Today we’d like to introduce you to Ja’Cole Tabor.
Hi Ja’Cole, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I started selling sunglasses back in 2018… I originally was selling them for women only, then the following year I added men’s and children’s options. When the pandemic hit in 2020, I noticed a lot of people starting “accessory” businesses which included sunglasses and I knew I had to separate myself from others. So, in 2021, I designed my very own logo, found a vendor to put that logo on my frames, and history was made! In 2022, I decided to take my business a step further, and I added optical eyeglasses to my collections for people who need prescription glasses. If you would’ve told me in 2018 that I’d have well OVER hundreds of people walking around with a pair of MY branded eyewear on, I probably wouldn’t have believed you. But I’m truly proud of myself for my growth!
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
I’ve taken plenty of “loses” over the last few years. . . from money to inventory & learning the hard way about business in general. I’ve had a few experiences at “pop-up” shops and barely breaking even on what I paid to be a part of the event in the first place. I’ve struggled with learning savvy business information as far as paying sales taxes & legal fees. And I’ve also struggled with learning to market my brand properly.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I am the owner and operator of my business. I started actually selling sunglasses in 2018, but in 2021, I decided to REALLY separate myself from others, so I created my very own logo, found a manufacturer to place that logo on various styles of sunglasses, and from that moment on, I’ve had my VERY OWN BRAND! I’m most proud when I see people in my hometown wearing my shades and when they tell me how much they love them and want more. In 2022, I decided to really turn it up a notch, and I added eyeglasses to my brand also. . . so I now have eyeglasses that people can buy and take to go get their very own prescription placed in the lenses. My brand is my “first” baby, and to know how much its grown over the years lets me know I’m headed in the right direction.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
BE PROUD of your business. . . open your mouth and talk to people because you never know who can be a helping hand! Learn to budget your money, keep up with your “books,” and always pay yourself no matter how small the amount is.
Pricing:
- All sunglasses are under $40
- All eyeglasses are under $80
Contact Info:
- Website: dffbyjrenaye.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/d.foreman_framesnfashion/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DForemanFramesNFashion
Image Credits
Brandon Williams
Corey Patton
