Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennet Jackson.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
So I’m driving in my car one day and I began thinking about the evolution of my style over the years. I realized that one staple piece that has ALWAYS been a part of my wardrobe is a pair of ripped/distressed jeans. I began reflecting on the meaning behind this piece of clothing. I believe that our style represents us. It tells a story of who we are and how we want people to see us. So how does a ripped pair of jeans represent me? What message have I been conveying through the rips and tears of my denim? How do they make me feel?
My denim and camos represent how I’ve WEATHERED through the myriad of experiences in my life that have made me the person that I am today. They say to the world, “Yes, I’ve been knocked down (holes in the knees). Yes, I’ve made mistakes (stains and spills). Yes, there were times when I was hanging on by a thread (pun intended)….but, I still came out winning…EVERY SINGLE TIME!!!” I share my struggles in life because I want people to see how beautiful life can be once we’ve WEATHERED through.
Hence, the birth of Weathered Not Worn! Clothing that represents people who have weathered life’s storms, but have learned to embrace their story. I’ve taken my love of denim and camos and customized each pair to create a weathered look that represents the unique struggles we each go through and how we overcome. I want the collection to empower us, connect us, and remind us to KEEP FIGHTING!
Great, 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?
For the most part, I have allowed my business to evolve into what it’s become and I am excited to watch the evolution continue. I believe in staying in “the flow” and moving in the direction life takes you to learn the necessary lessons along the way. The biggest challenge for me has been simultaneously managing a full-time job as an assistant principal and nurturing my business. I have finally gotten to the point of realizing my business operations needed to be streamlined so that I could enlist the help of an assistant and focus more on the creative side of the business. My husband and my friends have been a tremendous help along the way from production, to marketing, to sales, and the list goes on. I couldn’t have gotten this far without them.
Please tell us about Weathered Not Worn.
Time wears all things. Literally taken, weathering is an aspect of the elements, but not without time. Weathering then is the process by which things in our world, and the world itself, are in the process of becoming. In appreciating this process, one becomes aware of the signs of surviving age, stress, life, the toll of an ordeal or accomplishment, and existence itself. Through weathering a compelling narrative unfolds.
Each of our customized garments represents the unique storms we’ve weathered. They reflect our trials (rips, tears, and stains – some caused naturally while others self-imposed) as well as our triumphs (how we choose to rock ‘em). EVERYTHING that has happened to you has BECOME a beautiful part of YOU. It is the GOOD that GOD promised would ALL WORK TOGETHER. We’re WEATHERED, but we’re NOT WORN.
I am most proud of the way people have connected to the brand. Let’s be honest, you can go to a department store and purchase distressed denim for 20 bucks, but all you would get is distressed denim. With our brand, you get an experience, a way to connect with your clothing that reminds you to EMBRACE YOUR STORY and EXPRESS YOUR STYLE.
I am also excited about our expansion! We have recently added The Crown Collection which are uniquely customized fedoras handcrafted by Ted Jackson of The G Spot Creation. Now our clients can wear a “crown” that represents their Weathered Not Worn journey!
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
I loved having slumber parties. I would do complete make-overs on all my girlfriends! They would go through my closet and pick out pieces they liked and I would style them, do their hair and makeup, and conduct mini photoshoots or fashion reveals. Such wonderful memories from childhood! When working with my clients today, I still feel that same joy and fulfillment watching them try on our clothes or getting pictures of them rocking our brand. I love when my clients look and feel good in our clothing.
Contact Info:
- Website: weatherednotworn.com
- Email: hello@weatherednotworn.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/weatherednotwornbyj
- Facebook: facebook.com/weatherednotworn
Image Credit:
Katlyne Hill Photography
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