We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jacci Jackson. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jacci below.
Jacci, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.
Entering into the fashion world can be risky for anyone whether you’re in marketing or PR, a fashion designer, or a stylist ; getting your foot in the door can be very difficult.
A decade ago when I begin my fashion journey there were limited mentors and resources to help guide my career. I lived in Houston, Tx and most people making any waves in the fashion industry lived in New York or Los Angeles.
I was still in college and at the time my University did not offer any fashion courses, so on the weekends I would drive three hours to Houston to work under the mentorship of Todd Ramos, celebrity wardrobe stylist.
It was risky to pivot from my original plan to become a teacher, to work in the industry I knew nothing about and had limited resources to assist me along the way.
During Todd’s mentorship I’ve worked on projects with celebrities, assistant produced fashion segments on TV shows like GREAT DAY HOUSTON with Deborah Duncan and worked on countless magazine shoots in the city of Houston.
I was able to apply the knowledge learned about the fashion industry and when I graduated college with a degree in Business Management I devoted myself entirely to pursuing my career in fashion. I moved to NYC and the rest is history.
Taking this risk was the scariest yet most rewarding thing I could’ve ever done.
It’s the best decision I’ve ever made.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I am a wardrobe consultant and owner of online clothing and accessory fashion house that pays tribute to one of the great hidden fashion icons in my family— my great aunt, Magnolia Ruth King. Magnolia was a top couturier with daring style and a bold determination that flourished during the early 1950’s. She designed costumes for the Supremes, Sammy Davis Jr, Mae West and much other Hollywood stardom.
Currently, I am a member of Fashion Group International (FGI)! My talent and hard work keeps me in high demand, as I spend my time between Houston and New York. I am a very focused collaborator and designer, bringing my unique perspective and insight to any needs of a production including creative direction, set design, shoot production and casting. I continues to push the style envelope by bridging the gap between the catwalk and the sidewalk.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
No matter what I accomplish I always make it a point to give back. Philanthropy is a big part of who I am. Every year a portion of my company‘s earnings goes toward providing backpacks and school supplies to underprivileged children and nonprofits.
Over the past several years I have hosted self-esteem workshops and donated hundreds of backpacks and supplies to Girls Inc. of Greater Houston, Houston Childrens Charity , and SHAPE Community Center.
It’s my mission to contribute to the success of children who may not necessarily have been afforded the same opportunities as most.
My philanthropy does not stop at children, I have also hosted sip and shops for non-prophet breast cancer organization Kicked it in Heels at Luxury fashion houses like LANVIN and Roberto Cavalli on Madison Avenue in New York City.
Philanthropy lies at the heart of human greatness – Patrick J. Ryan
Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?
Starting in the industry I had to learn to be a jack of all trades from styling to model casting to creative design and set production, I learned how to do it all. One of the important resources I learned to use early on, was social media. Learning how to hashtag and market myself via social media really helped me increase my following and create a buzz for myself across the country.
However, a lesson I wished I’d learned a little earlier in my career was putting together the right team.
Having a strong support system is the biggest resource that can be utilized in any industry to help propel your business. Putting people in place to manage social media, websites and blog sites and assist with projects will help you maintain better focus. It gives you the ability to pay closer attention to detail and not spread yourself too thin.
A strong team is your best resource.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.MAGNOLIASILKS.COM
- Instagram: @Jacci_____
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MagnoliaSilks/
- Twitter: @JACCI_JACKSONMS
Image Credits
SHILOH ADAMS PICS BY SHILOH EMEX NWOGU EMEX FOCUS PHOTOGRAPHY VICTOR AIYEWA VIRALITY PHOTOGRAPHY