Jaeda Thomas

We got a chance to catch up with Jaeda Thomas, who’s an entrepreneur and designer behind her debut line Jae Lenee. It’s a luxury, sustainable clothing line based out of New York City. Her passion and creativity flow into every piece she designs and her inspirations run deep. In a world dominated by male designers, she hopes to stand out and pave the way for women of color around the world.

When did you first have the idea to start your line and what inspired it?

I first had the idea in college. I knew I wanted to make clothes that I loved down to every little detail whether it be as small as a pocket or button.

 As the idea began to grow and manifest into something way bigger, I really started to think about what I would like in a clothing line. Quality, sustainability, ethical values. You know, everything that Jae Lenee stands for right now.

 Do you have a formal education in design or business or are you self-taught? (If self-taught, mention any books or resources you may have used)

I went to Howard University. I graduated with my Bachelor of Fine Art in Art, concentrated in Fashion Design in 2018. Howard University's College of Fine Arts is one of the most inspiring places to be on our campus. And honestly, the majority of the big names you know from Howard University came out of Fine Arts. Shoutout to Howard University, man. It's a beautiful place.

How did going to an HBCU influence your outlook in business?

I think going to an HBCU influenced my outlook on business in an inspiring way and when I say inspiring I mean you are surrounded by successful black people daily. You leave there with this mindset like "it's possible for me too".

And not only are you able to see and be surrounded by successful black people you're able to see diversity in a whole new way. Diversity is not simply putting a black person in a white space. I don't think I truly understood diversity until I went to an HBCU. Black people are beautifully diverse.

What are some of your inspirations?

Art of ALL forms, the artist, culture, museums, nature. I really draw inspiration from so many places. I think every artist does.

I remember going to Frida Kahlo's exhibit at the Brooklyn Museum and being so inspired by not only her art and her story but the clothing that she wore. She wore a lot of full enagua skirts and square-cut embroidered huipil blouses/dresses. Both traditional Mexican garments. So free, flowing, and comfortable. And her clothing had to be all of those things. She had many underlying health conditions.

Can you briefly describe your process for design?

 Honestly, it's just something that happens randomly and sporadically. It's not something that I sit down and think on for hours or have a designated time in my day to sit and think about. Whenever it comes to me, I get to designing, sketching and writing down details of whatever I'm thinking of. There's nothing forced about my process. I never want it to be forced.

 How important is diversity and representation to you in regards to your branding?

 As a black woman and fashion designer, as I expand my brand, it is important to me to create a safe space for black people—especially a space where young black professionals feel welcomed and appreciated in a whitewashed industry.

 Black models, black photographers, black stylists, black makeup artists, black hairstylists, et cetera.

 I strive to showcase all that black people are capable of. Because we are beyond talented.

 What are some obstacles you faced as you developed the line and began approaching the launch day?

 I launched on March 19, 2020.

COVID-19 and the effects of this entire pandemic have been quite the obstacle. My goal since the thought of my line was the launch on the first day of spring, no matter the year. Spring is my favorite season, but who knew that we were going to be hit with a global pandemic?

 I had my doubts about continuing to launch on that particular date, but I had to go with my gut. At first, that meant longer shipping times, but I ended up having to halt production altogether.

 Honestly, I can't say I'm mad at any of this. I truly feel like it's a part of my process and my story and I know coming out of all of this, I will be a stronger person, a stronger designer, and my brand will be stronger than ever.

Why do you think there haven't been many big black-owned luxury brands? 

 Opportunity.

 Lack of mainstream acknowledgment.

 Gucci. Louis. Dior. They've existed for years. Many black people may feel like there is no lane for them next to these already established brands.

 We have to work 10x harder.

And more times than not, for a black brand to be recognized they have to work for a major brand first before they step out on their own. A lot of the time you have to make a name for yourself first. Prove yourself worthy of a spot.

But we're here. We exist in the fashion industry. We have great ideas. We make great clothes. There's room for us at the top too.How do you want people to feel when they put on one of your pieces?

 I want to introduce people to quality clothing. I want our customers to know what it's like to look good, feel good, and enjoy every aspect of their life, down to the clothes on their bodies. Intentional clothing will always be the goal.

What's the final vision for the clothing line?

 I want Jae Lenee to be a global brand.

 I want to use Jae Lenee's voice and platform as well as my voice and platform to further educate and evoke a necessary dialogue in the fashion industry whether it be about ethical values, diversity, or sustainability. The fashion industry needs more of that.

Is mentorship important to you, and did you have any mentors that had a great impact on you?Mentorship is very important. We need more of that in the black community.

It's a way for black professionals young and old to network, work together and learn from each other.

Black people helping other black people succeed? More of that, please!

My mentor/helping hand once I was ready to get hands-on in the fashion industry was John Dean of Renowned LA. He literally took me around The Los Angeles Fashion District and showed me the ropes.

I think it's vital for us to have someone we can trust in our corner. Someone that can provide advice, direction, support.

What are some words of advice you'd give to someone watching you and hoping to one day do what you do?

You have to love it. Your love for what you're doing will take you the furthest.

 I love fashion so much, I could never just give up what I'm trying to accomplish.

 Believe in yourself and be confident about the work that you're putting out into the world. Stand behind what you are doing 110 percent and be able to speak about it out loud confidently when you're asked about it.

There is nothing easy about the fashion industry. You have to do the groundwork. You have to learn the industry (which is ever-changing).

People will ignore your emails. People will ignore your DMs. You will lose a lot of money before you make money, but these aren't negatives.

 It's all just trial and error and learning lessons! All of these things are necessary for your growth as a young professional.