Daily Inspiration: Meet Jakayla Thomas

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jakayla Thomas.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
As a black woman from Detroit Michigan, I’ve faced many adversities. Growing up on the Eastside of Detroit has been a life-impacting experience. At a very young age, I learned two powerful values that I still uphold to this day. Keep your hustle and always rely on your wisdom. It was my hustle that helped me become my very own boss. It was the wisdom that helped me keep faith in my business journey. Growing up on the Eastside of Detroit was very challenging. There were moments when I felt I was becoming a product of my environment. I knew that sooner or later, I would have to make a decision that would not only impact myself but my future. It is not hard to become a product of your environment. It was my wisdom that helped me to manifest my true dreams to come true, which was to become my very own boss. I pushed myself, no matter my circumstances. Not only did I continue to push myself, but I was lucky enough to have a very great support system.

My family is the best support I have had thus far. I always knew that I would be the person within my family to break generational curses. This feeling is unforgettable. I always had a feeling that I would be successful. The issue was I did not know what it was that was going to make me successful. While living in Detroit, I’d often brainstorm different business ideas, but none of them seem to stick! While feeling optimistic, I decided that I needed a change in scenery. At the young age of seventeen, I decided to venture off and attend Kentucky State University. It was at Kentucky State University when I realized my love and passion for fashion. Due to financial circumstances, I eventually transferred to Ferris State University (FSU). It was at FSU where I put action into my passion and love for fashion. While attending FSU I created an organization named Student Fashion Alliance. Student Fashion Alliance was an organization dedicated to people like myself, who held a deep love for fashion. Allowing others to express their talents through clothing design, modeling and artistry opened up my creative thought process.

As the president of the Student Fashion Alliance, I planned out our very first fashion show. It was a huge success! There were over 500 guests and over ten vendors. It was at that moment I knew I’d found my true calling. Not only did I help others to see my creativity, but I also instilled in girls like myself that the world has endless opportunities. In 2017 I turned my dreams into reality. Xplore Closet & Collections was born! Xplore Closet & Collections is not your ordinary boutique. Xplore Closet & Collections specializes in personal styling, women’s apparel, men’s apparel, footwear, handbags, and exclusive accessories. At Xplore Closet & Collections, we value all of our customers. Xplore Closet & Collections embraces a luxurious shopping experience.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I’d be telling a lie if I told anyone that my journey as a boutique owner was an easy one. There were plenty of times I thought I would not make it. I learned as I worked and worked as I learned. Long nights and early mornings are no strangers to business owners like myself. One of the most important lessons I learned while being the owner of Xplore Closet & Collections is that when one door shuts another one opens. There is no right or wrong way to be a boss. As a young black business owner, I beat many odds. Early on, I’d decided to accept all flaws and failures as a business owner. I will always remind myself and others that this is just the beginning.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Welcome to Xplore Closet & Collection, where creativity is expressed and explore through High Fashion and Art. Xplore Closet Launched [officially] on January 17th, 2017 from the comfort of my Bedroom Closet, and has continued to Grow into my first Storefront. Xplore Closet & Collections is a luxury boutique store that offers personal styling and clothing for women and men. At Xplore closet, we give the new-age designer the opportunity to add their design to our store collection. Xplore closet values customers first, diversity and inclusion, innovation and collaboration. Xplore Closet is a very unique brand. We planned to take our services all around the world and offer Traveling Stylist.

What I love most about the brand is the unique name “Xplore” came to my dreams as a young child. I always said to myself I will travel the world. Now, look at me at the age of 25 a Black young educated women sitting on top of the world. I get to travel the world and see different styles of fashion. The name fits me and where I will continue to Explore. I am very big on giving back to my community and it warms my heart that I can contribute to the neighborhood I was raised in positively. It feels good to have come this far, but I know that this is only the beginning. I am extremely thankful for each person that helped me to get where I am today. It’s very exciting to have my own store, and this location will always be home to me because it reminds me everyday to always remain humble and don’t forget my struggles of my success.

What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
What I love best about Detroit is the atmosphere of downtown. Driving into downtown, you’re captured by all of the bright lights. What I love most about being in downtown Detroit is exploring all the new businesses. Downtown Detroit has become one of the main attractions for new business owners. Not only are there new businesses, but the owners are as young as me. Each moment I am downtown, I am reminded of how Detroit is a city filled with opportunities. Detroit has molded me to become an inclusive, innovative, and collaborative business owner.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: Xploreclosetcollection.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_xplorecloset/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/XploreCloset

Image Credits
Taizon Taylor Photography Allantae Jackson Nautica Coleman