We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jahvasha Johnson. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jahvasha below.

Jahvasha, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s jump right into how you came up with the idea?

So the first time I’ve ever picked up a crotchet needle was my sophomore year in high school. I took a home economics class with my teacher Mrs. Dietzman, and she taught a variety of arts and crafts. Crocheting was one of the many things I enjoyed during the time. While in school I didn’t really have the time to perfect and explore my talent so later on in life I’ll say about 2017 I began learning how to crochet different projects ie; (scarves, beanies, tops and headbands). I did it as a hobby because it was very therapeutic for my mind, body and soul to escape reality for a moment. It brought me peace to successfully finish a handmade garment and wear it, displaying my uniqueness as an individual.

Jahvasha, 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?

As I stated before the inspiration behind starting my business as a crotchet designer began during my teenage years. At first the idea of creating a business out of a hobby was unforeseen. Behind designing each piece anatural sense of compassion was met, as I’ve always dreamt of becoming a designer.

Fashion design with fabrics and unique patterns was my initial love as I began with small projects like: shirts, dresses and pants. And so my dreams of becoming a designer was to make clothes suitable for tall slim women. The usual struggle of finding pants that were long enough to fit my slim stature.

Sewing is a task and requires much skill and technique in which I didn’t dedicate much time to perfecting. So, crotchet was next in line as I ventured back into the art of crafts. Still unsure of how I’d market my brand so starting with small projects like: beanies, scarves, tank tops, skirts and headbands help to give me creative direction. Each season has its garments so I searched patterns for popular pieces and the journey began.

I didn’t quite have a name solidified for my brand until the summer of 2023. I met a wonderful all around artist by the name of Chris Scott. We met during a mutual friends (The Dubber) live concert at the Koger Center in Columbia, SC. Our conversation consisted of ideas for his brand Dyes Effx which is a unique tye dye, street wear designed apparel. I was excited to be apart of his mission in creating one of a kind pieces to model and bring more exposure to the brand. So being an artist myself, I brought the vision full circle to do exactly what his brand emulates. Which resulted in our collaboration to blend both crotchet and tye dye together. From here we met and brainstormed names for what my brand should be called. We settled on the name which has great meaning, my nickname Jiffy derives from the Swahili name Jifunza which means teaching oneself. It was perfect! Teaching OneSelf (T.O.S) was born. After we discussed logo ideas and an upcoming project which happen to be our first show with Columbia Fashion Week. Being a former Columbia Fashion Week Top Model put us in the position to showcase our designs on the runway. I was so excited for this opportunity to bridge the gap between fashion, modeling and designer.

The most rewarding part of being a new designer is finding challenging projects that push me past my creative limits. When the project turns out better than I anticipated it boosts my confidence to share and believe in my abilities. Every garment is hand stitched with love.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

The goal is to inspire others to find that one thing(s) that drives their creativity to express themselves authentically.

Growing up in Brooklyn, New York and then moving to Milwaukee, WI., I was surrounded by multicultural influences. These environments help build my imagination and bring life to ideas as an artists/model. As a young girl, my parents would get asked if they’d put me in modeling. I learned they didn’t have the knowledge nor resources to journey into the industry. So as I matured modeling became an interest. Modeling brought about much confidence, poise and professionalism.
As art collides a new venture in fashion spoke to my heart.

There are no limits on what we can do as living breathing beings. Do what makes you happy and the rest is history!

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

As Columbia Fashion Week’s Top Model of 2022, building a reputation within the fashion market has been slow and steady. My career as a model is beneficial to gaining exposure on my personal platform. With this momentum developing I was able to smoothly combine both markets as a model and designer. The relationships created to establish an immense amount of support came through intentional connections. With family and friends who believe in my life’s purpose, pushes my mission to take hold of my dreams.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: teachingoneself_
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JiffyTheModel

Image Credits
Trysta Kerekes (1st photo) Chris Scott (2nd set of photos)