Meet BOUTIQUE OWNER, SARA WALKER

Mark & Co offers a curated collection of closet staples and on-trend pieces. From timeless essentials to statement pieces that will elevate any outfit, their online boutique has something for everyone.

Hey, y’all! We’re halfway through the week and I’m so excited to bring this Brand Brief series back to the blog! As a series designed to tell stories of women in business and the truths and challenges that come with that, today’s story is just that. Sara Walker of Mark & Co Boutique is a Nashville-based online fashion boutique owner who sells beautiful, high-quality pieces for the sophisticated girl who still loves affordability.

I haven’t met Sara in person (yet!), but she is also a University of Kentucky grad, along with her husband, so I know we have a lot in common, including a love of fashion! We have a mutual family-friend connection and from the moment Sara reached out about Mark & Co I knew that it was a brand I wanted to share with y’all! Let’s dive into more of Sara’s story below:

Hi, Sara! THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR BEING ON THE BRAND BRIEF! What inspired you to start Mark & Co? 

Mark & Co was founded in the namesake of my late father with a simple dream of curating pieces that show the power and individuality of the everyday woman. 

What has been the most fun part of starting your business? And in contrast, the most challenging?

Mark & Co has been an amazing rollercoaster ride since we launched in April. The most fun part is getting to see my customers wearing their pieces and seeing the confidence on their faces when they get their new outfits! I have also built relationships and learned from so many very special people that I wouldn’t have gotten the chance to if it wasn’t for this business. Just like anything in life- there are challenges. For me, the most challenging aspect has been the content creation! I APPLAUD content creators because their jobs are not easy! Social media is always evolving and your business has to evolve with the trends to stay relevant. This is something I am consistently working on, learning, and also taking advice from peers who are well-versed in the social media space! 

You can only wear one outfit for the rest of your life. What is it?

I would LIVE in a good two-piece matching set if I could every day! The BOSS blue Mark & Co set is a favorite of mine.

What do you wish more people know about being a woman in business?

The world has come a long way with women in the workplace. I have worked in the Tech Sales world for almost 5 years now and have always known that I wanted to create something of my own that was empowering & life-giving. I love my day job and I know that the soft skills I’ve developed over the years in corporate America have aided the success of Mark & Co. I think it’s important for women to know that running our own business is not a “glamorous” job. As the owner of a small business,  you are the CEO, accountant, inventory team, sales team, customer support, etc. As women, we know that comparison is the thief of joy, and this is one of the easiest traps to fall into when running a business. it’s SO important to have a resilient mindset and an overall vision for your brand that you are consistently working towards every day. 

Where do you find inspiration for the pieces in your boutique? 

I truly believe that everything I carry in Mark & Co is a direct reflection of my personality, uniqueness, and style. Being from the South, the Southern influence is shown through my pieces as well as modern everyday essentials. I think one of the most beautiful things about fashion is not having to choose one specific “style.” I love that as I grow, my style evolves as well! 

What trends are you looking forward to in the coming seasons? Any that you’re loving right now?

I am looking forward to the fall & winter transition! Layering Is one of my favorite ways to style pieces, and fall/winter is the perfect time to do that! I think leather will be back this fall to make a statement as well as oversized blazers and staple pieces as the base layer.

Describe Mark & Co in three words.

Timeless essentials elevated.

Where can everyone find you? Share your website, Instagram, or anything!

You can find me on Instagram at @markandco.boutique & my personal account where I share all things Mark & Co as well as my personal life @lilsallywalker

Our website is www.markcoboutique.com Our Facebook page is Mark & Co Boutique

SHOP MARK & CO BOUTIQUE

I recently shared a #BrieflyStyled video with three Mark & Co pieces that y’all should check out here for styling inspo! I’ve linked some of my favorite Mark & Co pieces below for y’all and Sara was so generous to give TCB readers a discount code! Use code AMANDA10 for 10% off your order!

Meet registered dietitian Amanda Nighbert

With 18 years of experience as a registered dietitian and in the weight loss industry since 2003, Amanda Nighbert educates clients on the true nutritional information they need to reach their wellness goals. Her goal is to bring the latest, cutting-edge strategies and techniques to my clients in the most concise and educational manner.

Hey, y’all! I hope everyone is having an amazing summer. I can’t believe it is already August and we’re getting to the back half of the year. As you might have noticed on my Instagram account and here on the blog, I’ve made an intentional choice to focus more on my daily routine, wellness choices, and how to overall add value to more aspects of my life. It all started with my morning routine, which you can read about here, and has grown into what I’m eating, how I’m changing the amount of time I spend on screens, and learning more about supplements.

With all that in mind, I was so excited to connect with Amanda Nighbert, a registered dietitian, and fitness enthusiast. A fellow Kentucky gal, she lives in Lexington, KY, and has helped thousands of people reach their wellness goals. I’m so excited to bring back The Brand Brief this month with Amanda Nighbert.

Hi Amanda, thank you so much for sharing your story on The Brand Brief! You’ve been a registered dietician for 18 years. What made you interested in that field and what was it like getting started?

Growing up I was an athlete and very interested in health and wellness.  I wanted to make this passion my profession so I decided to get a degree in nutrition and become a registered dietitian.

Diets, fitness and the overall wellness sector contains a lot of ground to cover and can be overwhelming. What are the 3 basics you would want someone to start with or prioritize in their wellness journey?

Agree, it can feel so overwhelming when beginning your health journey because there is so much information out there and much of the information is conflicting! This is honestly why I created my LEAN program, to simplify nutrition for weight loss! Here are the top three things that I feel can make a significant impact on your health yet are simple to implement.

1. Drink plenty of water and make it electrolyte water when you can!  Hydration is so important to feeling your best and even more important for burning fat! Many people don't realize that the way we expel burned fat is through our breath and we need plenty of fluid to do this!

2. Prioritize protein!  Protein is the most important macronutrient for weight loss and most people are not consuming enough. Simply aiming for a minimum of 30 grams of protein at each meal can reduce hunger, fill you up faster and improve fat metabolism.

3. Move daily!  Sitting is the new smoking and your daily activity or daily step count matters! Everyone can walk more so aiming to increase your daily step goal by 1,000 can be very powerful!

As a mom, entrepreneur, and social media influencer, what does balance look like for you? Any tips and tricks for accomplishing what you want that you can share?

This is definitely an area I struggle with.  I launched my online business almost five years ago and owning your own business, while very rewarding, is a lot of work! This past year I have made this more of a priority and the biggest thing I have focused on is boundaries! Setting boundaries with my time like limiting work on the weekend. Setting boundaries for the things I say yes to and knowing that saying no is not a bad thing.  I now weigh the benefit and time commitment vs saying yes to everything.  Lastly, including my family more in my business. This way I am tackling two things at once! 

The Brand Brief focuses on women in business and the unique journey women face in that experience. What would you share with other women in business based on your experience?

Forget what other people think!  This was the hardest thing to overcome when I started, especially with putting myself out there on social media!  I was so worried about what others would say about me.  But, once I realized that there will always be some haters and that more people were cheering me on than not, my confidence and output increased tremendously. 

When you’re feeling down, unmotivated, or not where you want to be health-wise, what do you do to combat it? 

I take a break!  I stop trying to do it all and focus on 1-2 things that I know matter the most.  Most people are living in the all-or-nothing mindset!  I actually did a ted talk on this very subject which is worth the listen. We think we have to do it all to be successful and when we can’t do it all we just do nothing. I have learned that it is all about just doing something.  So, if you are feeling burnout, take a step back and pick 1-2 things to focus on for the next 30 days.  Then as those become more second nature, add more.

Looking back at your 18 years in the industry, what challenges have you faced and how did you overcome them?

While working my clinical job in the hospital the biggest challenge I faced was the lack of opportunity for professional growth. For years I just accepted this. Then on the eve of my 40th birthday, I decided to make my own path and that is when I launched my own online business. It was extremely scary, but I knew if I did nothing then nothing would change. What I learned is that if you are passionate about something then you will succeed!

What are some red flags you can share when it comes to overall health and diet? What are some common red flags we should be paying attention to?

1. Diets that feed into the all-or-nothing mindset! What I mean by that is to avoid plans that completely omit certain foods.  You will find the most success when your food choices are flexible.

2. Supplement-driven plans.  Your health and wellness are not in a pill or potions.  There are no quick fixes and these types of programs typically promote that. In the long run, they always backfire.
   

Your Lean program focuses on the combination of nutrition and fitness. What makes this program different and why is it 7 weeks?

LEAN stands for Living Energized and Nourished and this is the goal for all my clients.  It is not just a weight loss program, it is a lifestyle program. The goal is to teach you the simple changes you can make in your life that create long-term results vs short-term fixes. What sets LEAN apart is the simplicity of the program, the focus on changing your mindset, and the daily support accountability! This is what I have found people need the most! Most people know what to do, they just struggle to do it consistently. In LEAN you check in nightly and some days are good and some days are bad, but I am here to help you navigate the challenges you face day to day to overcome the obstacles in your life to create consistency. Because at the end of the day your progress is based on your consistency. 

Can you share a peak (high moment) and a pit (low moment) of your career thus far and what you learned from both? 

Luckily for me, there have been many peaks in my career!  Seeing my business grow and expand, being asked to present on the Ted X stage in 2021, and developing into an industry leader for health coaching. My low moments come at times of burnout. The grind is a lot and there are periods over the past five years when I just did not think I could do it all anymore. Taking a break during these times has been key for me!

Nutrition and fitness are very habit enforced. What do you do in your daily routine that reinforces those habits and lifestyle? Any special morning routine or tips?

I agree!  Consistency is key when it comes to your health!  Really the things I prioritize in my own daily life are the same three simple strategies I mentioned above!  I definitely practice what I preach, adequate hydration, protein optimization, and moving my body! 

You share some amazing free guides on your website about meal planning, intermittent fasting and also provide amazing FREE content on social. At what point do you recommend someone takes their health journey to the next step and hires someone like you?

I do! When I first went out on my own I enrolled in a few business and marketing courses and they all preached, to give them a little but make them pay for more!  Well, I suck at that! LOL!  I just had a really hard time holding back information that could actually help people so for the past 5 years I have been giving it all away! My goal is to empower anyone to take control of their health on their own. But, I always say if you struggle to implement the strategies I teach or have a hard time creating the consistency you need, then I am here to help with that!

As I mentioned above people typically know what to do, they just struggle to do it consistently, that's where I can be of help!  When you sign up to work with me I will hold your hand every single day!  I will be there to answer all your questions as they arise. And help you navigate the obstacles that come in your life! I am there to cheer you on when you are thriving and I am here to help you get back on track when life gets ahead of you! That is why people come to work with me, for the accountability and support I provide on a daily basis!

CHECK OUT her amazing free guides!

From intermittent fasting, meal planning, and habit tracking, Amanda has a ton of free guides on her site to help you create the best lifestyle for yourself.

FREE GUIDES

Where can everyone find you? Share your socials and where to find your amazing content!

• Website

• Instagram

• Facebook

• Youtube

• Pinterest

• LinkedIn

• Tik Tok

MEET KATIE DEAN OF KATIE DEAN JEWELRY

Katie creates handmade, dainty jewels to inspire women to try something new, embrace their femininity, and feel beautiful while still feeling like themselves. Born and raised in Michigan, she made the move to LA in 2007 and wasn’t feeling fulfilled in the jobs she found there. By disassembling jewelry she already owned and making it her own, Katie Dean Jewelry got it’s start.

Hey, y’all! I’m so excited to share a brand and business owner with you that I’ve looked up to for years, Katie Dean of Katie Dean Jewelry! I first discovered her brand when I was working for another jewelry company. My role at that brand was creative and marketing based so we had a lot of discussions around imagery, photoshoots, creative inspiration, and branding. I kept finding myself coming back to images on Pinterest and Instagram or the same brand: Katie Dean Jewelry.

I loved the aesthetic, clean and dainty designs, and the overall emotions the brand evoked. The rings, initial pieces, necklaces, earrings found their way on many mood boards! It wasn’t until 2019 that our paths crossed when Kollin purchased an initial ring from Katie as one of my Christmas gifts. I was so excited and started wearing it immediately! Unfortunately, on the day after Christmas, Wrigley, our corgi, had other plans when his collar caught my ring stack and ripped the ring off my finger in one fell swoop. Since the design was an open ring, he pulled it enough and the ring just snapped in half.

I sent a DM to the Katie Dean Instagram page and they were SO kind about it. We flew home two days later and my new ring was already in my mailbox with a little handwritten note from Katie herself! I was blown away at how amazing they were and SO happy about the new ring.

As I’m typing this, almost four years later, I am still wearing that ring and it is part of my daily ring stack (I even have a second one in case I wear this one into the ground lol). I got the initial K for Kollin my husband and am still so in love with it! Fast forward to 2020 and I was tagging Katie’s Instagram page a bunch during my “Weekly Best Sellers” Series because people kept buying it! After about a year of that, I decided to shoot my shot and ask if the brand wanted to partner together. I fully thought that it would be a no and maybe we could work together when I had grown my audience more.

Katie replied and, as always, was so nice and said she would love to collab! To tell you I fangirled would be an understatement. Since then, we’ve done several giveaways together and I’m so glad that I now know Katie a bit more on a personal level! Crazy how something can go from inspiration on a mood board to a new friend! I was so grateful that Katie agreed to share some of her stories with us and I know y’all will find so much value in what she has to share!

Hi, Katie! Tell us how you got started in jewelry and what prompted you to start your own business.

I’ve always been creative. Ever since I was really little I knew that my purpose was to create and put art into the world to make people happy. In high school I focused on ceramics, in college I focused on sculpture and then I actually ended up leaving college after my first year because I did not feel fulfilled creatively. I was 18 when I moved to LA and I had a ton of different jobs there. I worked as a production assistant on set, I cleaned houses, I nannied, I cooked weekly meals for families, and then I worked for a stylist that was styling celebs for red carpets and commercials.

I think it’s important that people know I had a long journey before I started my jewelry line BUT with that said everything I did prior to starting my line helped me as a jewelry designer! It’s crazy how that works out. Everything I did and everyone I worked for ended up helping me grow my jewelry business. So, to come back around to the question, I started making jewelry when I was working as a styling assistant. A few years into styling I knew that it wasn’t something I wanted to do for the rest of my life.

At that point, I asked myself what made me happiest and most excited, and that was creating art that was useful. From there, I took some jewelry pieces that I already owned but was not wearing and took them apart. I used all the different pieces to make a different piece. What really prompted me to start a business out of jewelry making was that after making some more pieces and wearing them around, friends and people I barely knew asked if they could buy them and I literally sold them right off of my body! That’s when the light bulb went off and I knew I could create a business out of making jewelry.

What is the most sentimental piece of jewelry you own?

I have a gold Herringbone collar length necklace from my Grandma Julie that she gave to me before she passed away. I wear it a lot and it always makes me feel good like she is with me and cheering me on in life.

This Brand Brief series focuses on women-owned businesses. Can you speak to your experience as a female business owner and any advice you have for those looking to start their own business?

Totally! The most important thing when starting your own business is writing out your purpose. This may sound too simple but I’m telling you, it is so much more important than you realize. When you’re in business you are constantly handling problems, it’s not a bad thing, it’s just part of the game, but sometimes it can make you want to quit. If you have your purpose written out, you can go back to that whenever you feel like you are lost or defeated and it will reignite that spark of why you started and help you carry on.

Did building your business go to plan? What were some things that were easier than you thought they would be and some things more challenging than you expected?

Haha, yes and no! This is a great question because when I look at little segments of time in my business my answer is NO WAY. Things don’t often go to plan. But then when I take a broader look at my journey, as in looking at it overall I would say YES! I’ve actually accomplished almost all of my long-term goals that I initially had when I first started. This brings up another really important point for anyone in business or about to start their own business. You have to be persistent.

When you set goals, you should set long-term goals and then break them down into little goals that you can accomplish so that it’s not overwhelming. Often you may feel like nothing is going right but if you just keep going and get creative with pushing past barriers you will find that before you know it you have accomplished some big goals. You have to keep a broad viewpoint and keep your eye on the mountain top and not on all the little barriers that pop up along the way. Otherwise, you may feel defeated and give up.

Something easier than I thought it would be is managing my website. In the beginning, I thought I needed to pay a programmer for everything related to my website but with Shopify, it is SO easy to manage my website and it has literally saved me thousands and thousands of dollars which I’ve been able to invest in product and marketing.

Something more challenging than expected is predicting inventory. It’s gotten easier over the years to predict what will be a best seller or how much we will sell during peak holiday seasons, but I still find this to be one of the biggest mysteries! It’s an important thing too because if you produce too much of one style and you don’t sell through you’ve potentially wasted a lot of cash on something you may not make a profit from. On the other side, if you are too conservative with your production and you don’t make enough product and you sell out, you then are leaving money on the table because you don’t have enough product to keep up with the demand. Experience is a huge part of being in control of this part of the business. I often have to take a deep breath and remind myself to be patient otherwise I can get frustrated with myself.

Where do you find inspiration for your designs?

Great question. I honestly find inspiration everywhere! I love seeing what other people are wearing, but I also enjoy watching movies from the 80s and 90s and observing what jewelry they were wearing then. I also get inspired by architecture, especially European architecture. When my husband and I were in Europe for our wedding and honeymoon I was so in love with the huge arched doorways that seemed to be all over Paris and the detailing of the hotels in Positano, Italy. This actually was the inspiration behind my Beaded Collection and inspired the detailing on the latest Heart Collection.

How has your role at the company changed since you first began Katie Dean Jewelry?

When I first began I actually did not feel confident in handling various parts of the business and I too often put my trust into people or services that I knew nothing about. That was a dangerous place to be in because when something went wrong in an area that I wasn’t involved in I felt helpless.

You get a glimpse of Katie Dean Jewelry 5 years in the future - what did you see?

I see Katie Dean Jewelry being sold on a lot of major retailers’ websites and being carried in many more brick-and-mortar stores. We are excelling on our wholesale side of the business which has been an incredible area of growth for us. It is a possibility that we could have our own flagship brick-and-mortar shop too! I never entertained this idea until last year when everyone was stuck indoors and it became clear to me that while online shopping will only get bigger, there is a very special connection that happens when you shop in person.

I can envision a very cool Katie Dean Jewelry store opening with a coffee shop right next door or inside our boutique and maybe we could even have a floral element to the shop. I think of my last trip to London when I think of a future KDJ store. They have these incredible floral installations that flank their entrances creating the most beautiful moments! If you can’t tell I’m a huge coffee and flower lover!

Where can everyone find you? Share your website, Instagram, anything!

Thanks for asking! I would love to have everyone find us on our website and subscribe to our email newsletter: www.katiedeanjewelry.com

Then you can find us on the following social channels:

• Instagram @katiedeanjewelry

• TikTok @katiedeanjewelry

• Pinterest @kdeanjewelry

Thank you so much, Katie, for being a part of The Brand Brief! My goal is to share women-owned businesses that we can all support and potentially inspire other women to start or keep going with the ideas and businesses they love! Thanks so much for reading!

MEET LAUREN Grandinetti OF SUNDAY SKIN

Founder of Sunday Skin, Lauren is a Family Nurse Practitioner with a background in emergency and critical care medicine. Originally from Chicago, Lauren moved to Nashville over six years ago and officially made it her permanent home! After working in a Level 1 Trauma Center in Nashville, TN, she decided to get her master's degree and become a Family Nurse Practitioner, specializing in aesthetics. She founded Sunday Skin in November of 2020 and loves to serve the community by providing affordable, accessible, and approachable aesthetic services.

Hey, y’all! First, I can’t believe it is December and that 2021 is almost behind us. Looking back at this year, I realized I’ve done a lot of firsts - I visited new places, picked up snowboarding, tried new foods, and even got my first aesthetics treatment. The latter is what I want to share with you on this issue of The Brand Brief! Today, I am sharing the story of Lauren Grandinetti and her aesthetics office, Sunday Skin, located just south of Nashville in Brentwood.

Lauren and her team graciously offered to gift me a treatment of Morpheus8 with radiofrequency and PRF. If you’re anything like me and had never stepped foot in an aesthetics office, I’ll translate. The treatment is micro-needling (think tattoo gun with gold needles #fancy) that puncture the skin to promote collagen, and reduce fine lines and acne scars. But, the fun part (in my opinion) is that they pair this treatment with PRF (platelet-rich fibrin), which is extracted from your blood and placed on the skin prior to microneedling. No worries, though… if you aren’t into the PRF aspect, you can always do the treatment without it. The radiofrequency adds heat to the treatment (you can’t really feel actual heat) that helps penetrate the layers of your skin to your dermis where all the magic happens.

If you’re interested in seeing the treatment from start to finish head over to my Instagram to see the Reel I shared about the experience (there is a giveaway you DO NOT want to miss)! I had the pleasure of interviewing Lauren about her story and how Sunday Skin got started. Check out our chat below and if you’re in Nashville or surrounding areas (it’s worth the trip, y’all) then be sure to check out Sunday Skin! You can mention my name for 10% off your first appointment!

How did you get started in aesthetics and skincare? What are you passionate about in the industry? 

I had an extensive history of acne starting in adolescence.  By college, I had spent more time in a dermatologist's office, completing 2 rounds of Accutane, than at my primary care doctor.  Skin health has always been a priority to me, and I learned early on how to take good care of it in an effort to have a clear complexion.  After nursing school and several years in the emergency department, I sought to find an area where I could combine my passion for skin with a long-term career.  I went back to school to obtain my Family Nurse Practitioner degree and started specializing in dermatology and aesthetics. I understand all the comes with not having clear skin frustration, embarrassment, etc., and find that I can relate to my patients on a level that is real. Helping people to feel good and confident in their skin is what drives me every day.

Share something about starting your company that most people don’t know.

I was a one-woman show for the first six months! I answered the phone, did all the scheduling, treated patients, followed up, and kept up all operations on the back end including social media! I started in one room with one chair and grew my patient base quickly by providing an approachable, individualized experience for each patient!

What would you tell someone who is looking to start aesthetic treatments or procedures? Where should they start and what do they need to look for? 

I would definitely start with a free consultation!  This is a pressure-free 30 minutes to chat about everything! Sometimes it is as simple as starting with skincare and sometimes we have treatments that are better for certain patients.  We can create a customized treatment plan and provide recommendations after talking through their concerns. Look for a clinic that is approachable and an injector who comes recommended and has experience. 

In 5 years, I hope… 

I hope that Sunday Skin is known for providing an approachable and affordable aesthetic experience to patients in a variety of locations! I hope to have a skincare line to compliment the brand help more patients who are not able to visit us.

How has your perspective of skincare, aesthetics, etc. changed from when you first started to now?

I am even more passionate now that aesthetics can be for everyone-no matter what you look like, how much money you make, what car you drive, or how old you are! It’s never too late or too early to start taking care of your skin and feeling good about yourself.  I also have found that the majority of patients really are looking for subtle, natural results regardless of what you are seeing on Instagram.

What advice would you give women reading this who are wanting to start something new?

Your friends are great for restaurant recommendations, not necessarily skincare.  Reach out to a professional.  Find someone you are comfortable with and feel free to ask as many questions as you’d like. Aesthetics is a far cry from plastic surgery but we now have so many options when it comes to treatments-there truly is something for everyone.

Describe Sunday Skin in 3 words.

Approachable, accessible, affordable.

You can only use three skincare products for the rest of your life. What are they? Secondly, what 3 basics should beginners start with?

RETINOL, sunscreen, and a good exfoliator like our complexion renewal pads!

I always say less is more when it comes to skincare.  A gentle cleanser, a good moisturizer that does not clog pores and sunscreen is where everyone should start! After we can add on things like retinol, vitamin c, or brightening lotions.

Starting your own business is challenging. What challenges did you run into that you would’ve done differently? 

Trusting my gut more and to not feel pressured to do things just because others want me to.  I’m always learning and fine-tuning processes! I’ve been lucky that we were so successful so quickly, but growth and success do not happen overnight. Understanding that it takes time to build a business is essential and sets up proper expectations.

I asked you this question while at Sunday Skin and found it really helpful. Can you share the difference between an aesthetics office, a dermatologist, and what you offer at Sunday Skin?

An aesthetic office typically offers treatments such as injectables, laser, and facials.  A dermatology office will diagnose and treat skin conditions including assessing for skin cancer and removing moles.  Think of Sunday Skin as a marriage of the two.  We offer aesthetic treatments individualized to the patient while also being able to treat common skin conditions such as acne and melasma in an approachable and aesthetic setting!

Where can everyone find you? Share your website, Insta, anything!

You can follow Sunday Skin on Instagram here and my Instagram here. Visit the Sunday Skin website for all of our services and location. You can also call or email us at info@sundayskinaesthetics.com and (615) 749-6367

SHOP THE LOOK

Cropped Hoodie | Joggers | Boots | Blazer | Sunglasses

Hey, y’all! I’m so excited to introduce you to the JENA TANG brand today. Her story is amazing and she was so kind as to send me a set from her new Forward Basics line that launches today! Not only does Jena make stylish and chic pieces, but she is also focused on women-forward initiatives and building a community of supporting women. When Jena reached out on Instagram about her new basics line and the motivation behind that brand, I knew I wanted to interview her for my new series, The Brand Brief.

In this series, we’ll chat with brand founders about their stories, why they get up in the morning and the determination they all seem to share. Before we get into the interview with Jena below, I want to take a minute to share more about Forward Basics and the JENA TANG brand.

“Forward Basics are elevated basics, ethically made and designed with quality, comfort, and style in mind. Premium essentials that are designed for every wardrobe and style. Timeless, better basics crafted to be worn season through season.”

Here, I’m wearing the jogger and cropped hoodie in black. It also comes in a beautiful sage green color. During 2020, I really understood the importance of good basic pieces in my wardrobe as I pretty much lived in them that year. Not only is quality important, but versatility. I love that Forward Basics can be worn alone, styled with other elevated pieces like a blazer, or worn separately. The line also features accessories like hats and socks.

Now, a lot of people can make quality pieces and have chic, cool branding. But where JENA TANG really caught my attention was how they build that brand and the mission behind it. The clothing is designed in Canada and made in New York City and India where they spent months sourcing the right factory that shares their values for ethical manufacturing, social responsibility, and sustainability. They are an ethical factory that is committed to reducing their carbon footprint, from solar energy roofs and LED lighting to elevated dry lines and recycling water. They're also proudly run by female production managers who share our passion for the finer details.

Check out the basics line here!

I had the chance to interview Jena on her brand, the new basics line, and her overall outlook on being a designer and female-forward mission. Check it out below!

Tell us how you started JENA TANG and why the mission of female-forward is so important to you.
​I've been in fashion for 8-9 years but have always been designing for other companies. I love being creative, and fashion just happens to be my favorite medium. I've always dreamt of creating my own label, but am also deeply passionate about creating with intention - whether that's ethical production, sustainability, thoughtful designs, or social impact. JENA TANG was born out of a desire to create but with all these aspects in mind.

The female-forward mission is both extremely important and personal to me. The fashion industry is notorious for being exclusive and extremely limited and myopic in how they perceive beauty. It's also one of the largest sources of waste, consumption, and unethical labor and I had to change this.

I believe in my girlfriends and the women in my life so much but so often hear of the doubt that society and they have placed on themselves. How can I change the way they perceive what is possible? How can I change this perception for women everywhere? I took a deep dive into the challenges women and girls face when it comes to reaching their full potential and decided I wanted my brand to be all about lifting women up - whether that's through inclusive design and language or donating resources to organizations that are literally creating opportunities for women who are less fortunate.

There's so much I want to do for women, I could just go on forever.

Share something about starting your company that most people don’t know.
Most people don't realize I am a one-woman operation! I literally do everything myself - design, marketing social media, website design, customer service, production. I also have two full-time jobs aside from JENA TANG. The past 3-4 years have been a lot of flights back and forth to NY and LA, looking for the right manufacturer, unpacking product out of my kitchen, writing thank you notes on my office floor - all in the midst of my other full-time jobs.

Have you always wanted to be a designer? What did you want to be when you grew up and what have you done in between?
Yes! I'm emotional just thinking about this. I've been doodling clothes and making paper dolls as early as 5 years old. I always kind of thought it was a pipe dream and still can't believe any of this is real.
I actually went to school for fashion design and merchandising and have been in fashion ever since. I freelance design now for other brands, as well as manage fashion e-commerce sites for other companies, but am hoping to pursue JENA TANG full time in the next couple of years.

In 5 years, I hope…
To have a grant or scholarship program that can provide micro-business loans for women and young girls.
​By then, I hope JENA TANG will have a full basics line that spans into coats and premium wardrobe staples.

I really connected with JENA TANG because of your mission of #FemaleForward. What brands really resonate with you in regard to their mission and values?​
There are so many! I love Girlfriend, Cuyana, Sezane, Mate the Label. I also love the transparency behind Everlane.

What advice would you give women reading this who are wanting to start something new?
​Gosh. Go for it! The fact that we only get one lifespan is both heartbreaking and beautiful. I genuinely believe that women are capable of anything they fight for.

Describe JENA TANG in 3 words.
​Empowering. Intentional. Elevated.

You can only wear 3 things for the rest of your life. What are they?
​This is mean lol. I would have to say a pair of black jeans, a racerback tank, and a great coat.

Tell us more about the give-back side of JENA TANG. What organizations are close to your heart and why?
​Because we're so small, we've been selecting organizations that are supporting women in current issues. Recently, we've donated to the Indigenous Women's Fund in Canada and Black Women in Motion. I'm passionate about organizations that are advancing females forward, especially communities that face discrimination and inequity. I'm also passionate about providing education for girls as well and building schools is a long-term goal of ours. (It is wild saying any of this out loud!)

I'm still trying to find a single organization that we can partner with so that we can have a greater impact together.

JENA TANG started with dresses. What made you want to create a basics line?
My style and wardrobe are built from good basics. I personally invest in good staples that I can wear year to year and update with trendier pieces.
As a slow fashion label, and out of a desire to become more sustainable, it just made sense to design high-quality basics that are timeless. I believe in buying less all while buying better pieces that transition season to season, year to year.

Thank you so much, Jena for sharing your story with me and for leading such an impactful and inspiring brand. I’m so honored to have you on the Brand Brief! Be sure to follow JENA TANG on Instagram at @shopjenatang.