We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jacob Heath a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Jacob, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Any thoughts around creating more inclusive workplaces?

I have had SO many hardships regarding inclusivity in the workplace. One of the most recent and more prominent ones was me dealing with a homophobic individual. I came into work one day to teach a student sewing. They began asking me more personal questions. I was naive and didn’t piece together where the conversation was headed. This person sat me down to tell me that I am an abomination and that the lord won’t accept me for who I am. This individual then went on to tell me how I was possessed by a spirit in my youth so that’s why I am the way I am now. I had to sit through over an hour of lecturing from her. It was extremely hard on me. I am someone who has struggled with these concepts in the past so being harassed with them in the workplace wasn’t easy. This experience definitely helped shape the person I am. I not do not tolerate any form of discrimination In the workplace. I have a bunch of posters that spread kindness and inclusivity. I make sure to always acknowledge others hardships and make it very clear that I am interested in them educating me on them. I don’t ever want anyone to feel the way I felt in that moment. Its made me a more aware and proactive person.

Jacob, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My name is Jake and my brand is called “Jacob Heath”. I specialize in creating unique womenswear using fun prints and textiles. I use fashion as a way to spread my mission of spreading kindness, creating inclusivity, and offering support and training to other passionate creatives wanting to learn the trade. I have a lot of fine arts training so I tend to take a more conceptual approach to fashion. I like to imbed hidden meanings into each piece I create. I share the stories with others in hopes to inspire them to begin their journey and to share their story. I think one of my proudest moments was the day I gave a lecture to a group of aspiring fashion designers. I shared my story and immediately saw the impact it had on them. They were inspired, optimistic, and genuinely moved. That was the moment I realized the power my story holds and the amount of optimism it can bring to others. we spent a solid hour talking about fashion, inspiration, and overcoming hardships. We cried, laughed and connected. To this day its one of the most impactful moments of my career. It serves as a reminder of the power of community, art, and connection. I hope that people take more away from my designs than pretty clothing. I hope they can hear my story and use it to help propel them forward to achieving their dreams.

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

YES!!! This one if for my aspiring fashion designers. Go out and get the book “Pattern making for fashion design” by Helen Joseph Armstrong!! Its a must have. Also if you’re interested in tailoring definitely get “Tailoring the classic guide to sewing the perfect jacket” To this day I still find myself using these resources.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

Yes!! My goal is to revive the Baltimore fashion scene. I want to train new designers, find them jobs, offer a community, and have them eventually mentor other aspiring designers. My dream is to own my own non profit in Baltimore. Baltimore has some of the most talented creatives I’ve ever met. I truly feel it is my purpose to help this city and the amazing people that live here.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.jacobheathshearling.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jacobheathdesign/

Image Credits
Lacey Braden photography lexzana Model Jewels Pritchett Model Lawanda Hair