Meet Jenna Stellar: Owner and Designer of STELLAR Moto Brand

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

Hi Jenna, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I always knew I was going to start my own business while in Fashion Design school although it took me 20 years until I finally pulled it off. I always had my own aesthetics when it came to fashion let alone my motorcycle alter ego so after years of waiting for someone to make motorcycle gear for women that was actually cool and protective I decided to do it myself and it was my own accident that encouraged me to make haste. I felt if I needed protective gear specifically for fashion conscious women then other female motorcyclist would as well.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
When I went to buy some motorcycle gear I ran into many roadblocks. I could have all the safety if I wanted to look like I was on the race track. I could buy women’s gear that was really men’s gear resized with some pink or purple embroidery added. I also had the option to buy women’s gear that looked motorcycle but did not have any of the safety features that the men’s gear had. I took all this information and started to research the highest quality of protection that you would want your loved one to wear then I integrated it into comfortable, easy but badass looks that you can wear everyday on and off the bike. I wanted looks that get the cool factor with clean classic lines so you can add your own vibe. It is a new take on the “biker” I reimagined all the motorcycle looks that influenced me over the years such as Evel Kneivel and Steve McQueen with some rock star vibes like Debbie Harry of Blondie and David Bowie. Old school cool meets space age technology! I was always wearing one piece jumpsuits but it was not protective at all so I started with our protective jumpsuit we call STRATOSPHERE made of abrasion protection stretch denim that has impact protection armor in all the high impact areas. This is almost race track worthy with it’s 4 second slide time. Makes you feel like a super hero! After I graduated from Los Angeles Technical Trade College I went straight into show biz working on film, television, commercials, print advertising and catalogues and styling rock bands. I dabbled with the idea of starting STELLAR Moto Brand on and off for years until that fateful day of my crash. I knew right then that not only was it time but I finally had the time while I recuperated. Working in the entertainment field does not leave you with a lot of time for a second career. There is also a little thing called money! Where was it going to come from? I used my whole life savings, cashed in my 401K and maxed out my credit cards!!!! I had to ask myself “if I had all the money in the world, what would I do?” It was this!!!! So I went for it . All in !!! Even though I came from a background in design and styling, I had no idea how to produce my own line. I was super lucky that we have manufacturing here in my home town of Los Angeles. I have been learning the ropes as I go along. The one thing that showbiz has taught me is to be decisive and communicate every detail. The difference between the two is that show biz can get it done overnight where as the manufacturing world takes twice as long as their deadline. I am learning patience. I have run into many challenges that I thought would derail me and every time I want something done right away I find out later that there was a reason for the delay such as I found a better fabric for that style, or came up with a better way. Now I embrace it all knowing I will find out the reason later! Total trust in the process. It took me 20 years from my motorcycle inspired workout wear in fashion design school to launching STELLAR Moto Brand and I am here to tell you hold on to your dreams, it has a mind of it’s own. We are excited to expand our men’s line and more lifestyle looks as well as 4 new moto pieces for all your adventures!!!

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?
I have a different take on my hometown than transplants. I actually learn more about Los Angeles through others. I am lucky I got to see all the transformations of Downtown so walking around the fashion district is fun. You can see a little bit of the fashion hustle there find amazing new restaurants. I usually take visitors to events and pop ups such as Melrose Trading Post and Smorgasburg L.A. Music events and the concerts on the beach. Cinespia movies at Hollywood Forever Cemetery. Motorcycle meet ups like The Rock Store. Farmers markets are always fun. One must go see a concert at The Hollywood Bowl and or The Greek Theater! Can’t forget The Broad and other amazing art museums. I end up meeting most of my friends in Highland Park for drinks such as ETA, The York or Highland Park Bowl for something different. There is always something fun happening. It is never ending here!!! Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want give a huge shoutout to ALL motorcyclists who encourage me everyday by sending lovely emails, DM’s, wearing Stellar gear and by letting me know that Stellar is making a difference in their confidence knowing they are geared up with the best safety features integrated into easy going everyday fashion.

Website: www.stellarmotobrand.com

Instagram: @stellarmotobrand

Facebook: STELLAR Moto Brand

Youtube: STELLAR Moto Brand

Image Credits
Josie Perez Jessie Gentry Rick Szczechowski