Meet Jolleson | Fashion Designer & Artist

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

Hi Jolleson, how do you think about risk?
Risk is part of my artistic and entrepreneurial journey.

The universe constantly presents me with scenarios in which doing things that are close to my heart are challenging and sometimes result in pain or disappointment. These obstacles are a perfect mystery to make sure I’m willing to have faith and trust in the process to achieving greatness.

The riskiest thing I could do is to take the easy route.

I know that god has given me artistic talent and this talent has the ability to touch the heart of so many people. When I listen to my spirit it is always clear that putting my art and my dreams out there to the world is my only way to live. It comes with uncertainty and challenges but I’m willing to risk it all to follow my heart.

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.
Jolleson is extravagant and illuminating. It may appear to some like costume but to those who are paying attention it feels and wears like couture.

I got here through persistence and survival. It’s been a constant test of my sanity and physical health. There’s been many moments when I couldn’t pay for food or an uber but I had to show up to set to tailor or design a look for an artist about to go on stage.

I overcome these challenges with love and faith. My family, friends, and teammates all believe in me. They believe that no matter what hardship that I’m being put through, that I cannot give up, because my destiny is to make Jolleson a brand that will open peoples hearts.

Word of mouth has got me here. I’ve never been deep into marketing and promotion. I just keep showing up, doing my best, and delivering great outcomes. When I am on set or in the public it is always a vibe. My clothing, my smell, my hair, every detail is coordinated to bring an energy to the space. Subconsciously I leave an uplifting energy with people who end up sharing my contact and calling me back for more work.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
First I would take them to Court Cafe in the hood. Court Cafe is authentic to my childhood. It is soul food. It reminds me of my mother’s cooking.

From there we take things to the beauty of Los Angeles. We drive north to Malibu and spends hours on the beach until the sun goes down and lights up the sky.

Once we’ve gone back to my spot and changed into some Jolleson looks we’d head out to West Hollywood for a fun time. My first choice is usually The Chapel.

At the end off the night if we still have energy, I like to get to a rooftop of a building so that we can see the sunrise.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Shoutout to Grandma Virgie.

Grandma Virgie made her own performance pieces for her flute performances.

I would sit by her side in awe as she took fabrics and used machines to create the most exquisite and elegant outfits.

Virgie always had the vision and never had any excuses. Despite sometimes lacking the resources she pulled through magnificent works of art.

This inspired me that I too could make performance fashion pieces for artists.

When Grandma Virgie passed on, I could hear her voice giving me confidence to become a fashion designer.

I can imagine Virgie with a big smile as my work has been worn by artists like Beyonce, Cardi B and Megan Tha Stallion.

Website: https://jolleson.love

Instagram: jolleson