Today we’d like to introduce you to Laura Jackson.
Laura, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I started my company Adorn Me a little over two years ago. I retired from the Marshalls division of the TJX Corporation after 32 years of service. At my family retirement party, my dear friend Lauwana Gaye said, “Laura you are not retiring. This is now your time to recreate, restore, revive and renew what you are passionate about!” I have loved fashion all my life. I was born in Harlem and moved to Englewood, New Jersey at the age of two. I grew up with my brother, sister, Mom and Dad in a close-knit community. When I was seven years old, my Mother gave me a child-sized sewing machine. To operate it, you turned a wheel on the side. I spent hours designing dolls clothes and accessories!
At about age ten, I started taking sewing lessons and my Mother bought me my first Singer sewing machine. As a teen, I started wearing and loving vintage clothing. Keep in mind this was the late 60’s a time when you could express yourself thru what you wore. After high school, I pursued a fashion business career at Laboratory Institute of Merchandising in New York City. During my college years, my daughter Rachel was born. With the support of family and friends I graduated and started my career. I worked as a retail manager for most of my work career but always had my hands in fashion and design. Whether window dressing, designing garments for boutiques or throwing corporate parties for thousands of employees, I enjoyed designing and creating!!
Has it been a smooth road?
For me the social media aspect of business was the most challenging. Most of it was brand new to me. I hired someone to help me get all my social platforms created and linked. I also take classes and asked questions of everyone! When in doubt I send my post to my daughter to review it before going live!
It’s important for me to stay in a learning and listening mode at all times. You never know who has that next lead on information or contacts that will help you. Be kind and patient. It helps you stay centered and on course.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Adorn Me – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Adorn Me is a company with an eye on the unique way people adorn themselves through traditions, customs, and trends around to world. I have studied and collected world jewelry and clothing since high school. So many of these items are not only beautiful to the eye but tell a story about the wearer. Their age, gender, tribe, marital status, social status and much more can be told by a particular necklace or bracelet, bead or shell. So many of these items are handmade and passed from generation to generation. After traveling to West Africa and curating leatherworks and jewelry for many years, I added the vintage kimono collection. The vintage kimono is unique because they are one of a kind. Even if you have the same color or fabric, you will see a difference in the weave or lining or length of the sleeve. I have joined fashion and culture thru my collection. The kimono can be worn for any occasion and paired with everything from jeans to evening wear, swim to loungewear, and even home decor. I have women’s kimono styles as well as a large selection of men’s kimono styles dating back to the 1930s. I show at Scott Antique Market in Atlanta the second weekend of each month. I enjoy working one on one with my clients there! There are many kimono lovers who enjoy selecting a kimono for an occasion or to add to their collection. There are also clients who have coveted kimono styles and are excited to wear one for the first time! In the spring of 2018, I opened a second shop in Martha’s Vineyard Mass. The shop is curated by Cynthia da Silva a long time resident of the island. During the months of June thru September Cynthia shows at local markets and events. This summer vacation location is perfect for our kimono and accessory line. Her IG address is @adornmemv and the website is adornmemv.com. I am thrilled when I work with movie costumers and celebrity fashion stylists! My kimonos have been in music videos and fashion shoots around the country. I also work with visual and fiber artist to transform a kimono into a custom look. I have highlighted several of the artists in my photos!
There’s a wealth of academic research that suggests that lack of mentors and networking opportunities for women has materially affected the number of women in leadership roles. Smart organizations and industry leaders are working to change this, but in the meantime, do you have any advice for finding a mentor and building a network?
My number one mentor is my daughter Rachel Johnson. She grew up running around town with me to the thrift shops and NY museums. Even as a little girl we would travel together around New York & New Jersey to shop or get some style inspiration. Rachel is now a top celebrity stylist who has had her own company for 18 years, The Thomas Faison Agency. She has helped me every step of the way teaching me social media (so important), helping me with shows and promoting her Momma!! I also learn from so many fabulous people I meet!
Many of my clients are artists and business owners. It’s important to support and promote them whenever possible. Keep that circle of prosperity in motion!
Contact Info:
- Address: Scott Antique Market – Second Weekend of each month
South Bldg. 3850 Jonesboro Road, Atlanta 30354
Aisle K11 Booth 6225 - Cell phone: 404 695-6908
- Email: Adornmetribal@gmail.com
- Instagram: adornmetreasures
- Etsy Shop: AdornMeTreasures
- Adorn Me Martha’s Vineyard: Cynthia da Silva
- Cell Phone: 508 693-6003
- Email: adornmemv@gmail.com
- Instagram: adornmemv
- Website: adornmemv.com
Image Credit:
Lauren Cowart Photography (two photos)
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
