We were lucky to catch up with J Marie recently and have shared our conversation below.
J, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
Being apart of a nation here in America that has been far removed from their God has put us ALL in a position to be cursed in a sense but our God is so good that it is also what makes us strong! Its a blessing and a curse to live in America apart of a lineage of people of color that has been slighted and continue to be in many ways that shows up in the places we are likely to live, the schools we attend all the way to the foods we eat that in turn effect our health. We go through because of it! But all the things we go through has put a resilience in us all like no other! My environment has given me resilience, my tribulations has giving me resilience, my downfalls and losses has given me resilience. Being told no, being sick, being told something isn’t going to work, being ignored, overlooked, it all gives me resilience. Having to get everything out the mud gives me resilience.
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 am the founder of J, Marie Premium Sneakers. A premium sneaker brand conceived in Detroit, handcrafted in Italy. Our sneakers are 100% Italian leather in premium finishes like faux zebra, crocodile and python in vibrant colors. The line consist of women/men sneakers , limited edition heels and boots ranging from athleisure, fashion and high fashion styles. J Marie Premium sneakers are Style , quality, comfort and color!
I started the brand shortly after a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis- at one point you couldn’t catch me dead in jeans or sneakers! But after the diagnosis I wanted to wear more comfortable shoes because anything else wreaked havoc on me. I went on a search to find a brand and either it was too athletic, childish, or masculine! I thought “Where is the sneaker for the woman like me?” A millennial, a professional, an influencer, a grown woman who didn’t want to sacrifice style for comfort or quality. There was no brand so I created my own! J Marie Premium Sneakers! A unique thing about our sneakers are they are handcrafted NOT mass produced which means higher quality because of the craftmanship, they are shipped and gets to your door in 7-10 business days at a fraction of the cost most pay for designer sneakers that are mass produced, and made with cheaper materials.
We are female founded brand and trying to change the narrative of sneakers for women in this male nominated space.
We are also changing the narrative of fast fashion by bringing light to its effect on the environment and how we combat it with our national shoe drive.
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?
I think the three qualities that has been tremendous in the growth of my brand is my ability to research and learn quickly, network and TALK to others about my brand and why they should care!
Those skills have afforded me SO many opportunities, as well as being focused and persistent.
My advice is to first be a genuine person-some skillsets are just in peoples nature some are not. Yes you can fake it but you can only pretend for so long.
Be genuine in everything that you do and everything that is supposed to happen will EXACTLY how its supposed to happen. Star there. If you don’t have that with ANYTHING you are doing….STOP!
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
Yes! I am looking to Collab with artistic folks to develop some of the designs for my sneaker boxes!
I’m looking to Collab with influencers who want to be brand ambassadors and help me tell the story of my brand in ways I cant-photographers, all walks of creatives! If that’s you-email me!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jmariepremiumsneakers.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jmarieshoes85_premiumsneakers?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y%3D
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/J-Marie-Premium-Sneakers/100035338136287/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/Jmariepremium
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@jmariepremiumsneakers7066
Image Credits
@tully.creative.media
