We’re looking forward to introducing you to Delvon Jae. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Delvon, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: Are you walking a path—or wandering?
That’s a great question—and honestly, I think I’m doing both. As I lean more into my faith, I feel like I’m on the right path by not forcing things. I’m allowing what’s meant for me to unfold, trusting that everything is aligning in my favor.
At the same time, I stay alert, open, and ready—for the detours, the divine delays, and the unexpected opportunities. So yes—I’m walking a path, but I’m also wandering with purpose.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Delvon Jae—a multihyphenated fashion artist and the founder of Checkmate Anywear. Lately, I’m learning to be like water: moving with intention, but also with grace. Accepting things for what they are—in both life and design—while staying rooted in character, discernment, and alignment with like minds.
Checkmate Anywear was born from three words that have shaped both the brand and my journey: comfort, confidence, and longevity. To me, those aren’t just style pillars—they’re survival tools. They reflect how we move through the world: dressing to face its challenges, choosing pieces that tell our story, and holding on to what truly lasts.
As a brand, Checkmate is about strategy, not excess. It honors lineage, reduces waste, and merges timeless style with sustainability. The name itself was inspired by my love of puzzles—because getting dressed is a form of problem-solving. It’s emotional. It’s strategic. It’s personal. And like chess, life requires a calculated balance of movement, patience, and intuition.
“Anywear” reflects my love for versatility—mixing high and low, luxe and lived-in, in ways that feel expressive and limitless. Styled right, the same piece can go anywhere.
Recently, I’ve expanded into Closet Curation—helping people rediscover what they already own, edit with intention, and get dressed with clarity and joy. It’s like playing dress-up with purpose. Because when you feel good in what you wear, it echoes in how you carry yourself. And that brings us right back to our core: comfort, confidence, longevity.
My story as a creative started early—sensing colors, styling personalities, and eventually studying fashion at The Art Institute of Philadelphia. But my work now is just as much about refining character as it is about crafting clothing. This journey is ongoing. And I’m learning that when you lead with faith, the next move always reveals itself.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
Definitely the shy version of me. Over time, I’ve found myself in positions where I had to lead, speak up, or simply express what I was feeling—even if it was just offering a compliment. And honestly? Sometimes you just have to get it out. Say the thing. Give the credit. Start the conversation.
As I work toward becoming the best version of myself—with the help of self-reflection, a few great books, and yes, the Internet—I’ve learned to do those things for me. Compliment someone because I mean it. Speak up because it matters. That small act of expression chips away at the old shell and makes space for something new.
I wouldn’t call her “shy” anymore—she’s more of a reserved woman now. Grounded. Growing. And understanding that confidence isn’t just a look—it’s a mindset. One that no one can take from you.
What’s something you changed your mind about after failing hard?
I don’t really view failure as a loss—I see it as feedback. Early on, I had a moment where I poured so much energy into a project for a fashion event that didn’t go as planned. The turnout was off, the timing felt wrong, and I remember thinking, Was all of that for nothing?
But the truth is, it wasn’t. That moment taught me how to pivot, how to re-center my why, and how to trust that sometimes the outcome isn’t the reward—the lesson is. I used to think failure meant going backward. Now I know it just means rerouting.
What’s for me will align. I’ve learned to trust that.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What truths are so foundational in your life that you rarely articulate them?
For me, it always comes back to three things: faith, confidence, and timing. These truths are so deeply woven into how I move that I don’t always speak them out loud—but they guide everything.
There were times I didn’t feel as confident as I do today. But the more I’ve leaned into alignment and intuition—what some call “trusting your gut”—the more clarity I’ve found. Life starts speaking to you through signs, patterns, people, and pauses.
When you quiet the noise, stay open, and trust the timing, the path becomes clear. You don’t always have to force it—you just have to be ready.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. When do you feel most at peace?
At home in my apartment. It’s my sanctuary—where I think, reflect, and create. It’s the space where I get to be fully myself, without performing or overextending.
Friends have called it peaceful, and I agree. It’s where the noise quiets, the ideas flow, and the energy feels right. Everyone needs a space like that—mine just happens to come with candles, color stories, and art supplies.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.checkmateanywear.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/checkmate_anywear
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/delvon-jae-3766b1b7/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@checkmatexdjae_
Image Credits
Designer + Artist: Delvon Jae
Photographer: Ely Williams
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
