We recently connected with Tatiana Jamilah and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Tatiana, thanks for joining us today. What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?

I remember hearing a saying that who you admire the most is who, in a way, you wish to be. In high school, I loved watching Tyra Banks on America’s Next Top Model and the clothing people wore. The bright colors and different textures outlined everyone so differently. The love of fashion, coupled with a love of fitness, translated into me wanting to start an inclusive clothing line specializing in athleisure.

Hottest in the Room, or HITR, was an idea formed out of me wanting people to feel their most confident. I wanted people to reach into their closets and pull out a piece they could rely on. But where could I start? I started searching on Youtube how to start a clothing line. After taking notes from several videos, I came up with a plan on how to source my clothing as well as designing my brand logo. The operations side was an interesting journey, as it made me reflect on what my line really meant. It took a month to get my first clothing sample, and after that I was hooked.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I always wanted to be a writer. That was the first profession I truly respected. I thought it was fascinating how someone could be a story-teller, a historian, and an entertainer. As I grew up my love for words translated into how people craft a story. They say communication is 10% words and the rest body language. I wondered-how does the body talk? Through FASHION.

Fashion does not have to be inaccessible, whether it be through price or size. I love that fashion is simply what someone wears to express themselves and the setting they’re in. What sets me apart is I have a clothing piece for everyone- man, woman, short, tall, thick, or slim. I want everyone to feel as though they can look as HOT as possible wearing my clothing line. Hottest in the Room (HITR) stands by it’s name- it’s meant to razzle dazzle and sparkle wherever you wear it!

I am most proud of when people send me photos of them wearing the clothes. It is so cool to feel like I can see how much joy the clothing brings them, and the confidence people have wearing it out!

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 “time waits for no one.” It is interesting the perception of time- sometimes I feel as though I have too much or too little. I had to realize life is a journey and things happen in the right timing. When I started my fashion line I wanted to have 10 sales as soon as my website opened. I had 3. At first I wanted to be hard on myself for not hitting my initial goal, or comparing myself to other people’s launch dates. However I realized 3 people had taken the time to invest in my dream and how much of an honor that was.

I realized that everything is happening for my highest good, so it’s to trust in God and know that I’m doing the best I can, everyday.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Building up my social media has been a blast! I think that sometimes it can be easy to overanalyze a post’s analytics or feel that no one is watching. But trust me- they are ALL watching whether they say it or not!

I like to think that I have a fun but very strategic approach to social media. I like to identify trends, but also think about how to make content unique and work with my brand. I try to post from different perspectives and think about what topics are appealing not only to people but to myself.

My advice to anyone starting to build their social media presence is just to start. Sometimes once you start creating what you love naturally pops out. It’s great to get the kinks out of the way to really refine and enjoy your creation process.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://shophitrwellness.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hitrwellness/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hitrwellness
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8M4lMIIfDdzw1bNnbrFjKg
• Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hitrwellness?_t=8ZXr0He2ECM&_r=1

Image Credits
Tarela Photography