Meet Jean Desant

We were lucky to catch up with Jean Desant recently and have shared our conversation below.

Jean, so many exciting things to discuss, we can’t wait. Thanks for joining us and we appreciate you sharing your wisdom with our readers. So, maybe we can start by discussing optimism and where your optimism comes from?

My optimism springs from personal growth and a powerful mission shared with those who believe in the vision behind Prolifik Patternz, the brand I co-founded with Paula. For both of us, self-expression isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s a profound way to transform life’s trials into something beautiful. When Paula began to embrace her journey with bipolar disorder, she saw clothing as a unique language, one that could empower people to wear their truths boldly, to celebrate their individuality, and to defy societal expectations. Together, we’ve worked to create a space that honors resilience, diversity, and the power of art and fashion to shine a light on mental health, inspiring others to embrace their unique stories.

My optimism also draws strength from my heritage and the deep sense of community I found during a transformative journey to the Philippines. Reconnecting with my roots taught me resilience and gratitude in the face of adversity. Growing up, I fought my own battles with depression and PTSD within a culture that often keeps such struggles hidden, but through art, music, and ultimately Prolifik Patternz, I found healing and purpose. Today, I’m driven to help others break the silence around mental health and personal identity. With Paula, and the recent addition of our Director of Brand Marketing, John Anthony, our team is more determined than ever to foster a space where everyone can be unapologetically themselves—a movement uniting people through shared stories, empowering self-expression, and spreading hope for a world of greater understanding and acceptance.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

There will be 2 different stories, Paula and myself (Jean).

Here is Paula’s story.

I wear many hats—one of which is an accounting supervisor in my full-time job. My career background in business, finance, and accounting has been instrumental in putting the wheels in motion for our brand. I genuinely enjoy working with spreadsheets and logistics, which I consider an art form in its own right.

What makes Prolifik Patternz special is the opportunity it gives me to channel my struggles with bipolar disorder into something beautiful and meaningful. While I do face challenges with my moods and emotions from time to time, creating something from nothing has provided me with a much-needed outlet. It serves as a coping mechanism and a way to distract myself during tougher episodes.

One of the most exciting developments for me personally has been stepping out of my comfort zone to model our products. It’s a powerful experience to show our viewers and customers that we are real people with real stories. Through Prolifik Patternz, I aim to connect with others who may be facing their own struggles, reinforcing the message that it’s okay to be authentic and embrace our differences.

In a world that often pressures us to conform, Prolifik Patternz is about celebrating individuality and self-expression. I hope our brand inspires others to wear their stories proudly and to recognize that, despite life’s challenges, we can find strength and beauty in our journeys.

Here is my story (Jean).

Thank you for the opportunity to share my journey with Prolifik Patternz. This brand began from a deep love for art, music, and the power of expression—outlets that became essential for me while growing up. My childhood wasn’t the prettiest story, and, like so many others, I faced the challenges life threw my way. Life was definitely a struggle, with obstacles that tested my resilience and shaped who I am today. One of the biggest challenges was figuring out how to be true to myself. Coming to terms with my identity as a lesbian wasn’t easy, especially within Filipino culture, where traditional views often made it difficult to be open about who I was. It took time, reflection, and courage to embrace who I am fully.

Just like my partner Paula, I wear many hats. Recently, I took the leap and left my corporate job of almost six years to dedicate myself fully to Prolifik Patternz. That job, while it helped me develop professionally, was incredibly stressful and took a toll on my mental health. Thankfully, I have Paula’s support, and now I’m able to go all-in on this vision we share.

Prolifik Patternz isn’t just about apparel; it’s about wearing something that resonates and creating a safe space for people to feel seen, heard, and understood. Every piece we design is inspired by real stories and life moments that I hope others can relate to or find meaning in. One collection I’m especially excited about is *Barkadaz*. In Filipino culture, *barkada* means “friends,” symbolizing the strong bond among those who share life’s ups and downs together. And, of course, it wouldn’t be Prolifik without adding our own twist to it, which is why the “z” adds a little uniqueness to this collection.

Our ultimate goal is to open a physical printing shop where we can provide services to the community, creating a space that encourages creativity and self-expression. Through this shop, we also hope to join forces with other organizations and companies to give back to those in need, whether through clothing donations, mental health initiatives, or any cause that supports our community.

As Prolifik Patternz grows, I’m looking forward to hosting events that foster open conversations around self-expression and mental health. For us, it’s all about creating apparel with purpose and ensuring everyone who wears it feels they’re part of something meaningful.

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?

Reflecting on our journey with Prolifik Patternz, three essential qualities—self-awareness, empathy, and resilience have truly defined our path and personal growth. Self-awareness helped us focus the brand on storytelling and self-expression, especially for Paula, who, through her experience with bipolar disorder, found a passion for mental health advocacy that is central to Prolifik Patternz. We encourage others to prioritize self-reflection through journaling or meditation to understand their values and motivations, making their journey more meaningful.

Empathy has been equally important, especially for Jean, whose connection to her roots and commitment to helping others, particularly in the Philippines, inspire her to create a safe, inclusive space for expression. Engaging with your community, listening, and volunteering can foster the empathy needed to make a genuine impact.

Resilience is the final cornerstone, built through navigating challenges—Paula’s mental health journey and Jean’s cultural expectations among them. Learning to embrace setbacks as valuable lessons has strengthened our brand and kept us moving forward. We believe resilience grows over time, supported by a strong network and the willingness to learn from failure.

Together, self-awareness, empathy, and resilience have enabled us to build Prolifik Patternz into a brand that reflects our stories and connects with others. We hope these qualities inspire others on their own journeys.

If you knew you only had a decade of life left, how would you spend that decade?

Absolutely, we are currently grappling with significant mental health challenges. It’s a journey filled with ups and downs, and there are days when it feels particularly heavy. The struggle to maintain a positive outlook while dealing with our own emotional turmoil can be incredibly taxing.

When you’re not in the right frame of mind, trying to spread positivity often feels like climbing a steep hill with no end in sight. There’s a constant battle within—on one side, there’s the desire to uplift others, to share hope and light; on the other, there’s the weight of our own sadness, anxiety, or confusion that can overshadow those intentions. It’s hard to be the beacon of light when you’re fighting your own shadows.

However, we’ve discovered that even in our struggles, there’s a unique power in spreading positivity. It’s almost like a cycle: the more we reach out to others, the more we begin to heal ourselves. Sharing words of encouragement or simply being there for someone else can create a sense of connection that reminds us we’re not alone in this fight. It’s as if the act of giving hope becomes a form of self-care—a reminder that, despite the chaos within, there’s still beauty and kindness in the world.

Yet, this isn’t to say it’s easy. There are days when the heaviness of our mental state makes it feel impossible to muster even a small smile or a kind word. On those days, we have to remind ourselves that it’s okay to not be okay. It’s okay to take a step back, to focus on our own healing. We learn to acknowledge our feelings instead of suppressing them, understanding that vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness.

In sharing this journey, we find a sense of community. We are learning that while our struggles can feel isolating, there’s an entire world out there filled with people who are also fighting their own battles. This realization doesn’t erase our challenges, but it does make them feel a little less daunting.

So, while we continue to face these mental health challenges, we also embrace the moments of light we can share. It’s a delicate balance, and every small act of positivity we offer to others serves as a reminder that healing is a journey, not a destination. We’re learning to take it one day at a time, celebrating the small victories, and finding strength in our shared experiences.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.prolifikpatternz.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prolifikpatternz/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/prolifikpatternz/
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@prolifikjd

Image Credits

Jean DeSant
Paula DeSant

Thank you for allowing us to share our story. It’s important for us to be open about our experiences, as we believe sharing our journey can foster connection and understanding. We’re grateful for the opportunity to contribute to this conversation and inspire others to embrace their own stories.