Interview compliments of Chantelle Rochester
With Owner Keicharm Blanchette
1. How did the idea for your business come about?
As a graphic designer I played around with a few concepts that promoted Christian living and inspirational designs. I got feedback from a few friends that I should make into something. I always wanted to bridge the gap between fashion and Christianity. I used some of my designs and created a clothing line that fused fashion with positivity.
2. What was your key driving force to become an entrepreneur?
Aside from being my own boss and being able to generate my own income, I really love the idea of creating. Being able to know and say that this is something I created and worked really hard on brings joy especially knowing that other persons think highly of it too.
3. How did you come up with the name for your company?
The name JAM Klothing (Jesus and Me) Klothing came about when I acknowledged that although some persons may not publicly convey their love for Jesus, almost everyone wants Him in their lives in some way or form. Even if He’s not in your heart, while wearing something from the JAM Klothing line, its like a reminder or declaration that Jesus is still with you.
4. How do you build a successful customer base?
After creating designs and getting feedback I would begin production on a small scale. I then have a select set of influencing persons to market and advertise while wearing the product. This raises awareness. Digital and social presence is also an outlet utilized by JAM Klothing. Overtime, gifts branded with JAM Klothing are given out for customer appreciation and sponsoring.
5. How do you market your business, and which tactics have been most successful?
Refer to question 4. Most successful tactics are digital and social marketing.
6. What kind of culture (way of life) exists in your organization, and how did you establish it?
I would describe the culture as ‘free-spirited’. Basically, all ideas and feedback are encouraged and incorporated into new designs and decision making. Roles are established but there is no absolute restriction on how involved or participative someone can be.
7. What or who motivates you?
Although I am self-motivated, customers play a very big part when it comes to motivation, especially knowing that they are very pleased and always looking forward to something new. Family, close friends and partners are also very important and influential motivators.
8. How do you generate new ideas?
Generally, ideas would just pop into my head randomly. Most times I have to find ways to record my thoughts either by sketching or typing the concept as a note on my phone or record myself explaining it. Sometimes ideas come to me while driving, listening to music, watching a video, show or movie, or even just in a conversation with someone. I also get ideas from customers and my supporting partners.
9. What is your greatest fear, and how do you manage fear?
My biggest business fear is taking a large financial risk after generating new idea or concept, mass produce, and it is not accepted well by customers and potential customers and end up having overstocked products on my hands. Trying to get as much feedback as possible and reconstructing ideas usually helps to ensure the products would be bought. Sometimes it’s difficult to decide because there’s no way to please everyone.
10. How do you define success?
Success for JAM Klothing comes in different stages. The first point of success is being happy after a design is conceptualized and digitized after final reviews. The second point of success is the design being loved by the team and the customers. High sales and reasonably high profit margins is also classified as a success. Last but arguably the greatest success is seeing persons wearing the products proudly. That makes me feel really good, a heightened sense of purpose.
11. Do you believe there is some sort of pattern or formula to becoming a successful entrepreneur?
Yes, to some extent I believe there’s a formula to successful entrepreneurship. Being passionate about something, large or small, building a support team that’s genuine, honest and matches your passion are all necessary ingredients for success. Dedication, hard work and a great work ethic along with extensive research and calculated risk taking are also needed to be successful – and if at first you don’t succeed, try and try again.
12. What is your favorite aspect of being an entrepreneur?
My favorite aspect of being an entrepreneur is creating. Generating new ideas and implementation, seeing them come to fruition and loved by people gives me the greatest joy.
13. What has been your most satisfying moment in business?
I have two moments that’s competing for the most satisfying business moment. One is being bombarded by customers asking what is the next design concept’ product and when is the next release date. The other is hearing people talk about JAM Klothing products, sharing positive remarks not knowing or realizing that I am JAM Klothing.
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