We were lucky to catch up with Dawn Jenkins recently and have shared our conversation below.

Dawn , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?

The Story Behind House of Jenkins Designs started after choosing to go natural with my hair in 2013, and it’s been a beautiful, empowering ride ever since. Growing up in New York City, I was surrounded by a culture of style, color, and creativity—it’s in my DNA. As a Black woman, I’ve always understood the importance of hair, not just as a form of expression but also as something to protect and nurture.

When I first went natural, I was in what we call the “teeny weeny afro” stage, and while I loved my curls, I wanted to diversify my look. That’s when I discovered headwraps, scarves, turbans, and headbands. They became my go-to accessories—helping me switch up my style while caring for my hair. For years, I bought whatever I could find in stores or online, but I always felt like something was missing.

Fast forward to Christmas a few years ago, when my husband, Josh, asked for a sewing machine. He’s the creative, hands-on type, and after getting his machine, he started making all kinds of things—pillowcases, tablecloths, and even projects with Colombian fabric he brought back from a Navy deployment to South America.

One day, I jokingly said, “Why don’t you make me a headwrap since you’re so handy?” Thirty minutes later, he handed me my first custom wrap. It was perfect—bold, vibrant, and completely me. I wore it out the next day, and the compliments didn’t stop coming. That’s when it hit me: Why not turn this into something bigger?

And just like that, House of Jenkins Designs was born.

Our mission is simple: to celebrate and validate anyone who chooses to cover their crown. Whether you’re protecting your hair, expressing yourself, or just adding some flair to your outfit, our designs are for you. We create fun and flirty patterns, bold and sophisticated prints, and everything in between. Each piece is made with love, intention, and a touch of NYC style.

For me, headwraps are more than just accessories—they’re a statement, a shield, and a way to embrace who I am. At House of Jenkins Designs, we aim to bring that same confidence and joy to everyone who wears our designs. Because every crown deserves to shine.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

House of Jenkins Designs, is a small but mighty— husband-and-wife team that thrives on teamwork and passion. Every piece we create is a reflection of who we are and what we value: creativity, quality, and connection.

Josh is the steady hand and heart behind each stitch. With precision, pride, and care, he brings our beautiful hair accessories to life, ensuring every detail is just right. Meanwhile, I have the joy of being the face of our brand, gracing our website and social media as the main model. I also lead the marketing and sales departments, sharing our story and designs with the world.

Together, we work hard to deliver high-quality products in a timely manner, always keeping our customers’ needs at the forefront. Whether it’s a bold headwrap to make a statement, a scarf for everyday versatility, or a headband to add a touch of flair, our pieces are crafted with love and intention.

At H.O.J. Designs, we’re not just making accessories—we’re building a brand that celebrates individuality, creativity, and the beauty of teamwork.

How’d you meet your business partner?

The story of House of Jenkins Designs includes a love story—mine and Josh’s. My business partner and co-founder is my husband of 12 years, and our journey together has been nothing short of magical.

We met one evening at Grand Central Station, where I was working as a ticket seller for MTA Metro North Railroad. Josh approached my booth, wanting to refund an unused train ticket. What started as a routine interaction quickly turned into a playful, sassy exchange that left us both smiling. Before he walked away, Josh asked if I’d meet him after my shift.

We ended up at a nearby pub, sharing stories and learning about each other. It felt like time stopped, even as the hours flew by. Before we knew it, Josh had to catch the last train out of the city. But before he left, he made sure I got home safely by putting me in a cab and exchanging phone numbers. From that night on, we been together.

Fast forward to today, and our love story is at the heart of House of Jenkins Designs. What started as a playful suggestion for Josh to sew me a headwrap has grown into a business built on teamwork, creativity, and mutual respect. Together, we’ve turned a small idea into a brand that celebrates individuality and self-expression.

Every piece we create carries the same care and intention that Josh showed me that first night. And just like our love, H.O.J. Designs is built to last.

We’d love to hear your thoughts about selling platforms like Amazon/Etsy vs selling on your own site.

At House of Jenkins Designs, we understand how important it is for our customers to easily view and purchase our products. That’s why we chose to invest in our own website instead of relying heavily on social media. While social platforms are great for some, we’ve always believed in curating a space that reflects us—our creativity, our vision, and our story—without being tied to the likes, ratings, or algorithms of others.

Our website, www.houseofjenkinsdesigns.com, is our home base. It’s where we can fully showcase our designs in a way that’s authentic and meaningful. Here, you’ll find bold, stylish, and versatile headwraps and accessories displayed with care and intention, free from distractions.

This space allows us to focus on what matters most: creating high-quality, beautiful products for you. It’s not about chasing validation or approval—it’s about connecting directly with our customers and giving them an experience that’s as thoughtful and personal as our designs.

Visit us at www.houseofjenkinsdesigns.com and see how we’re weaving our story into every stitch.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.houseofjenkinsdesigns.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/houseofjenkinsdesigns/