Check Out Ja’Rory Purnell’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ja’Rory Purnell.

Hi Ja’Rory, 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?
Before going to college in Atlanta (Morehouse College) it all started in Minneapolis, Minnesota. I started my journey by saving up money one summer and investing in a heat press and vinyl cutter. At first, I made AAU shirts for my high school and local teams. As word spread, I expanded into creating warm-up shirts for AAU programs across different schools.

During my senior year of high school, I decided to take things further and created Soul Not For Sale. I wanted to build more than just custom apparel. I wanted to create a brand with meaning, something I could carry with me for the rest of my life. From the beginning, the vision has always been about standing firm in your values and knowing your worth.

Since launching, I have made over $10,000 in revenue and now sell a wide range of garments on my college campus. Along the way, I became a Gucci Fellow during my freshman year, which gave me mentorship and support to grow my brand. Most recently, I was selected as an adidas Fellow. Through that fellowship, I collaborated directly with adidas to design a catalog of clothes and present them during Atlanta Fashion Week.

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?
It hasn’t been a smooth road at all. On the personal side, one of the biggest struggles was balancing everything at once. I was still a student, playing sports, and trying to build my brand from scratch. There were nights I stayed up way too late making shirts, only to wake up early for school or practice the next day. It was exhausting, but I believed in what I was building, so I kept pushing.

On the business side, I had to learn everything through trial and error. I didn’t come into this with mentors in fashion production or a lot of resources. I had to figure out how to source materials, how to design, and how to manage money on my own. One of the hardest lessons was when I messed up a $1,000 order. At the time, it felt like a huge setback—I questioned myself and whether I should even keep going. But I realized that mistakes are part of the process. Instead of letting it stop me, I used it as motivation to refine my craft and run my business more carefully.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My work centers around building Soul Not For Sale, a streetwear brand that blends fashion with meaning. I specialize in creating pieces that are stylish but also carry a deeper message of self-worth and staying true to your values. I design, source, and produce everything from T-shirts and hoodies to custom varsity cardigans, and I market and sell them both on my campus and online.

One of the things I am most proud of is how far the brand has come in a short time. I started with a heat press and vinyl rolls, and now I have generated over $10,000 in revenue, built a consistent customer base, and gained recognition from major fashion houses. During my freshman year of college, I became a Gucci Fellow and competed in a challenge against ten highly impressive peers. I won first place, receiving $1,000 and mentorship from Gucci leaders who helped me sharpen my skills and expand my vision for the brand.

Most recently, I was chosen as one of only ten students nationwide for the very selective adidas Originals HBCU Fellowship. Through that program, I worked directly with adidas to design a catalog of clothing and present those designs during Atlanta Fashion Week. That experience showed me the impact and reach my brand could have on a bigger stage.

What sets me apart is the authenticity behind my work. Soul Not For Sale is not just a name—it represents a lifestyle and a message that your values and identity are never for sale. People connect with that authenticity, and it makes the clothing more than just something to wear. Each piece becomes a statement about knowing your worth and walking with purpose.

What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
Over the next five to ten years I see the fashion industry becoming even more purpose-driven and consumer-focused. People are no longer just buying clothes to wear. They want brands that represent their values, speak to their identities, and stand for something bigger. That is where I see Soul Not For Sale thriving, because it is built on meaning as much as on design.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Sn4s.shop
• Instagram: @Jroc_3 and @SN4S.4
• LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/jarorypurnell