The Journey

For those who know me personally, I have always been the person to find peace in my art, I have always found comfort in my creativity but in this world where social media rules, I’ve certainly been pushed out of this comfort!

I have decided to write this journal to show the world inside the Jennifer Clair universe and show, well, me. I hope to inspire others for their own creative journeys (even when it seems scary and out of your comfort zone!)

So… where to begin?  Seems only logically to start from the very beginning!

Born and raised in Blackburn, a small town in the North of England, I didn’t have the most luxurious upbringing, but I had all that I needed; family, health and love. My parents worked hard, never lived beyond their means and filled my siblings and myself with the confidence that we could do anything we set our heads and hearts too.

I was adamant, growing up, that I would move to London and have my own fashion brand. I would linger in the magazine aisles at the supermarket to speed read as many fashion magazines as possible! I would fill my schoolbooks (to the dismay of teachers!) with future collection ideas and my nanna’s sewing box was a treasure chest in my eyes. Unlike every other seventeen-year-old, when asked if I wanted driving lessons, I instead asked for a new sewing machine (to this day I still cannot drive!) It sounds like a cliché, but I have always known what my future had in store for me.

My dreams powered me through my days. The doubters and the rare, beautiful supporters fired my passion. 

Finally moving to London, the journey finally began. Anyone who has worked in the fashion industry knows it’s anything but glamorous! It is an emotional rollercoaster and very little sleep! But I am so lucky to have experienced and seen so many wonderful things and met incredible people.

My dream was always to start my own brand and so in 2017 I left my job. I went on a journey of self-discovery and travelled to Asia and South America to then return and start my own company.

Regardless of experiencing first-hand what it meant to build a couture brand, I have to admit I entered my new venture with some naivety! My plan was to create a collection, do a photo shoot, launch a website and create a look-book with all the beautiful photos, then email every celebrity stylist on the planet! That had to work, right?

Oh, how I was mistaken! I did receive some complimentary responses, but it also felt like I reached a dead end. Though after some momentary despair, I thought I could either give up now or keep creating, keep inspiring. I became relentless, day and night, I wouldn’t stop creating new press sample pieces, designs, hand embroideries.

It wasn’t by any means easy. It took a lot of willpower and a blind eye to the mountain of debt. Loaned dresses would frequently be destroyed and on occasions my spirit too. But not only was failure not an option for me, I wouldn’t want to do anything else in this world but to accomplish this dream.

I am eternally grateful to those who were truly there for me in those difficult times. True friends are revealed in the critical moments and all it really takes is to send the, “You can do it” message, being bought a coffee, or being that shoulder to cry on.

After two years of building the foundations of my company; designing, creating, networking and pushing every possible avenue, I finally had my break. In an instance, my life was turned upside down. The day had arrived, success was in my hands and the only way was to run forward with my incredible dream.

And yet, even though my heart was racing with excitement that I had finally made it, I went from survival mode to feeling like an imposter. I wasn’t doubting my passion or talent now, but there is always that sinking thought of, what if I couldn’t do it. No one tells you about the emotional rollercoaster that comes with starting a business.

One of my main concerns at the time, was how could I possibly sell my product if I wasn’t a salesperson. I am confident in my craft, but being naturally introverted, the thought of selling with all the graces and showmanship of a salesperson seemed like an impossibility for me. I didn’t even like the idea of trying to get someone to buy something, it feels pushy, forceful. Not quite the best starting point for creating a company that sells a product!

The best piece of advice, I still carry with me today, is that you don’t have to be a specific character or look a certain way to be able to sell your product. It is not selling; it is sharing the story and inspiration of your art. Be you and people will want a part of what you are creating. People will want to be a part of your journey.

From my incredibly talented team to the inspiring women that I have the pleasure to design for, I remind myself they are here because they want to be a part of the journey. A part of my story.

Which brings me back to this Jennifer Clair journal. In each entry I want to share with you my inspiration and the inspiring people a part of it. I will shine a light on some of the struggles and many of the joys of running a business, the values we uphold and special ‘behind the scenes’ moments.

I hope you enjoy the journey.

With love,

Jennifer

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