Meet Bernard Banaga of Columbus Ohio

Today we’d like to introduce you to Bernard Banaga

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
The story of Je Suis began with a simple but powerful idea: creating something that allows people to stand out and fully embrace their individuality. Growing up, I was always drawn to fashion, not just for its trends, but for its ability to tell a story about who you are. I wanted to create a brand that wasn’t just about wearing clothes—it was about making a statement.

Je Suis, which translates to “I Am” in French, is my way of encouraging self-expression. The name itself is a declaration, a reminder to embrace who you are unapologetically. Every piece in the collection is thoughtfully designed with bold, unique elements that allow the wearer to feel confident and seen.

Starting the brand was a leap of faith, but it was fueled by a passion for creativity and connection. Over time, I’ve focused on building a community that resonates with Je Suis’s message. It’s not just a clothing line—it’s a movement for those who refuse to blend in.

Today, Je Suis continues to grow, and I’m proud to see people expressing themselves through the brand. For me, this journey isn’t just about fashion; it’s about helping people discover the power of saying, “This is who I am.”

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No, it hasn’t been a smooth road, far from it. One of the biggest challenges has been maintaining self-belief and consistency, especially during the times when progress felt slow or uncertain. Starting a brand like Je Suis meant stepping out of my comfort zone and taking risks, and with that came moments of doubt.

There were times when it felt like the vision I had wasn’t connecting as quickly as I wanted, or when balancing creativity with the realities of running a business felt overwhelming. Staying consistent, even when the results weren’t immediate, was one of the hardest but most important lessons I’ve learned.

Another challenge was understanding that not everyone would see the vision the same way I did, and that’s okay. Je Suis is about standing out, and that means embracing uniqueness, even when it means going against the grain.

Through it all, the key has been holding on to why I started this journey in the first place: to create something meaningful for people who want to express themselves boldly and authentically. That purpose keeps me going, even when the road gets rough.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
At Huntington Corporate Bank, I work as an Escrow Loan Servicer, specializing in managing complex escrow accounts and ensuring financial accuracy for our clients. My role requires a high level of attention to detail and strong problem-solving skills, as I oversee tasks like cash flow management, budgeting, and forecasting.

What sets me apart is my ability to merge my background in finance with a genuine commitment to providing excellent service. I take pride in finding solutions that not only meet the bank’s goals but also benefit our clients. My experience with platforms like Salesforce, MSP Black Knight, and Proctor has helped me streamline processes and improve efficiency in my day-to-day operations.

What I’m most proud of is my ability to adapt and grow in a challenging industry while maintaining a strong focus on accuracy and collaboration. Working in such a dynamic environment has taught me the importance of balancing precision with innovation, which has been invaluable in my role.

While my professional career has shaped my skills in finance and client management, I’ve also carried over my passion for individuality and self-expression into my personal endeavors, like my clothing brand, Je Suis. Both aspects of my life are driven by the same principle: creating something meaningful that stands out and makes a difference.

Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
The most important quality to my success is resilience. Whether in my role as an Escrow Loan Servicer at Huntington Corporate Bank or building my clothing brand Je Suis, resilience has been the foundation that keeps me moving forward.

Challenges and setbacks are inevitable, but I’ve learned to stay focused on my goals, adapt to circumstances, and push through tough times. Resilience helps me maintain consistency, even when progress feels slow or the road ahead seems uncertain. It also drives my ability to learn from failures and turn them into opportunities for growth.

Ultimately, resilience allows me to balance my professional responsibilities with my creative pursuits, staying committed to delivering value in both areas. It’s this determination to keep going, no matter the obstacles, that has been key to my journey so far.

Pricing:

• Varsity jacket – $97.99
• Sweats – $49.99
• Crop Top – $25.00

Contact Info:

• Website: https://jesuisclothingtm.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jesuisclothingtm
• Youtube: https://Youtube.com/jesuisclothingtm