We had the good fortune of connecting with Jermey Forris and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jermey, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
My thought process behind starting my own business was not wanting to work for anyone else. I believe God put everyone on this earth for a reason. I want to live my purpose to the fullest, and the only way I could do that is by creating my own business. The purpose behind my brand JeFor is to promote confidence, high self-esteem, and to live a purposeful life. My slogan is “Be memorable being the best you”. I am inspired to inspire people through fashion. JeFor is how I show my creativity to the world.

What should our readers know about your business?
JeFor is a Cut & Sew luxury streetwear brand. I focus on quality over quantity designs that will help our customers feel comfortable & confident in their own skin. I stand on living a charismatic lifestyle. I am most proud of how far I’ve come, and excited about the future of my brand. I got where I am today by planting a seed in my mind about a vision I had in high school. I came up with a plan focusing on the end goal first and then making the necessary moves to get to where I am today. Most people see the highlights and accomplishments of my brand, but very few see the handwork and failures that took place behind closed doors. I have no background in fashion or business. and started my business from the ground up. I focused on building a solid foundation first by researching the industry and reading a lot of fashion and business books. I never graduated college but I tell people I attend YouTube University, because I’ve learned an exponential amount of information from that platform. After gaining the foundational knowledge and coming up with a name, logo, website, LLC, and Trademark. It was time to manufacture my clothes and take action. I sold clothes from my trunk and on the streets. I remember rolling my clothing rack around the streets of Washington DC and in front of malls to sell my clothes and get the word out. I’ve learned that humility plays a key role in your success. You’re going to fail more than you succeed, and you will get more No’s than Yes’s. Failures are only lessons to help you succeed. We all have a story to tell JeFor is how I tell mine.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I currently moved to Houston in May to help accelerate my business, which was the best decision of my life. I am still learning the city, but first I would take them to the Everything Live store to check out my brand to see if they see anything they like since we officially open shop for customers to come purchase JeFor Clothing. After that I would take them to Turkey Leg Hut to grab some food. Lastly I would ask them what they like to do, because there is never a dull night in Houston and plenty of activities to do.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to thank God, because without him nothing is possible. Second I want to shoutout my family and friends all across the country and in Guyana. Especially my parents, siblings, church family, cousins, Keon, Josh, Steward, Isaiah, Big Curt. These individuals were very hands on from the beginning in 2016 and still play a huge role in my success. Big shoutout to everyone that I worked with at Target & Waldorf Toyota that supported me. Lastly shoutout to all my supporters in Maryland and currently in Houston, they are the real reason for my success. I can go on and on about everyone who plays a key role in my success. I am truly blessed to have genuine people in my corner.

Website: jeforclothingonline.com

Instagram: jeforclothing

Twitter: jeforclothing

Facebook: jeforclothing

Youtube: jeforclothing

Image Credits
JeFor, Hardcorv, ThomasKirk, Onemomentintimeent

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