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

Hi Jessica, how do you think about risk?
As a quote my late uncle said “no guts, glory”. I think this whole creative journey is about risk. I’m a recent fashion graduate, navigating post grad reality in this era, moving to nyc with no specific job set. I think this whole brand I’m working on creating revolves around risk; and not limiting ourselves to a specific title. The most fulfilling milestones I’ve seen in myself thus far has come from genuine, art-making from spontaneous, real moments of inspo.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I currently classify myself as a Japanese inspired streetwear designer. It’s been a long journey (though it has a long way to go) of figuring out what my niche is. I’ve recently dived into website design, social media, photography, sales, and business. I’ve taken a bit of a 3 month gap of learning what goes behind the art. You can have an idea, and the execution, but understanding the other moving parts is just as crucial. I think 2023 was my first year of really locking into a creative mode, which proved to me that real work pays off. I became noticed by more creatives, and was able to experience more of the press side of it. When it comes to my ideas, creations, and impact, I want to be able to empower anyone who wears my garments. There’s a certain confidence that I gain when I wear what I’m comfortable in, and I want others to feel that. When I’m in the studio for 36+ hours straight, I’m trying to design something for someone to feel empowered in, no matter what their profession is.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
So currently I’m located in Richmond, VA. I’ve been here for 6 years. I grew up in Northern VA, but this city does have my heart. When a best friend visits, I’d take them to the fan district for some local eats, cobra cabana for a quick drink, and the James River for a nature moment. The beautiful thing about this city is the people; the community. The world is small, but Richmond definitely feels like a family. Pop out for one weekend here and you’ll feel like you belong

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First off, I’d love to recognize my parents, blood, for allowing me to chase such an unpredictable creative path. I think it takes a specific state of mind to truly lock-in to the hope you have around a creative path, and a supportive blood base has played a huge role in my motivation. I’d also thank my career mentors, from high school-post grad- it’s a special kind of navigation to have a relationship with an older, knowledgeable art mentor. I’d lastly like to credit my backbone, which is my friend network. I’ve had the privilege of connecting with the most motivated humans these past few years; whether that’s a creative I’ve randomly cold-contacted through a social media platform, or a friendship I’ve developed deeply through my elongated college career. I’m a true believer of “you are a culmination of the people you spend the most time around.”

Website: https://www.jessicameiko.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicameiko?igsh=bXVmd3pmazc1MW1j&utm_source=qr

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicameiko?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app

Other: CFDA designer: https://runway360.cfda.com/designers/meiko/into-the-matrix

Image Credits
Tamron Hall Team, Sara Stewart, Josh Brown, Forest Veerhoff

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