Today we’d like to introduce you to Janell Johnson.
Janell, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
As a child, I was never the kid to go to the toy department. I would run off to the home decor sections. I enjoyed pretending that my room was my own little apartment when I got older. I would buy things from the dollar store to decorate. When it came time to go to college, I was torn between a degree in Interior Design and Fashion Merchandising. I chose the Textiles and Apparel Studies program at Delaware State University. For years I pursued a career in fashion, mostly design. I eventually figured out that fashion design just wasn’t for me. I began focusing more on the business and merchandising side of fashion and Launched a retail merchandising consulting business. I also began dabbling in DIY and repurposing projects for home furnishing and decor. I realized that the repurposing was more of a hobby and not something I could see myself doing full-time as a business. I began creating the foundation for SUITE828 in 2017 when my grandmother gave me her home.
The home needed a complete renovation. With the house renovated, I found that I was having a hard time finding those home accents and decor items that spoke to me. Instead of complaining and settling for anything, I decided to build my own home accents boutique that offered things that spoke more to myself and also to those out there looking for those unique items to fill their spaces with. The name SUITE828 has an important meaning to me. August 28th is my dad’s birthday. It is also the day he was murdered when I was six. 8/28 is used a lot in my life in memory of my dad. The word SUITE is a room and the merchandise we offered is used to decorate a room or space. However, it was the way we pronounce it, like “Sweet,” that made me choose it. So it’s like saying “Sweet 8/28”, a bittersweet day for myself and my family.
J. Nicole Merchandising Agency became a passion of mine after college. After my experience working in retail and starting a clothing line, I noticed a need for education and assistance with retail merchandising and the processes. I wanted to particularly focus on Black owned retail businesses because of the lack of presence and success of our businesses in the fashion industry. My mission is to help them build strong merchandising plans and processes because knowing how to plan, buy, and sell your inventory is the heart of a success retail business.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
After spending a little less three years of researching, planning, and preparing for the official launch of SUITE828, I couldn’t have prepared for what would happen when COVID 19 hit. I built what I believed was a pretty solid foundation. I didn’t rush it, I took my time and has a plan for everything I could think of. Although my foundation was already laid out for a 2020 launch, I had no way of knowing that the virus would impact us the way it did. I had already begun buying and receiving merchandise luckily; however, I had so much more inventory that did arrive or months because of COVID. I was able to launch, with very limited inventory. To my surprise, SUITE828 was well received and although slow, sales were consistent. I realized that people were afraid to spend money during this time, and I had to change my marketing plan to reflect the positive of creating a space they love since we are being quarantined. I also still operate my Retail Merchandising Consulting Agency, many of the preparation skills I teach my clients kicked in to help save my newly launched home accents boutique. Was it a smooth road? No. However, I think that, no matter how much time you plan and prepare, there is always that possibility of the unexpected to come and throw you for a loop. Be prepared to pivot and adapt.
With J. Nicole Merchandising Agency, the obstacle has been convincing people that what I’m telling them will help. I find that people who have already been in business, hire me, but have no intentions on changing or implementing the strategies that have been suggested.
Please tell us about SUITE828 and J. Nicole Merchandising Agency.
I currently own and operate two businesses. J. Nicole Merchandising Agency is a Retail Merchandising Consulting agency that assists new and existing retailers and boutique owners with inventory management, visual merchandising, and retail pricing. This business reflects my specialization and what I’m known for. I’ve worked in various positions in Retail and Fashion. I’ve earned a Bachelor’s in Textiles and Apparel studies under the Family and Consumer Sciences program. I also have a Master’s in Marketing Management, which aids in my knowledge of Visual Merchandising. This knowledge helps me with my second business, which is SUITE828.
SUITE828 is a small home accents boutique offering unique home decor items. SUITE828 also helps me with advising and consulting my clients but giving me first-hand experience on things like surviving COVID19. I’m proud of J. Nicole Merchandising Agency because I get to help other people in the retail and fashion industry create merchandising plans and processes that will help their businesses grow and be successful. I’m proud of SUITE828 because I was able to turn a simple interest of home accents into a business that people enjoy as well. I think what sets me apart from others is my intense thirst and need to continue learning my craft. I’m 33, with a two-year-old child, two businesses, and I still took on an unpaid internship with Philly Fashion Week just to gave more knowledge and network. I’ve taken non-credit courses just to stay fresh with knowledge of my field. The more I know, the more my clients know, and the better I can operate both businesses.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was sassy, according to my mom lol. I had a bossy side to me. I always liked things to be a certain way. My friends always pointed me out to be the leader in things. I was adventurous. I loved being outside with my friends, building clubhouses and riding bikes. I was always creative. I did things like make gowns for my barbies using my grandmother’s silk and satin scarves and broaches. I was very interested in art in all forms.
Contact Info:
- Address: 601 Upland Avenue Brookhave, PA 19015
- Website: www.SUITE828.com www.JNicoleMerchandising.com
- Email: Hello@SUITE828.com Info@JNicoleMerchandising.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Suite828/ https://www.instagram.com/j.nicolemerch/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SUITE828/ https://www.facebook.com/JNicoleMerchandisingAgency/
Image Credit:
Professional Headshots: Steven “MarEazi Photos”
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