We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Carlton Jones a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Carlton, thank you for being such a positive, uplifting person. We’ve noticed that so many of the successful folks we’ve had the good fortune of connecting with have high levels of optimism and so we’d love to hear about your optimism and where you think it comes from.
My optimism comes from a knowing that I’m pursuing the path I’m destined to be on. Optimism doesn’t feel forced—it feels like remembering who I’ve always been and who I’m growing to be.. That kind of clarity gives me confidence that I’m meant to succeed.”
“I’ve faced enough setbacks to know what doesn’t break me makes me more focused. Each challenge has shaped me with a stronger sense of self and vision. That track record fuels my optimism—because I’ve seen myself rise again and again.”
“It’s not just about personal success. I have a vision of helping others that goes beyond me—something I feel responsible to build. That responsibility gives me energy. It’s bigger than fear, and it keeps my optimism alive.”
Whenever I’m creating, I feel most alive—and when I’m in that state, I tap into a kind of flow that reminds me I’m exactly where I need to be. That flow is my fuel—it makes me trust what’s unfolding.”

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I’m a sustainable designer and creative guide, working at the intersection of style, self-expression, and soul. My work is about more than just creating beautiful pieces—it’s about designing with intention, honoring the Earth, and helping others reconnect with their essence through what they wear and how they live.
What excites me most is the transformational power of personal style when it’s rooted in authenticity. Fashion can be a portal for self-awareness, and I’m passionate about guiding others—especially through retreats and community experiences—to use style as a form of storytelling, healing, and reclamation.
My brand is a living philosophy. It stands for slow creation, sensual living, and a deep respect for craft, culture, and nature. , my journey as a stylist in New York, and my evolution into sustainability is utilized to help people express themselves in ways that feel both grounded and liberated.
Lately, I’ve been developing new ways to bring this work into community—through immersive retreats, creative workshops, and a forthcoming guidebook that helps people explore their personal archetypes and style language. It’s all about bridging the inner world with the outer one—so we can show up more whole, more conscious, and more connected.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
1. Integrity of Vision
My work is purpose-driven, so protecting the clarity and depth of my vision is essential. Integrity here means staying aligned with my values—whether that’s sustainability, soulful living, or authentic expression—even when it would be easier to compromise.
2. Relational Magnetism
My path is deeply relational—through styling others, guiding retreats, or co-creating with fellow artists and entrepreneurs. The ability to inspire, listen, and forge meaningful connections is a key force in how my ideas ripple outward. This isn’t about charisma alone; it’s a love of collaboration and a gift for creating spaces where people feel seen, inspired, and safe to express themselves.
3. Creative Resilience
The world of conscious fashion and community building demands flexibility. Trends shift, people change, and visions evolve. Creative resilience means you adapt without losing your spark. You can pivot, reimagine, or slow down while still trusting the long arc of your calling. It’s how you’ll sustain momentum without burning out.
My advice to nurture and improve on these skills would be as follows:
For Integrity to vision-“Protect the seed before you show the bloom.”
In the early stages, your vision is tender. Don’t rush to make it palatable or trendy.
For relational magnetism-Prioritize listening. Be the person who really sees others, and they’ll want to build with you.
As for creative resilience, I would say-“You don’t need to be consistent—just committed.”
Your business is an extension of your being. When you tend to your inner landscape, your outer work becomes inevitable.

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
I’m always looking for collaborators to grow my tribe. The best collaborators will mirror and complement your values, while bringing unique strengths to the table. I’m looking for value aligned visionaries, craftspeople and storytellers.
These are purpose-driven artists, designers, and entrepreneurs who are also deeply committed to conscious living, sustainability, and soulful expression.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://carltonjonescollection.com
- Instagram: @carltonjonescollection
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551095823899
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlton-jones-a422316/
- Twitter: @carltonjonesnyc
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@carltonjones2826
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/carltonjones212/



Image Credits
Sean Watters
Jose Amigo
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
