We had the good fortune of connecting with Talaya Jessie and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Talaya, any advice for those thinking about whether to keep going or to give up?
When doing something that ignites a fire in you, the possibility of giving up is not an option. It may be a passing thought, but never a real option. You may give up on the method, but never the overall vision. First, you have to see the vision clear and plain. And it takes a belief with everything in you that the vision you can see will happen in the time it is necessary for. You keep going as long as you can see the vision; you give up, or pivot rather, when strategies don’t fully align with said vision.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a creative who spends a lot of time on the details. Even the smallest things matter when it comes to making a garment or even writing a blog. I believe that sets me apart from others. I am excited about doing more brand collaborations, and experimenting with different material for our new garments. It has not been easy to get to where I am professionally. I have to breathe and remind myself to take things one day at a time. It goes back to doing something that ignites a fire in me. As long as that fire is burning, I won’t stop. I am grateful to have an amazing support system who also pushes me into greatness.
With that, I’ve learned that harvest season takes more work. Meaning, I can do all of the work to prepare for a new project, a release of a collection, etc., but as the brand attracts more awareness a demand is created. Thus, resulting in more work to fulfill what is being asked of the brand. That is the part that takes the most work.
I want the world to know that my story is about pressing through no matter the obstacles, and that my brand can make the most noise in the most subtle ways.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
LA has always been good to me. I would definitely take my friends to El Torito for Taco Tuesday, and follow it up with a trip to the Broad or MOCA. Most likely, we would probably just explore the city and see what finds us. The most fun things usually happens unexpectedly.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d like to dedicate this to the people who always root for me no matter the distance that is between us or the amount of days we don’t speak. I love you guys always!

Website: www.talayajessi.co

Instagram: @talaya_jessie ; @layascorner_

Facebook: Talaya Jessie Designs

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