We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Marquan Jones a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Marquan, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Getting that first client is always an exciting milestone. Can you talk to us about how you got your first customer who wasn’t a friend, family, or acquaintance?

I received my first styling client the week my grandmother passed away in January of 2022. I always had an eye for fashion and style, but never thought to turn it into a gig. People always asked me for styling advice or inquired about where I bought my clothes. It wasn’t until my grandmother passed away that I got called upon to jump right into the industry. I don’t believe in coincidences, my grandmother had amazing style and I felt that it was a spiritual calling. I needed to get out of the house because I had been grieving and a local photographer who I had befriended asked if I could assist him for a photoshoot. The client turned out to be a celebrity, RNB singer Raz B of B2k! It was an amazing opportunity and a great first introduction to styling professionally. I quickly realized that styling wasn’t just about picking outfits, but incorporated many things like client management, hospitality, protecting the garments, steaming the clothes, etc.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I present to you Marquan Jones, a true visionary and changemaker based in Chicago. As the son of teenage parents, he defied the odds and became the first male on his mother’s side to not only graduate from high school but also attend and graduate from an Ivy League school [Cornell University] ahead of schedule, all while excelling in academics and playing Division 1 football.

Marquan’s exceptional drive and determination are evident in his current role as a technology innovation consultant and brand strategist at Accenture. This experience has endowed him with the skills to be a creative architect in all his endeavors. But Marquan’s aspirations extend beyond his professional achievements.

His passion lies in the transformative power of the fashion industry and its impact on both individuals and society. As the president of the Chicago Fashion Coalition, Marquan has spearheaded a movement to disrupt and elevate the third-largest market in America for the third-largest global industry. Despite Chicago’s smaller fashion scene compared to cities like NYC or LA, Marquan’s organization has achieved feats that veterans in the field have struggled to accomplish for over two decades.

What sets Marquan apart is his humility and belief in the power of collaboration. He lives by Socrates’ timeless quote, “I only know that I know nothing.” This mindset fuels his constant thirst for knowledge and his ability to learn from anyone. Marquan recognizes that collective action and collaboration are the keys to uplifting and liberating people.

At just 25 years old, Marquan is a force to be reckoned with. His organization is a mere three years old, yet it has already profoundly impacted the Chicago fashion ecosystem. Marquan has an unwavering commitment to transforming industries and empowering communities through fashion, art, and technology.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

On social media, authenticity is key, despite the common perception that it’s often fake. People are drawn to things that feel genuine, and as a nonprofit organization, CFC understands the importance of community support. We regularly seek feedback from our community to ensure we are meeting their needs, rather than assuming we know what they want. We also use Instagram’s polling tools to engage with our audience and improve our content.

Influencer marketing is a powerful tool when done correctly. Brands must avoid coming across as pushy or treating influencers as disposable. It’s important to remember that influencers are real people who appreciate being valued. An influencer’s number of followers is not always the most important factor. Instead, focus on those who are highly respected by their community and have engaged followers.

When it comes to social media, there’s no need to reinvent the wheel, you just have to keep it turning! Take inspiration from successful brands, even if they’re not in your industry or market. The key is to tailor your approach to your audience and be willing to try new things, learn from mistakes, fail fast if you must, and continue to innovate in order to stay relevant.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Resilience is a quality that I’ve had to develop over time. I’ve faced many challenges in my life but have always found a way to overcome them. My parents were teenagers when I was born, and I had to work hard to become the first male on my mother’s side to graduate high school, let alone attend and graduate from an Ivy League school a semester early. I also walked onto a Division 1 varsity football team, which was tough considering the other players were highly recruited. After earning my college degree in sociology, I pivoted to technology innovation and brand strategy consulting, and I often felt out of place working with those who studied finance or engineering. However, I found strength in my unique perspective and emotional intelligence, which allowed me to connect with people on a human level. Although I may not be the most talented, my work ethic and willingness to learn has helped me succeed. I’m not afraid to ask for help or admit when I don’t know something, and this has been a driving force throughout my life.

Contact Info:

• Website: Chicagofashioncoalition.org
• Instagram: @dapper_griot
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marquanjones31/
• Twitter: @DapperGriot
• Other: @chicagofashioncoalition on Instagram to stay up to date with CFC!

Image Credits
Images 1-3: Christopher Marrs Image 5: Steven Piper Image 7: Blake Martin Image 8: Emery Barnes