Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jessica. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Jessica , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Coming up with the idea is so exciting, but then comes the hard part – executing. Too often the media ignores the execution part and goes from idea to success, skipping over the nitty, gritty details of executing in the early days. We think that’s a disservice both to the entrepreneurs who built something amazing as well as the public who isn’t getting a realistic picture of what it takes to succeed. So, we’d really appreciate if you could open up about your execution story – how did you go from idea to execution?
When the unexpected of the world going silent occurs, it gives you a lot of time to think about the question “if the world was to end right now, what would you have regret not doing”. In that moment in 2019 , I was introduced to the word Agape by my father one sunday morning. Its greek for unconditional love and this word circulated in my head like a old record. I begin to question why and realized that unconditional love has been the cornerstone and catalyst of who I am and have become. Growing up, many educators, family and friends have poured into me in ways that at times felt undeserving at times. The relentless drive from others to see the potential that I did not see sowed a seed that eventually bloomed into a Vice Principal with a passion to lead with love.With this new found ” why”, I began thinking specifically about my community, the black community and how unconditional love and love in general is the cure to a lot of our headache and heartache.I spoke to these same people that spoke life into me growing up , spoke more life into this idea and pushed me to think critically about this venture.This was the all the affirmation I needed thus birthing the business “Agape Unconditional” a lifestyle and fashion brand that starts the conversation of how can we can further promote unconditional love within the black community through fashion, mentoring and providing resources. Fashion has always been a passion and conversation starter so why not merge the two in order to further connect with the community at large. The creation of the logo came to me in a vivid vision that I sketched out in the middle of my Shakespeare class my senior year of Montclair State University in 2019. An anatomical heart that is half inflamed and half healthy symbolizing that whether in sickness or in health loving regardless. Additionally, a eye in the middle symbolizing always reflecting on oneself and looking out for others to see how we can continue to uplift each other based on wisdom. With this logo, in 2021 , Agape unconditional launched its first line of hats that were digitally created by myself and manufactured overseas. and a custom table cloth with the logo. I came out of pocket with this venture , and at the time I was only a tutor making less than $400 every 2 weeks.but this brand was and still is larger than the money, it’s about the betterment of the community and the future at large. My first plight for exposure was launched at a pop up shop hosted by Source of Knowledge book store in Newark , Nj. Backed by this deep rooted why and conversations, it sparked an abundance of support and sold us out of 100+ hats in the first 4 months of business. The best piece of advice I received in all of this was from my parents where they advised me to “Just start” no start is too small with a “why” this large behind it. This advise has been passed forward many times when I am prompted with the question “I want to start a business, but I don’t know how” because its subtle in approach but deeply meaningful. Many lives have been touched through our events such as love day, loves giving give back, and individual youth mentoring. Each quarter of the year something new is happening fashionably and the excitement and family grows. A blessing to be a CEO of this brand and immense gratitude comes with each smile and conversation had of how we can unify our talents and resources to come together.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Expression through clothing has always been a major outlet and highlight for me growing up.I was introduced to many bold colors, textiles early on in life so this carried true. Within my teenage years in New Jersey, blurring the lines of masculine or feminine clothes while maintaining my femininity has been my superpower. These means of expression I realized was a form of voice for all the things I could not say out loud, my clothes would speak for me. My muse quickly became a mixing pot of Missy Elliott and Dapper Dan. This passion for fashion also shared the spotlight with my passion for education. As a little girl I was often found mimicking my mother , a kindergarten teacher, by lining up my bears and reading to them.This drove me to go to college for education, and become a teacher. Throughout my college years of 2015-2019 I remained focused on the both, getting my degree in english and modeling and styling.Neither spotlight took away from the other. I remained fashionable and when becoming a teacher in 2020, often educated my scholars in styling and how its a form of expression. in 2021 , I launched my brand and simultaneously kept scaling up in education from a teacher, to a dean and now Vice Principal. My brand also scaled up in sales, network and new community members pledging to spread unconditional love.
What keeps me going in both is my “why”. When I was a scholar , I wanted to be seen and heard, but youre always seen first. I wanted to be loved unconditionally, no matter the mistakes I made I wanted to know someone would forgive me and teach me better along the way. With this brand and as a educator I get to plant the same seeds others planted in me in knowing its okay to be flawed and its better to be unique than the same. When you can admit you’re not perfect, that is when growth occurs, and when you realize there’s only ONE you in the world, your impact in this life becomes greater.
Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?
The most effective strategy for growing clientele is being rooted in your “Why” and being genuine in every interaction you have with clients. I see individuals who support the brand as family members, and I greet and treat them as such. I remember the individuals by name that support the brand in any way and with this approach , they often come back , not just based off the good quality of the product , but off the genuine connection built within the conversation.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
A lesson I had to unlearn is that you need to have a plethora of money in order to start a business. What held me back from starting this business has always been the thought of how will I fund it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.agapeunconditional.love
- Instagram: agapeunco
Image Credits
@picturesbykeith