We recently connected with Ikaneisha Jenkins and have shared our conversation below.

Ikaneisha, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to go back in time and hear the story of how you came up with the name of your brand?

I actually got the name of my boutique from a dream I had. I was standing in a dark room and the name was in front of me in purple blurry lights. It worked out because my last name is Jenkins and so that’s where the spelling came from. The meaning behind it is that you would never have to scream out “JYNX” when someone is wearing the same outfit as you because I offer statement making pieces.

Ikaneisha, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I started my online boutique July 2. 2017 with only $80 after I lost 2 jobs and lost my home in a house fire. I had a dream about the name of my boutique, Jenks Fashionique, and another name I had never seen before. I googled them and they were a vendor who told me when I contacted them that they were looking for people to test out their new dropship program and that’s how I started! Back then, Instagram was amazing and opened doors for me! I have worked with stylists of reality stars and celebs, been featured in huge digital magazines, been nominated for fashion awards in my state and even started a modeling school due to my modeling team and previous experience/knowledge. I was also able to start teaching other women how to start/grow boutiques/other product based businesses due to popular demand. I use YouTube and my own website for classes and free guides! I love what I do and have customers in over 32 states and 7 countries!

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

I got married June 25th 2016 and lost my 45k a year (plus huge bonuses) job July 12th 2016. I was finally able to get another one in October. I left that one due to discrimination and blatant prejudice in February 2017. Our home burned down April 8th 2017! In between that all the way up til Mother’s Day that May, I was still having a hard time finding a job despite my extensive resume. My dad gave me great advice that Mother’s Day and a few days later, I had the dream I previously mentioned and started my business. I felt that God was teaching me very particular lessons that I previously wouldn’t listen to so He took me to ROCK BOTTOM where I listened and learned how to take those rocks and build a new foundation. Those lessons came in handy during my bout with Post Partum Depression in 2020 and depression that I have suffered from since middle school. My business suffered a little during those times but it also was what kept me going. My loyal customers are always patient and understanding. They appreciate transparency and honesty I give. I am almost 6 years in and nothing will take me down.

Can you share one of your favorite marketing or sales stories?

So, EVERYTHING I do, especially on social media, is for a purpose. I move with intention. Back in 2020, I wanted to be featured on Wal-Mart’s Fashion Instagram page. Alot of my colorful summer tops at that time were from the men’s section of Walmart. There was one particular shirt that paired perfectly with a new skirt I had in stock. I dressed my model in the outfit, photographed her and posted the photos on IG and of course tagged them. They didn’t feature my photos/boutique but a few days later, I received an email from one of their marketing departments and they said they saw my post and my merchandise and thought I would be a great applicant for their small business marketplace that they feature on their website. I was overjoyed, applied snd heard NOTHING back. I was very upset snd soon forgot all about it. Then out of NOWHERE in August 2022, when I was praying and asking God for a sign about my business, I received an email saying “WELCOME TO WALMART MARKETPLACE!” I bursted into tears and thanked God because His plans are always bigger and right on time! I wanted to be featured on Instagram but God put us on the WEBSITE!

Contact Info:

• Website: jenksfashionique.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/jenks_fashionique
• Youtube: youtube.com/ikaneishajenkins