Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jessica Hinesman. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Jessica, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s start with the decision of whether to donate a percentage of sales to an organization or cause – we’d love to hear the backstory of how you thought through this.
Understanding that Mother Earth is reason for us always and continuing to flourish; Eshé Apparel. Co’s five promises to the environment were erected. By 2025 we promise to: Use Biodegradable Packaging, Be Cruelty and Toxin free, Be Carbon Neutral, Use Recycled Material, and have Responsible Waste Management to reduce our carbon- footprint. In accordance with this, Eshe Apparel. Co donates proceeds from our handmade jewelry sales to the One- Tree Planted campaign! Eshé is dedicated to live up to its meaning in Swahili, ‘Life’, by dedicating 10% of product proceeds to the environment.
Through Every $1 received, we can plant one tree to reduce climate change and help solidify our means to cultivate life on Earth.
If you’re interested in donating directly to the campaign use this link: https://forest-fundraiser.raisely.com/esheapparelco
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
We are a small clothing company operated out of Columbus, Georgia. This company was founded myself, Jessica Levon, on behalf of communities of color. The line, Eshé Apparel, or Life Clothing was created to assist our communities by creating a better understanding of life and protecting the experience. Our purpose is to educate about what it means to be a person of melanated culture and provide allies with the channel to Appreciate, NOT Appropriate our ways of life.
To be a small Black business is a wonderful privilege and opportunity that I am hoping to share with all minorities like myself. My featured designs are 100% hand printed and custom drawn by me! I am my own manufacturer and believe in a quality product. Through a step by step process I create each garment and leave a lasting wave of consciousness throughout.
In 2021, I founded Eshé Apparel. Co to spark a Revolution in Clothing. By supporting marginalized communities in education and Small business marketing assistance, I hope to further my clothing design and not only support myself, but those who uplift me as a business as well.
We’d love to hear about how you keep in touch with clients.
In order to maintain a healthy relationship I reachout to those who donate, purchase, or repost my content. Whether it be a free gift, a check up message, or giveaway there is something for everyone. My newsletter subscribers are more sought out, though I keep tabs on most of my clients. They get one on ones, discounts, sneakpeeks, and messages directly from me. These emails are more than just sales. I share news in our communities, petitions, and even history facts we weren’t taught in school to keep communication open!
Can you talk to us about how your funded your business?
In my initial stages, funding was just out of pocket, but now I am focused on sustaining my brand by allowing my talents to fuel it. Captial has been found from grants and relentless writing, but also losing sleep taliking to angel investors. Sometimes sleepless nights and a 9-5 are the catalyst to gaining the things necessary to building. I used to build displays from dollar tree items, but now I have connetions in retail so I get professional ones, What I used didnt matter as long as I could express my art and I still feel that way. Generally, I believe that my networking and crowdfunding in the beginning is what has allowed me to grow. I asked my village and they delivered.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://esheapparel.store/
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/esheapparel.co?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/esheapparelco/
- Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@esheapparel.co?