We were lucky to catch up with Jamila Choyce recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Jamila thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.
Jamila Jay is a fashion brand dedicated to celebrating and empowering plus-size women. We address a significant gap in the market: the lack of high-quality, high-fashion clothing and shoes designed specifically for women sizes 8 to 28. For too long, plus-size women have been relegated to limited and often less stylish options, forced to compromise on fashion and fit. Jamila Jay changes that.
Our company seeks to solve the frustration and lack of representation faced by plus-size women who desire fashionable, well-fitting clothing and footwear. We understand that style knows no size, and we believe that every woman deserves to feel confident and beautiful in what she wears.
Our customers are fashion-forward women, sizes 8 to 28, who appreciate quality, style, and comfort. They are women who want to express their individuality and embrace their bodies. They are looking for on-trend pieces, from everyday wear to special occasion outfits, that flatter their figures and make them feel amazing. They also want shoes that are not only stylish but also comfortable and supportive, recognizing the specific needs of plus-size feet.
Jamila Jay uniquely meets these needs by:
Offering a Wide Range of Sizes: We cater specifically to sizes 8 to 28, ensuring a perfect fit for a diverse range of body types.
Designing High-Fashion Styles: We don’t believe that plus-size women should have to sacrifice style. Our collections are designed with current trends in mind, offering chic and sophisticated options.
Prioritizing Quality: We use high-quality fabrics and materials to create garments and shoes that are both beautiful and durable.
Focusing on Fit: We understand the importance of proper fit and design our clothing and shoes to flatter the curves of plus-size women.
Celebrating Diversity: We champion body positivity and strive to create a brand that is inclusive and empowering.
Providing a Complete Look: By offering both clothing and shoes, we make it easy for our customers to create stylish and cohesive outfits.
Jamila Jay is more than just a clothing and shoe brand; it’s a movement that celebrates body positivity, inclusivity, and the right of every woman to express her unique style through fashion. We are committed to providing plus-size women with the high-fashion options they deserve, empowering them to look and feel their best.
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.
My journey as an entrepreneur began with a simple yet powerful realization: the plus-size market was significantly underserved, particularly when it came to high-fashion clothing and shoes. As a plus-size model myself, I experienced firsthand the limited options available, and I knew there was a niche waiting to be filled. This personal experience ignited a passion within me to create change and empower women of all sizes.
I’ve always been drawn to creative expression – I love creating art, designing fashions, and most importantly, witnessing the transformative power these things can have on people’s lives. Entrepreneurship offered me the perfect avenue to combine these passions. It wasn’t just about building a business; it was about building a movement.
My background as a plus-size model, starting in 2010, gave me invaluable insight into the challenges faced by plus-size women. Back then, the beauty standards were incredibly narrow, and plus-size women were often overlooked by the fashion industry. This lack of representation had a profound impact on the self-esteem and confidence of many women. I saw firsthand how the right clothes and shoes could make a woman feel empowered and beautiful, regardless of her size.
That’s why our mantra at Jamila Jay is “Be Your Own Kinda Beautiful” and “Be a Size Healthy.” We believe that beauty comes in all shapes and sizes, and we’re committed to creating fashion that celebrates and enhances the beauty of every woman. We want to help women embrace their bodies, feel confident in their own skin, and express their unique style through our clothing and footwear. My lived experience as a plus-size woman and model, combined with my passion for fashion and art, forms the foundation of Jamila Jay. It’s not just a business; it’s a mission to empower women and redefine beauty standards.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
Absolutely. One of the most challenging periods in my entrepreneurial journey, and a true test of my resilience, came during the initial stages of building Jamila Jay. I had a strong vision, a growing social media presence, and a real passion for empowering plus-size women, but translating that into a sustainable business proved far more difficult than I anticipated.
Specifically, sourcing the right manufacturers was a major hurdle. I needed partners who could not only produce high-quality garments and shoes in a wide range of plus sizes but also understand and respect the specific needs of my target audience. Many manufacturers were unwilling or unable to accommodate the unique requirements of plus-size fashion, often dismissing my vision or offering subpar products.
There were countless rejections, frustrating delays, and instances where samples arrived that were far from what I had envisioned. I faced manufacturers who didn’t understand the importance of proper fit for plus-size bodies, leading to garments that were ill-fitting or uncomfortable. I even had potential partners who were openly dismissive of the plus-size market, claiming it wasn’t “fashionable” enough.
Despite the setbacks, I refused to give up. My fashion education from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM) instilled in me a deep understanding of design and quality, and my business background gave me the tools to negotiate and problem-solve. I spent countless hours researching and networking, attending industry events, and even traveling to meet with potential manufacturers in person.
I learned to be incredibly persistent and patient to clearly articulate my vision, and to demand the quality and fit that my customers deserved. I also learned to be adaptable, to find creative solutions, and to build strong relationships with those who shared my commitment to inclusivity and excellence.
After months of relentless effort, I finally found a manufacturer who understood my vision and was willing to partner with me. This experience taught me the importance of resilience, the power of perseverance, and the value of staying true to my vision, even when faced with significant obstacles. It reinforced my belief that with enough determination, any challenge can be overcome, and that building a successful business requires not only expertise and passion but also an unwavering commitment to one’s goals.
Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?
It is imperative to construct a strong social media presence across all platforms. Building a strong social media presence for Jamila Jay and Jamila Jay Plus Size Casting was a gradual process, but it was essential to connecting with our target audience and building a community. Here’s a glimpse into that journey and some advice for those starting out:
The Beginning: Authenticity and Connection
Sharing My Story: My journey as a plus-size model was a central part of Jamila Jay’s brand story. I started sharing my personal experiences, the challenges I faced, and my vision for creating a more inclusive fashion world led me to create Jamila Jay Plus Size Casting. Jamila Jay Plus Size Casting’s purpose was to cast Plus Size Talent in Fashion Shows, Commercials, TV shows, etc. People connected with the authenticity of my voice.
Visual Storytelling: Fashion is inherently visual. I prioritized high-quality photos and videos showcasing our designs, our models, and the beauty of plus-size women. We focused on creating content that was aspirational yet relatable.
Engaging with the Community: Social media is a two-way street. I made it a point to respond to comments, answer questions, and engage in conversations with our followers. This helped build a sense of community and trust.
Consistent Content: Regular posting was crucial. We developed a content calendar to ensure a consistent flow of engaging content. This included behind-the-scenes glimpses, style tips, customer testimonials, and inspirational messages.
Hashtag Strategy: We used relevant hashtags to reach a wider audience. This included hashtags related to plus-size fashion, body positivity, and Nigerian fabrics.
Growth and Expansion
Collaborations: Collaborating with other plus-size influencers and brands helped us reach new audiences.
Contests and Giveaways: Contests and giveaways helped increase engagement and attract new followers.
Cross-Platform Promotion: We promoted our social media channels on our website and other marketing materials.
Analyzing Data: We used social media analytics to track our performance and identify what content resonated most with our audience.
Advice for Those Starting Out:
Define Your Target Audience: Who are you trying to reach? Understanding your target audience is crucial for creating content that resonates with them.
Choose the Right Platforms: Focus on the platforms where your target audience is most active.
Be Authentic: Share your story and connect with your audience on a personal level.
Create High-Quality Content: Invest in good photography and videography.
Engage with Your Audience: Respond to comments, answer questions, and build relationships.
Be Consistent: Post regularly and maintain a consistent brand voice.
Use Relevant Hashtags: Help people find your content.
Collaborate with Others: Reach new audiences through collaborations.
Analyze Your Data: Track your performance and identify what’s working.
Be Patient: Building a strong social media presence takes time and effort. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see results immediately.
Embrace the Power of Video: Video content is extremely important. Short-form video is the best way to get your content seen.
Tell a Story: People connect with stories. Use your social media to tell the story of your brand.
Building a social media presence is an ongoing process. Stay adaptable, experiment with new strategies, and always prioritize building genuine connections with your audience.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jamilajayplusmodels.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamilajayplussizecasting/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JamilaPlusSizeCastingsCalls/
- Other: Amazon
Jamila Jay High Fashion Footwear – Plus
Jamila Jay Fashions – Poshmark, eBay, and Mercari
