We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jennifer Sinigal-Cornelius a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Jennifer, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What do you think matters most in terms of achieving success?

To be successful, it takes grit, determination, sacrifice, resilience, consistency, and humility. I became a mom at 18, and while most people expected that to slow me down, it became the fire that pushed me forward. I carried 24 college units while working two jobs—not because it was easy, but because I was committed to creating a life with options and opportunity. That season of my life shaped everything that came after.

It taught me how to manage my time, how to work under pressure, and how to keep going when most people would’ve tapped out. I don’t make excuses. I stay coachable, always open to learning and leveling up. And more than anything, I believe in keeping promises—to others, and especially to myself. That’s what success has looked like for me: showing up, staying locked in, and staying committed to the commitment.

Jennifer, 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?

I’m Jennifer Sinigal-Cornelius, founder of Born To Roam, a hat brand built on boldness, craftsmanship, and individuality.

My love for fashion started early. Growing up, my mom would take me to thrift stores and hand me a few dollars—just enough to explore and create my own look. That was my first fashion school. I quickly fell in love with vintage, oversized silhouettes, and anything that let me express myself on a budget.

But truthfully, it didn’t always come from a place of confidence. I had a lot of friends who wore designer labels and shopped at all the top department stores. I couldn’t compete with that—and for a while, it made me feel like I didn’t measure up. That’s when I turned to statement accessories. Heavy layering, bold pieces, and especially hats gave me a way to stand out without saying a word. It helped me walk into rooms with my head a little higher, even when I didn’t feel like I had it all together. I created Born To Roam—a hat brand born out of both necessity and passion. As someone who wears protective styles, I was tired of hats that didn’t fit, weren’t lined properly, or made me choose between fashion and function. So I designed a line of hats that offered both: size inclusivity, satin linings, and bold silhouettes that turn heads.

Born To Roam is more than just a hat company—it’s a love letter to the ones who never fit the mold. It’s for the those who had to get creative, who know how to make a statement without a single label, and who show up fully in their power. I created this brand for us.

What sets us apart isn’t just design—it’s the intention behind every detail. Our hats are made to celebrate freedom of expression, to amplify confidence, and to remind you that you were never meant to blend in.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

Something I had to unlearn in business was the idea that I had to do everything on my own. For a long time, I wore independence like a badge of honor—thinking asking for help meant I didn’t have it together. But the truth is, building something meaningful takes collaboration, support, and community. I’ve learned that asking for help isn’t a weakness—it’s wisdom. It’s knowing your limits, valuing your time, and inviting in people who can make your vision even stronger. It truly takes a village, just like raising a child.

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

I’ve bootstrapped my business while working a full-time corporate job. Every paycheck has a purpose—I saved intentionally and sacrificed consistently. That meant saying no to things I once said yes to without thinking: shopping, vacations, dinners. I cut back because it was important for me to build my brand.

There was no outside funding, no big investor—just grit, Google, and late nights. I used what I had and made it stretch, reinvesting every dollar back into the brand. It hasn’t been glamorous, but I’ve been grounded in vision. As I continue to build, I wouldn’t trade the hustle for anything. It has taught me discipline, patience, and how to bet on myself.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.weareborntoroam.com
• Instagram: borntoroamshop
• Facebook: borntoroamshop
• Linkedin: borntoroam
• Twitter: borntoroamshop
• Youtube: borntoroamshop
• Other: TikTok: borntoroamshop

Image Credits

Kaye McCoy
Jorge Meza
Oprah Daily