Meet Jay Turner | Fashion Designer & Entrepreneur

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

Hi Jay, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
The first thought I had when starting my business was what am I getting myself into?! Lol, yes I had to ask myself this question because I wasn’t sure what to expect, where to start, or even how to begin my clothing brand. However, I was adamant about figuring it out and seeing if I was capable of doing something that I wasn’t familiar with. At first, I was thinking that this was a lot of work and time spent trying to run a business. But switching gears, I had to remember that Rome wasn’t built in a day. I started changing the way I thought, understanding business from an employer perspective, learning how to operate a business, and developing my skills as a business owner.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Well, I have been on a career journey since I started working at 20. I don’t specialize in anything in particular, but I have a good-paying job lol. However, I would consider myself an entrepreneur with a 9-5 side hustle. So, I currently work in the banking industry and use my salary to fund and support my clothing brand. My background consists of many skills from different jobs that I’ve worked for that have helped mold me into understanding businesses and how they operate. I am most proud of the overall experience that I obtained from working in different industries over the years because I was able to learn skills that I began to apply in my business and have been very beneficial. I got to where I am today by losing jobs, switching jobs, and hitting a low point of settling for things that were easy and convenient. So, I started applying for jobs that I had no prior experience in and landed where I am today from having experience in areas from previous jobs that were related to the job, and also having a college degree. Even though my degree doesn’t match my job description, I was able to leverage my experience and credentials to put me in a position I thought I could not be in. Overall, it made me realize that learning to be an entrepreneur doesn’t come with school training or a manual, you have to apply yourself and learn as you go but give it your all. Invest in yourself and never stop learning. No, the journey isn’t easy, but I survived the storms and continue to elevate. I’ve learned to not give up, have faith in myself, and never feel underqualified, just simply apply. I want the world to know that I fought to be who I am today, by facing struggles head-on, learning to forgive myself, and not giving up no matter how tough it gets. I won’t get stuck in the rat race, I’m on a mission to create generational wealth.

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.
I’m a chill kind of person, I like to do fun things but also get some good food to enjoy. I still haven’t been to a lot of places in my city, but we’re going to have some fun either way. So, the itinerary would consist of traveling to different parts of the city to check out some dope restaurants, find some cool activities, and just have fun. I love going to Downtown Los Angeles and further out towards the Marina for food because they always have great new restaurants. We will go to some lounges, and museums, and do some shopping in the city of course. Will go sit and have drinks at Joey’s DTLA any day, I love their cocktails and food. But I’m an adventurous person, so hanging with me is always interesting because you’ll never know what to expect. Some of the most interesting places I’ve been to are the Malibu Wine Safari, horseback riding, and the Ole Henriksen Spa. Just know, we gone have fun and you’ll want to explore more of Los Angeles.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Of course, I have to thank God first, he always showing up and showing out for ya girl! I also would like to dedicate my shoutout to the 3 strong women who raised me and have supported me from the start, my granny, mom, and sister. They are the reason that I am who I am today by directing, loving, and encouraging me every day; they’re my biggest support system. Have to shout out my brother Jason who passed away, he always had the vision to go for more and instilled that grind now and chill later mindset and mentality in me. Also, I have to shout out my granny and mom’s friends (Mrs. Patterson and Ben) whom I met a year ago, and they always speak life and positivity into me any time I see them. I listen to and watch podcasts from many different people who are sort of my mentors and give me encouragement and the boost of inspiration that I need. And I’m talking about listening to Simply Shenika, Earn Your Leisure, Steve Harvey, Bishop Kenneth Ulmer, Pastor JP, Bishop Noel Jones, Tim Ross, and so many other people that I indulge in daily to keep me going. Even the music I listen to, from uplifting gospel music, hip-hop, R&B soul, Afro-beats, and oldies. Have to get the vibes going to set the tone of the day. Looking at and studying other leaders, creatives, visionaries, and influential people who have impacted individuals like me, and others all over the world. They all play a part in my story. Feeding my spirit, exercising my mind, and listening to those who speak to me deserve to be acknowledged. As I go through life on this journey, I have to give them credit for guiding me along the way.

Website: www.vibezapparella.net

Instagram: jayqueees_

Facebook: Vibez Apparel

Other: business page: @vibezapparel_la