Apr 23

Apr 23 Inspiring Lives with " The Janai Nicole Collection " For Fashion Gxd Magazine

Written By : Samantha Cee

This week we sat down with the owner of Janai Nicole Collection . We got to earn the ins-and-outs of the thriving business . As well , we acquired insight on how their business is flourishing and at a rapid pace . Take a look at our exclusive interview with the blooming business .

www.JanaiNicoleCollection.com

Instagram @Janai_Nicole_Collection

www.Facebook.com/JanaiNicoleCollection

Email: info@JanaiNicoleCollection.com

Fashion Gxd Magazine : How did the idea for your business come about?

Janai Nicole Collection (CEO) : I have always had a passion for fashion. Ever since I can remember I was very Intune with looking fashionable and staying ahead of the latest trends. I would watch television shows day and night that tailored towards fashion. Project runway was, and still is one of my favorite television shows to watch. I wanted to take my love for fashion to the next level and create a legacy and a brand for my daughter to take over and run on her own one day. My vision was to create a company that embodied the mother-daughter bond as it relates to fashion. We have to be an example, set standards, and teach our daughters that they, too, can be CEO’s.

The name Janai Nicole is very important and personal to me. It is a blend of my middle name, Janai and my daughter middle name, Nicole. I focus on women’s and children’s clothing and accessories. I have matching mother daughter looks as well as stand-alone Collection pieces. My sizes rang form XS-3XLarge. I want women of all shapes and sizes to feel fabulous when they wear my pieces. The style of my collection is edgy and chic with a touch of sophistication. With my moto being “Innovative Fusion of Style and Chic Sophistication.”

Fashion Gxd Magazine : How do you find people to bring into your organization that truly care about the organization the way you do?

Janai Nicole Collection (CEO) : Finding the right people to bring into your organization is Key. The basis of my brand is family. That’s what my company is built on. Even down to the selection of the name of my brand. I wanted to capture the love I have for my daughter in the naming of my Collection. My family has always been a driving force behind my brand. I wouldn’t be as successful as I am without the love, support and encouragement of my family so I always include them In my business decisions. We constantly bounce ideas off of each other and brainstorm on ways to expand the Brand.

Fashion Gxd Magazine : What three pieces of advice would you give to other children who want to become entrepreneurs?

Janai Nicole Collection (CEO) : This is the age of entrepreneurship. The time is now! Technology has changed so much so fast. It’s easy for children to log on to an iPad and launch their own companies. The world is at their fingertips. I tell children all the time that the time is now! It’s never too early to start. Pursue what you love and give it your all, give 100% of yourself each day. And don’t be afraid to fail. I have failed plenty of times in business. The key is to keep going and don’t give up. I had to start over from the ground up and now I am more successful than I have ever been. The key is to work hard and never give up.

Fashion Gxd Magazine :If you had the chance to start your career over again, what would you do differently?

Janai Nicole Collection (CEO) : In addition to being the CEO of my own clothing company I am also a Research Chemist. I have a background in biology, chemistry pre-med and now business. To juggle both occupations is difficult to say the least but I love it and I wouldn’t change a thing! If I had the chance to start my career over I would do everything exactly the same. Even the failures I’ve had in my career have helped me grow so much and have made me into a smarter stronger business woman.

Fashion Gxd Magazine :What would you say are the top three skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur ?

Janai Nicole Collection (CEO) : Great customer service is a big deal to me. With so many entrepreneurs that may offer the same or similar services/ products as you do I feel like it is very important to provide excellent customer service to everyone you come into contact with. You have to create a positive, warm, and inviting experience. This will keep loyal customers coming back and help you to gain new ones.

Hard work ethic- Entrepreneurship is a 24/7 commitment. It calls for a lot of long days and late nights. Continue to work hard even on the days you don’t feel like it and you will be successful.

Being innovative and flexible- business needs can change everyday. And technology is moving fast. What may worked for your brand a year ago might not be as successful today. You have to be open to change, being innovative and constantly bring new ideas to your company to keep in fresh.

Fashion Gxd Magazine :What have been some of your failures, and what have you learned from them?

Janai Nicole Collection (CEO) : I failed early on in business by not having the right people around me. It taught me to only keep people around me that are going pour as much of themselves into the brand and work just as hard as you do. A boat goes nowhere if everyone on it isn’t rowing in the same direction.

Fashion Gxd Magazine : How many hours do you work a day on average?

Janai Nicole Collection (CEO) : I literally work from the moment I wake up until I go to sleep at night and even then my mind is still racing lol. In addition to owning my own clothing store I am A full time Research Chemist. I am 100% hands on with my clothing company. I’m answering customer emails, promoting, and shipping orders non stop. On weekends I’m often participating in Vendor events and pop up shop so the grind literally never stops.

Fashion Gxd Magazine :Describe/outline your typical day?

Janai Nicole Collection (CEO) : No two days are ever alike in my world. Between being a research chemist and entrepreneur I am also a single mother to the most amazing daughter so I am always on the go. Balance is key to a healthy lifestyle. So just as hard as I work, my time with my family is equally if not more important. If I’m not in a research lab or at a networking event I’m at one of my daughter’s many activities which include track, volleyball, cheer, tab, ballet and jazz.

Fashion Gxd Magazine : How has being an entrepreneur affected your family life?

Janai Nicole Collection (CEO) : Entrepreneurship definitely keeps me busy. But since I incorporate my family into my business balancing both is easy. My family is such a big part of my business. When I am at networking events, vendor events or pop up shop events my family is often close by my side.

Fashion Gxd Magazine :What motivates you?

Janai Nicole Collection (CEO) : My daughter definitely. She is my biggest blessing. On days I don’t want to work I think of her and I’m back on track, more focused and grinding harder than before. I want to lead by example. I want her to look at me and know that she can do anything and be anything she wants to be. And also the pure LOVE for what I do. I didn’t get into this industry for money. I got into it for the love of Fashion. The money came later. I also love my Career as a research science. It’s such a blessing and so important to love what you do. I get gratitude in knowing I chose my careers and am currently living out my dream.

Fashion Gxd Magazine: How do you generate new ideas?

Janai Nicole Collection (CEO) : I’m brainstorming non-stop. I never stop learning. I seek advice from other successful entrepreneurs. I attend conferences and networking events. I read a lot.. I guess in summary I just ever stop learning. The day you think you know it all is the day your business dies. With entrepreneurship taking such a lead in today’s society it’s important to constantly brainstorm and think of new ideas to keep your brand fresh and to continue reach your targeted audience.

Fashion Gxd Magazine : What sacrifices have you had to make to be a successful entrepreneur?

Janai Nicole Collection (CEO) : My social life definitely. I poor so much of myself in my business it leave little time for a popping social life lol.

Fashion Gxd Magazine : Where you see yourself and your business in 10 years? 20 years?

Janai Nicole Collection (CEO) : My brand is growing rapidly and gaining exposure everyday. In the years to come I will take my brand to an internationally known fashion staple with multiple locations. I also plan on expanding my brand not only to include clothing but beauty products as well. I have so much in store for Janai Nicole.. you are just going to have to stay tuned to see.. I believe that starting Janai Nicole Collection is like writing that chapter in the book of my life which will make it a bestseller. I have initiative, inventiveness, influence, ingenuity and ideas, all of which, I believe, will help me be successful. With strength from Christ and the love and support of my family, friends, and loyal customers, I believe that this business venture will one day grow into a multi-million dollar enterprise.