WBM Features: Jesus Juice Coature

The guy who invented the first wheel was an idiot.
The guy who invented the other three, he was a genius.
-Sid Caesar
Something of the likes can be said about those have come across opportunity versus those who have/had opportunity and proactively pursue it to the point of attainment. Take Shawn White, for example. He's the founder and designer of one the hottest menswear companies to date, JJC.

When cognizant of his desire to start his own business, Shawn took those ideas which inspired him and literally ran with it, making immediate impact and carving out a niche for himself in the fashion world. So with some time to introduce himself to WBM, here's a closer look at the visionary behind the vision that is JJC.

Here's your chance to get to know a little more about the brand and what to expect in the future.

[As Told To Why Blue Matters]

Who is the designer behind Jesus Juice Coature?

I am the main visionary with regards to the designs but I do get invaluable ideas and input from design students and interns.

Now you may get this all time, but is your brand, Jesus as in the foundation of the belief system or Jesus as in Hay-Soos?

JJC: When I named my company Jesus Juice Coature it was definitely to acknowledge the "King of Kings" Jesus. We will simply be known as JJC moving forward.

Where are you from?

JJC: Uptown Manhattan. I live in New Jersey.

What can you most attribute your sense of fashion to?

JJC: I was just born with an interest in it. I love putting outfits and articles of clothing together.

What does fashion mean to you?

JJC: Interpreting your vision with regards to clothing. I think someone with a sharp sense of style can walk into any store and put an outfit together and have others wanting to look like that.

How long have you been involved?

JJC: My company JJC was established in 2009.

When did you know you wanted to pursue your own business?

JJC: As far as I can remember, I have always envisioned being an entrepreneur and CEO. Recently, my mother told me when I was seven I said I was going to have my own business and buy her a house.

Explain the significance behind Jesus Juice Coature?

JJC: The name simply means the "King of Kings", Respect, and premium, custom outerwear. We design from the perspective of consumers for consumers. Initially, I wanted to create a perfect outerwear collection. I think we are getting close to that with every single piece.

What inspires and motivates you?

JJC: GOD inspires and motivates me first and foremost. Business wise- Tyler Perry and Oprah inspires and motivates me. Not to sound corny but life inspires me. I can be walking down the street and see a fly new building and have an ephiphany for a design.

What goes into the design of one of your pieces?

JJC: I start with the color choice, then I stare at the leather, suede or fabric, totally zone out and create a vision. I will have a sketcher draw what I describe. It starts simply from there.

Biggest Accomplishment?

JJC: Probably creating opportunities for other dreamers that want to work in fashion. As we continue to grow and move forward, I want to be a big avenue for talented, young designers and dreamers.

Do you feel you are successful?

JJC: Yes and no. I see my dreams manifesting daily and I have tangible things like an office and merchandise that's selling internationally. No, because we haven't hit that $100M in sales YET.

What type of impact would you like to make with your works?

JJC: I want to represent the light from a fly, unique, street perspective. Again, I look forward to creating opportunities for young, talented dreamers and businesspeople.

Who have you worked with thus far?

JJC: Recently, Khaliah Clark placed one of my pieces on the male model in Jazmine Sullivan's "Ten Seconds" video.

With fashion week approaching, what are you doing to prepare?

JJC: We're having an intimate showing during fashion week in New York City. We will also have a web commercial to lead up to the events.

What do you do outside of fashion design?

JJC: This is what I do. I own and run JJC. If you mean for leisure- I spend time with GOD, travel, shop, enjoy life.

What's next for Jesus Juice Coature?

JJC: JJC will continue to grow exponentially via "store in stores", free standing boutiques and eCommerce. We have new accessories that we will be introducing very soon.

Any advice for those looking to pursue their fashion and business aspirations?

JJC: Follow your heart! Hold your cards close to your chest, have smart people around you who aren't afraid of failure but see the potential. Pray a lot and lean not on your own understanding.