We recently connected with Jacob Heath and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Jacob , really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
I have always been lucky to know that I love the arts and needed a career in it. Through the years I experimented with different media to find the one that I really loved. After graduating high school I began having an interest in fashion. Very quickly I became obsessed with it. I absolutely fell in love! However, I needed a deeper purpose than the superficial fashion industry. The industry is full of amazing people but it’s also filled with a lot of cruel, judgmental, and biased individuals. I could see the discomfort, intimidation and rejection people felt who loved fashion but didn’t feel they had a place in it. This is where I began finding my purpose. I was determined to change this mindset. I knew I couldn’t change the whole industry but I could create a safe space where fashion lovers could come to feel accepted and seen. I began posting my designs online while also sharing the struggles I face with mental health and just overall life. When I began receiving heartfelt messages from strangers telling me how much I inspire them I knew I found my purpose. The day that it really sank in was when I was asked to give a lecture on my journey to a group of fashion students in my hometown of Baltimore. I gave my lecture and by the end students were crying from feeling so inspired and hopeful. That was the first time I saw the direct impact my story and journey had on others. Im still evolving and continuing to find ways to inspire others through fashion. My biggest advice to someone trying to find their purpose is to find something you love, search for the flaws and find a way to fix or improve those issues.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I wear many hats in my career! During the day I work at a non profit teaching the sewing trade to individuals for free. After hours I work at my studio in Baltimore city teaching paid sewing classes as well as things for my own brand. I have a rule for myself which is I must work on something fashion related for a few hours each day. My dream is to own my own non profit that focuses on building up the local Baltimore fashion scene as well as offers a safe space for creatives to come network, learn, and find work. Included in this is having a factory that students can train in manufacturing clothing for my personal brand. It will be a great way for them to make money while gaining real world experience. I am extremely passionate about the Baltimore fashion scene. I have met so many incredible people that make me feel like I have a place here. In addition to that Baltimore has some incredible artists and creatives. A lot of people want to give up on our city. I however, see the beauty in it. So many great things come from devastation. I don’t see why Baltimore can’t rise from the ashes. Especially knowing how much talent it holds. Im definitely juggling a lot but when you do what you love it doesn’t feel like work. Currently I am working on a new mini collection! Im creating a line of affordable garments for people who love my brand but can’t afford the couture pieces. I don’t have an official launch date but I always give updates on my instagram.
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?
Looking back I would say the three most important things to be aware of while starting your journey is: Finding a community of like minded individuals, gaining technical training and knowledge and finding a mentor in your field. These three things were monumental in my journey. Without my friends, mentor and skillset I would not of been able to do the things I wanted to. My advice for people early in their journey is to have patience, strong work ethic, positive attitude and to understand that these things take time. Don’t compare yourself to veterans in the industry. In the beginning you will never be able to compete with someone with 30 plus more years of experience in your field. Stay realistic and understand that they were in your same exact position. My biggest takeaway looking back is how to frame things. I was constantly worrying about being the best that I missed some of the small details that really help shape you as an individual. If you feel your head running away take a step back and reframe the situation. Always remember that if you work hard enough at something you will accomplish it! The hardest part is having the patience while you get there.
Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?
My friends and mentor have been the biggest help in me overcoming challenges. My friends are also in fashion and design. They have taught me so much! In the beginning I was competitive, rigid and didn’t allow room for error and mistakes. After getting close to my friends I observed how resilient they were when it came to criticism and critique. What would tear me apart they would brush off and bounce right back. I noticed this and wanted to adopt those qualities. Over time their perspective on things rubbed off on me. I softened up, allowed myself to make mistakes, and bounced back more easily from negative critique. It made me a happier person and at the same time I gained my lifelong friends. I would fall apart nowadays without them. They act as a constant reminder to keep a light hearted attitude and to keep going despite any adversity I face.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.jacobheathshearling.com
- Instagram: @jacobheathdesign
Image Credits
Photography: Lacey Braden Instagram @be.photography__ Model: Lexzana, instagram: @lexzana Model: Jewels, instagram: @jewelspritchett
