We recently connected with Jean Desant and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Jean, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?

I was five years into my corporate job when things started to unravel. The company was going through significant changes, and I was faced with a tough decision: relocate to another state to keep my job or risk losing it altogether. The uncertainty and instability were overwhelming, and it started to take a toll on my mental health. Although I was spared during a massive round of layoffs, the constant anxiety of not knowing if I’d still have a job the next day was draining.

At the time, my wife Paula and I had already established Prolifik Patternz, our clothing apparel business, which we officially launched in May 2023. One evening, after a particularly stressful day at work, I vented to Paula about my frustrations. That’s when she said, “Why don’t you just leave?” At first, the idea seemed risky — I was walking away from a steady paycheck. But after some reflection, I realized the greater risk was staying in a situation that was harming my well-being.

Having Prolifik Patternz gave us the push we needed. It wasn’t just a passion project anymore; it was a growing business we believed in. I finally took the leap and resigned from my corporate job to focus fully on the business. Looking back, it was one of the best decisions I’ve made. It allowed me to reclaim my peace of mind and put my energy into something we’re truly passionate about.

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.

I was born in the Philippines and raised in Northern California. Growing up, my teenage years were tough, and I often turned to art and dancing as a way to express myself and find peace. In search of a deeper connection with my roots, I made the decision to return to the Philippines both to reconnect with my culture and to fulfill one of my grandparents’ wishes by obtaining a degree. Although it wasn’t the career path I initially envisioned, the experience turned out to be incredibly eye-opening. It gave me a new perspective on life, a greater appreciation for our history, and ultimately shaped me into the resilient, grounded person I am today.

During my time in the Philippines, I had the privilege of learning more about my family and their incredible stories. Getting to know my grandparents was truly an honor. My grandfather shared many stories, but one that resonated deeply was his decision to join General MacArthur’s troops, risking his life for freedom and the opportunity to become a U.S. citizen. My grandmother, on the other hand, was a highly skilled and well-known seamstress, whose talent and dedication left a lasting impression on me.

Their resilience, creativity, and sacrifice inspired me to dream of one day owning my own business. Prolifik Patternz is the realization of that dream, and at its core, our mission is to give back to the community, honoring the values they instilled in me and carrying forward their legacy of hard work, perseverance, and compassion.

We offer:

Products:
Streetwear
Custom apparel

Services:
Graphic Design Services
Custom Orders

At Prolifik Patternz, we see clothing as a canvas to tell stories, spread messages, and make meaningful connections. Whether it’s designing bold graphic tees, crafting unique custom apparel, or working closely with clients to bring their ideas to life, we strive to create pieces that resonate on a personal level. Every design has a purpose, and we take pride in ensuring that our customers feel heard, understood, and represented.

What sets Prolifik Patternz apart is our commitment to providing 1-on-1 customer service. We believe in building relationships, not just transactions. By keeping our pricing accessible and our approach personalized, we aim to make custom apparel available to everyone, no matter their budget. We collaborate closely with clients to ensure that every piece we create reflects their vision while maintaining the quality and authenticity that we stand for.

We are most proud of our ability to use fashion as a platform to spread awareness and spark conversation. Our designs often incorporate messages that matter to us whether it’s promoting positivity, raising awareness for social issues, or celebrating individuality. We believe that clothing can be more than just something you wear, it can be a statement, a movement, and a way to inspire change.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

We’ve grown our clientele by focusing on strategies that foster meaningful connections, with the invaluable support of family and friends along the way. From modeling our apparel to sharing and spreading the word about our brand, their contributions have been essential. Key strategies that have driven our growth include leveraging our unique brand story, creating engaging videos, attending local pop-up shops and street fairs to build community presence, and offering a loyalty program to reward returning customers. Our personalized 1-on-1 design consultations and targeted ads have further expanded our reach and strengthened client relationships.

Any advice for managing a team?

Managing a small team in a startup like Prolifik Patternz requires a balance of leadership, communication, and fostering a supportive, positive culture. We prioritize open communication, encouraging honest feedback and collaboration while creating space to uplift one another. When one of us is feeling down, the others step in to offer encouragement, keeping the team focused and grounded. We balance each other’s strengths and ensure everyone feels valued. By sharing the brand’s vision regularly and celebrating both big and small wins, we maintain high morale and motivation. We also prioritize personal growth by providing opportunities for learning and involving everyone in creative decision-making. Through mutual support and a commitment to collaboration, we continue to push forward with passion, resilience, and purpose.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.prolifikpatternz.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prolifikpatternz
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@prolifikjd