We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jolie Dopa a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Jolie, appreciate you joining us today. Along with taking care of clients, taking care of our team is one of the most important things we can do as leaders. Looking back on your journey, did you have a boss that was really great? Maybe you can tell us about that boss and what made them a wonderful person to work for?
GOD. I feel God is the best boss I’ve ever had because when you invite God into the things you’re passionate about, he works miracles just like that! It’s way too easy for him! I’m originally a singer songwriter and I went about it from such a creative space, but I didn’t really include God. Not the way that I have included him in this one! I prayed for a career in Fashion and he opened soooo many doors for me. People were reaching out like crazy, wanting to work with me. I remember I had a show at Coyote Ugly in Ybor. I had done something really reckless the night before, and it was a backwards decision for me! I prayed so hard that God would bless me like I had never been blessed this next show! And it would also be proof that this line of work was the better choice for me! Don’t you know, in the middle of this club environment where everybody was partying, I sold so many pieces and did so well! That wasn’t the first time God showed me that he didn’t play about me, but it definitely was a moment that I’ll never forget.
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.
Hello there, my name is Jolie Dopa. I am a fashion designer in Tampa, Florida! I’ve been an artist since the day I can remember, but I officially got into fashion in 2019 after I had been diagnosed with stage four breast cancer. I really wanted to indulge in things that were healing to me and so I started creating jackets with a bunch of unique enhancements to them. I was posting them on my then, music profile on Instagram and people started buying the pieces! So then I created a fashion page and it’s been amazing ever since. I’ve since grown towards creating actual pieces by hand. Wire bras, festival sets and Ofcourse a swagged out Jean jacket or vest will always be available. I’ve showcased my designs at more than 40 events . Had my first Fashion show experience at the art institute of Tampa with Skin Art show, founded by Hampton Allen. Created photoshoots with Tampa’s most talented models and more .
What’s been the best source of new clients for you?
Doing events. Being where the people who want to purchase products are shopping. I love doing events as a vendor because it gets me infront of my client base and I’m able to connect with New* faces .
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
No matter how hard you work, you gotta keep going! If you slow down, your business will slow down! You have to keep that heightened energy going! No matter if you’re heartbroken or If you’re sad about anything in life, you have to keep going! I’ve experienced some heartbreak, but I always allowed it to motivate me to keep going! I never stop because I’m feeling a certain type of way! I always keep going and I keep creating! And next thing you know, you’re super prosperous and you’re not heartbroken anymore. .
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://Www.instagram.com/d0paminedreamz
