Today we’d like to introduce you to Jackie Dior.
Hi Jackie, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I’m originally from Detroit, MI. My family and I moved to San Diego, CA, when I was 17 years old. I moved to the Atlanta, GA, area five years ago. I started Jackie Dior in December 2019. I originally started on Instagram and Facebook. I put the word out there that I was making custom shirts for people and customers sent me their orders via my DMs or email. I used the funds from that and invested in my inventory for my online women’s boutique.
When I was younger, I used to sketch and draw out women’s clothes. I’ve always wanted to own my own store or be in the Fashion Industry in one way or another. When I moved to Atlanta, I originally wanted to be a Wardrobe Stylist. I interned as a Personal Assistant for six months before becoming ill. During that time, I learned all the ins and outs of being a Wardrobe Stylist. I learned so much during that time. I also saw the back-end work of how to open an online business store. Once I saw that, I knew I was able to make my dreams come true. I’ve always helped my friends and family with their wardrobe, so this was just another step for me.
2020 was the year I was prepared to network and expand my business. Due to the pandemic, everything came to a stop! Pop Up Shop events were being canceled, vendors were closed and delaying shipping, and I had to take a shift. I was still doing custom shirts, so I decided to make some to add to my website. I also made some shirts regarding Black Lives Matter. It was a blessing to still be able to stay in business during that first year. I was still able to have New Arrivals once a month, as well as still do custom shirts orders.
2021 has been a Blessing! I’ve been busy with Pop Up Shop events every weekend since March. I was a vendor at The Big Black Pop Up Shop hosted by Yandy Smith and Rae Holliday. I’ve been networking with other black-owned businesses, and sales have been great! I know that things are going to get better, and I’m grateful for every opportunity I’ve had. I’ve gotten to this point because I didn’t give up. I’ve always had a hustle and a drive about myself. I actually started being an entrepreneur at the age of nine or ten. I used to design hats with rhinestones and sell them to my mother’s friends. The support has always been there as well. The love and support that I’ve been receiving from all angles is unreal. I knew my time for success was coming and I waited patiently for it.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road has not been smooth. My first year being in business was 2020. When the pandemic happened and events started to get canceled, I was scared for my business. I knew networking was a big part of getting my business out there; I just wasn’t sure how that was going to happen. People were losing their jobs, and I didn’t want to be insensitive about it by posting New Arrivals, etc. I second-guessed myself a lot during that time. I actually wanted to put my store on hold and wait until everything was back to normal.
I was also in conflict with myself in regards to choosing my inventory. There’s so many online women’s boutique and sometimes we see different stores carrying the same items. When I see that, sometimes I don’t want to get those items for my store. My thoughts were, why would people buy this from me when they see it on another website? This store has way more followers than I do on Instagram. People are most likely going to purchase it from them instead of me.
I had a conversation with someone and they told me, “People are going to buy from you because of YOU! There’s enough money going around for everyone, even during the pandemic. If you keep thinking like that, then you will end up closing your store. If you want to stay in business, then get busy!” That conversation changed my way of thinking, and business started to get better.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Jackie Dior is an online women’s clothing boutique. I also do custom t-shirt orders. I am known for having stylish items on my site, showing my customers how to style their items and sales for all special events. What sets me apart from others is my ability to engage with my customers and allow them to see my journey and my growth. I’m very big on customer service and being able to speak with the directly is important to me. I am proud that my brand is continuing to grow and expand. I’m proud to be able to serve my community in whichever way possible. Seeing my customers with their items on or happy about their custom t-shirts is very rewarding. Readers should know that Jackie Dior is more than a brand. It’s a journey, a story, our story. I opened my business at 36 years old. I overcame my thoughts of thinking I was too old to start. I know I’m not the only one that feels this way. I want my customers to know that you’re never too old to start anything. When it’s your turn and your time, nothing will stand in the way.
What matters most to you?
What matters most to me is being able to help other businesses along the way. I didn’t get this far by myself; there were people who helped me. I believe when we help each other. Then God will bless us with more. Every time I meet other business owners, we’re able to share information and resources that the other person didn’t know about. I want to be a guide for others and show them what worked for me.
Pricing:
- Sassy Splits Pants Sets starting at $35
- Basic Short Sets $30
- Marie Maxi Dress $28
- Dior Fedoras $32
Contact Info:
- Email: jackie.dior19@gmail.com
- Website: www.jackiedior.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/jackie.dior
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/jackie.dior19
