Rising Stars: Meet Jessica Levon of Atlanta

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Levon.

Hi Jessica, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Nice to meet you, I’m Jessica. Truly, I don’t have a monumentous origin story, but I can say I’ve always had huge dreams and a never ending sense of entrepenurship. Since I was about 5 or 6 I knew I just wanted to create impact. With time, age, and experiencing life; defining what that looks like has been its own journey and I have come out knowing that I am a multi- faceted business owner. Today has been shaped by the experience of losing my father during COVID-19, Jump starting an apparel business at 21 years old, and finding my own community using apps like Tik-tok and Twitch has opened me and doors up that I couldn’t have ever imagined and I am so grateful.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Along the way, I have encountered everything from quitting jobs, false investing, financial decline, you name it. The first thing you are taught about being an entrepreneur is you are taking a huge risk. These risks have taught me what sucesses do not: Grit & Perserverance.
Owning a business is taking a chance on yourself and how you choose to leverage those risks are up to you. I take all mistakes, mishaps, conflict, and reset as learning moments to keep pushing forward; because that’s what being a small business is about. My road, I do not expect it to be easier than now, but I do see my growth and realization coming from my perseverance through it all, thus making my goals easier to reach.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Quality and connection is at the heart of Eshe Apparel Co. Every garment and accessory is crafted with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring that you not only look good but feel the essence of Black culture with every wear. My designs are more than aesthetics; they are a connection to a rich tapestry of history and a nod to a vibrant future. Eshe, means “life” in Swahili, it embodies the spirit of my brand. I believe in breathing life into apparel by infusing it with the narratives and legacies that shape us. The vision for Eshe Apparel Co. is rooted in a deep appreciation for the diversity and resilience of the Black community. I use my creativity to showcase Black excellence, art, and talent, while staying inclusive & sustainible.

Can you share something surprising about yourself?
Most people who know me might find it very surprising that all of my products are handmade by me! I take the time to research, understand materials, and source them locally. One of my missions is to remain sustainible or near the prospect of as an apparel company. Most brands now are print on demand, dropshipping, or generally have no real personal touch. I create apparel and accessories that take nature into consideration, while also utilizing nature’s treasures to create. For example, The Chattahoochee River is native to GA as well as many differnt species of animal; and I happen to visit often. Shells wash up very often without any inhabitants, so I use them as jewlery material. This is just one of the ways I try to practice sustainibility and because of this my prices seldom go above $10 for earrings, apparel, or anything I decide to make.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://esheapparel.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/esheapparel.co/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/esheapparelco/
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@esheapparel.co