me grow and even learn.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

When starting my online business, my mission was to provide statement pieces! Pieces that made you stand out, caught the eye, set you a part from everyone else in the room. What I didn’t fully think through was the time we were in at that point. I opened my boutique in the beginning/middle stage of the pandemic so no one was really going out. Events weren’t really happening. I didn’t want to give up on my dream so I have to pivot and adjust to the times. I started to look for super cute and comfy loungewear. People still wanted to be someone cute but comfort was the THING at that time. I shopped for sets and pieces that still stood out but gave them that “relaxed” feeling.

I started purchasing pieces that were versatile so that you could dress them up and down, and also mix and match them with pieces already in their closet so that they could fill like they were getting the most out of their money.

I was scared at first that I would steer away from my mission, become like everyone else and lose focus but it just pushed me to challenge myself. I was able to bring new and more customers to my site.

I decided to take some time to rebrand my business but I had to be real with myself and make sure I had security and stability. Entrepreneurship is unpredictable; you never know what you’re going to get, so I made sure to not only keep my full time job but go back to school. I feel like I am currently pivoting. I am trying to make sure whatever my next move is, that it makes sense.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

I don’t think I have much of a story when it comes to building my audience on social media. People see me as a plus size woman that knows how to dress so they look at me for inspiration or help to build their looks. Overtime, people started to follow me, ask me where I shopped and even if I could style them. After a while I started to take pictures and make videos of different looks for certain occasions, fashion hacks (turning a button up into a skirt) making several outfits from one outfit etc. I started to let them in on some of my fashion secrets or hidden gems.

My advice for those just starting to build social media, first, figure out who your audience is. What is your social media goal? Who do you want to reach and inspire? Second, remember WHY you are doing it and lastly, be your authentic self. Don’t try to be like someone else or even compare your journey to anyone else’s.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.jaetaj.com
• Instagram: @officialjaetaj & @tajana_jae
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/jaetajboutique