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

Jasmine , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today If you could go back in time do you wish you had started your business sooner or later

I started my business after I graduated from college. I worked from home until I could find my first office space which was about 200 sqaure ft. I worked a job for about 8 hours during the day, then I would get off and go to my studio space and sketch and plan out business ideas. I barely had any clientele but I keep marketing myself. There was a Wendy’s drive through next to my office so I used my window like a retail display and would constantly change the one mannequin I had every week. It helped draw in customers who would try to find my office after seeing my window. That’s how I got my first couple of clients. I started taking custom clients and making dresses in 2011. I worked in my office until years later I was able to expand into an actual retail space with over 1200 Sq ft. and multiple employees. I feel like I started my business right on time, I feel like life is a process and everyone has to go through things to get to learn the lessons their life has for them. It’s an interpersonal journey for everyone. I wouldn’t have rushed a thing.

Jasmine , 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?

My name is Jasmine Rene , I am a Celebrity fashion designer /seamstress and business owner based in Cleveland Heights, Ohio. I graduated with my bachelors degree from Kent State University in 2012. I’ve been in business for over a decade but I’ve had my shop for 6 years. My earlier years in business I worked from home until I could save up enough capital to move into a commercial space. I now own two store fronts in my community. Jasmine Rene Studio located at 3982 Mayfield rd in Cleveland Heights Ohio and The Design Suite co working and event space next door. I design formal gowns for prom and bridal as well as custom boxing outfits for professional boxers. Some of my clientele have been featured on Showtime boxing, ESPN , Pulse boxing and much more. I started creating custom sportswear in 2014, but designing custom gowns is my favorite thing to do. I also provide alterations for celebrity clients wardrobe for their concerts and award shows. Some of my recent work included artist such as Fantasia, and gospel artist; Kierra Sheard, Jekalyn Carr, CeCe Winans, Naomi Raine, Tasha Cobbs, and Natalie Grant to name a few. I love to see the gratification in my clients faces after they see their final garments brought to life. I have a few viral TikTok’s of my clients reactions that have reached a half a million views. I feel like my clients desire to look and feel beautiful and the custom experience I give sets my business apart from the rest. I consider myself as one of the top fashion designers in my city and I often come highly recommended by others. I love to empower other designers and offer advice or mentorship when I can. My Brand Jasmine Rene Studio is classy with a luxury vibe. I’m most proud of my growth in the industry, my motivation and work ethic and my ability to adapt to ever changing situations. I want to keep growing in my gift and continue to inspire others along the way.

Have you ever had to pivot?

I had to pivot when the pandemic hit in 2020. A lot of businesses not seen as essential were closed by law and my shop was included. In my mind my feelings were hurt because I most definitely saw myself and my business as essential. I had to realize it was a luxury to get something custom made because it’s not a cheap thing to do and that is only essential to those who see it as such. I had to remarket my brand and figure out what I can do to make my brand and service a need even in times of crisis or when the world shuts down. I ended up creating mask during the pandemic and selling them on my website. Mask were in high demand and they were hard to obtain. My own gift became essential to maintaining my business expenses as well as helping others feel safe with the protection of wearing a mask. The pandemic was definitely an eye opener and a reminder that life can happen at anytime and you have to be resilient to get through it.

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

Initially I worked from home for a few years until I had enough capital to fund a commercial space. I saved about $4000 to start with, I did some minor renovations, then I had to open up shop, so I could start taking clients and making money. In the beginning I wasn’t making a lot because I didn’t have a large following or a lot of clientele. Over the years my business started growing more by word of mouth and referrals.

Contact Info:

• Website: Jasminerene.com
• Instagram: Jasminerene.studio
• Facebook: Jasminerene.studio
• Youtube: Fashionceo
• Yelp: Jasmine Rene Studio
• Other: Tiktok Jasminerene.studio

Image Credits
White Bridal gown photo: photographer Natasha Herbert