We had the good fortune of connecting with J’Lysa Wilson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi J’Lysa, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
My thought process for starting Clem has always been to break barriers by building a community in fashion for people who look like me. Creating opportunity for change and growth from a Founder/CEO standpoint, to my team, and to people I work with indirectly. Clem was started when I didn’t have the opportunity so I’m very intentional about my brand and the message I portray.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’m most excited about my growth as a Founder. Each year I challenge my technique, my discipline, my motivation that’s what helps me continue to improve. My biggest lesson I’ve learned in life and as an entrepreneur is to be in control of your own destiny. Understand you have the power and discipline to put yourself in rooms that others cannot. There were many times working in retail after an 8 hour shift I’d go home and work on my brand or ran to meetings on my lunch break and it was probably the hardest task to juggle. I’m a one woman show and when people see my brand they’re always in awe at how I’ve pulled it off. In order to be successful at whatever you do you have to truly want it and work your butt off to see it to fruition.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I love to travel and it’s typically where I gather inspiration for my brand. I’d show my best friend Capri, Italy in the middle of the summer while enjoying a limoncello spritz. Boat rides and shopping are on the itinerary for the day!

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?
Aside from my late Aunt being my biggest inspiration, my high school costume teacher Penny help me hone in on my craft. She was more of a relaxed teacher, but very knowledgeable about costume history and sewing. She made me fall in love with creating behind the scenes and that’s what helped pique my interest in fashion on a career level.

Website: https://clemswimwear.com

Instagram: @clemsimwear

Twitter: @clemswimwear

Facebook: @clemswimwear16

Other: https://www.madewell.com/search?q=clem+swimwear&lang=default&context=women

Image Credits
Alejandro Gutierrez, @alejandroaro_photography Don Hunter, @depictedbydlh

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutMiami is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.