Inspiring Lives with "Velz Monroe" CEO "Jasmine Hill-Carter" For Fashion Gxd Magazine
Written by : Samantha Cee
This week we sat down with Velz Monroe CEO Jasmine Hill-Carter . Velz Monroe is a non-gender fashion forward accessory brand created by Jasmine Hill-Carter. It can be dressed up or down and can be an everyday essential to your outfit. Velz Monroe was created in 2010 and launched in 2012. The brand started with celebrity inspired pieces and now provides not only quality jewelry for just regular day but for important events as well. All purchases can be made exclusively via our online website. Take a look at our exclusive interview below.
Website and Social Media Links
Instagram.com/velzmonroe // Facebook.com/VelzMonroe // Twitter.com/velzmonroe
How did the idea for your business come about?
Answer: I started Velz Monroe at the 18. I always found myself shopping for accessories and either I would pay way too much money or buy cheap accessories that didn’t last. Growing up wearing juicy couture and owning almost every single chain, and bracelet they sold, I felt that it was time to wear something more my style and more unique. Juicy would cost me $50-$80 for a necklace and would eventually tarnish after 1-2 months. I decided to start a brand that had more affordable items that quality matched the price.
Fashion Gxd Magazine : How do you find people to bring into your organization that truly care about the organization the way you do?
Answer: it’s hard but most of my supporters are through social media. I utilize social media to my full advantage!
Fashion Gxd Magazine : What three pieces of advice would you give to other children who want to become entrepreneurs?
Answer: When it comes to starting a business, I would highly suggest everyone always do their research. When I say research, I don’t mean google and click on two links and you’re done.
I mean thorough research. Read google, look on YouTube, scroll through Facebook, Instagram, and twitter. Understand each platform and know your competition. Understand what a SWAT analysis is. Also my last piece of advice is never compare your business to the next person. There’s over 100 bread companies and they are all on the same shelf. People have preferences and when you have a clear target audience, you wouldn’t stress anyone not shopping with you.
Fashion Gxd Magazine :If you had the chance to start your career over again, what would you do differently?
Answer: If I could go back in time, I would start my business over with complete insight. I didn’t properly research. I start my business right before college started, my dad was sick, and I was working full time as an assistant manager while looking for another job. When starting a business, you want to make sure your mind is clear.
Fashion Gxd Magazine :What would you say are the top three skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur ?
Answer: Three important factors to running a business is:
Communication (cannot run a business with proper communication
Understanding (have to understand your customers/clients)
Patience (if you don’t have patience, you won’t see results)
Fashion Gxd Magazine :What have been some of your failures, and what have you learned from them?
Answer: I would say my two main failures are:
1: getting comfortable once my business started to peak. I started another brand and didn’t realize that my business needed the most attention at that time.
2. Starting a relationship that required more of time. Relationships are work. I’m not saying that being an a relationship can’t happen but when you’re in your peak season, it’s not a recommendation I would give. Especially if you don’t have an assistant or that partner requires most of your time.
Fashion Gxd Magazine : How many hours do you work a day on average?
Answer: On average I would say I spend 10 hours out of my business. I always make sure I get a 6-7 hours worth sleep and I give myself some “me time”. I love to read and I love to write so my “me time” just helps me think when it comes to business. It’s vital.
Fashion Gxd Magazine :Describe/outline your typical day?
Answer: My day to day varies drastically. I don’t work on a schedule. I have two other brands that I try to dedicate my time to. I try to spend my morning answering emails and DMs. Then I start on orders. Once orders are out the way, I develop content and do research through the day in between my clients for my brand and marketing agency.
Fashion Gxd Magazine : How has being an entrepreneur affected your family life?
Answer: When it comes to family, a lot of them don’t understand what it is to be an entrepreneur. I do have some support but not a lot that I feel like I should have. However, I never let that get me down. I feel like when it comes to this life I chose, I knew it would be lonely and I’m actually okay with it.
Fashion Gxd Magazine :What motivates you?
Answer: What keeps my motivated is that my grand father is 70 still working 14 hour days. That makes me want to work harder because I don’t want to see him working in the next 5 years.
Fashion Gxd Magazine: How do you generate new ideas?
Answer: Being a creative helps me develop ideas on the regular. However when I listen to podcasts and sermon gives me clarity and allow me to put in work. I need a clear mind to get things down. Bathing, and going to the beach is also refreshing for me. Water is my safe haven.
Fashion Gxd Magazine : What sacrifices have you had to make to be a successful entrepreneur?
Answer: I had to become a loner. It hurts at times but isolation really helps me out when it’s time to produce what I need to produce. I also had to trust myself. Sometimes we bounce our ideas off our friends which is great but our friends have lives as well. So trusting myself and not depending on others Input is a sacrifice I made as well.
Fashion Gxd Magazine : Where you see yourself and your business in 10 years? 20 years?
Answer: In the next 10-20 years, Velz Monroe will be EVERYWHERE! I’ll eventually have a warehouse and all items will be branded. The brand will definitely expand tremendously!
