Today we’d like to introduce you to Kemontae Jordan.
Hi Kemontae, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Around 2023, I started working at a local coffee shop in Nashville. At the time, modeling was my only creative endeavor. I gave it my all, and, eventually, I went from modeling for local brands to being posted and given PR by Telfar. However, it didn’t always yield the results I wanted or thought I deserved. This began to manifest into self-doubt but then turned into an opportunity to pivot. Because the coffee shop I worked at roasts their own beans, burlap bags from Ethiopia to Guatemala were imported. Seeing these bags covered with intricate and unique prints sparked my creative spirit. An opportunity that seemed new was actually a full circle moment. I took an intro to sewing course as a freshman but had limited interest at the time. I disregarded the skill at the time; however, being freshly inspired, I had a reason to hone my craft. From there, I started designing various tote bag designs and then eventually incorporated that into clothing. Fast forward a few years, I look in the mirror to see someone who’s contributing garments to fashion shows, has held multiple collections at a local vintage shop, and is currently writing their first piece in a magazine!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
One of the biggest challenges I have faced is self-doubt. In my community, things outside the norm can be met with judgment. Coupling this with the use of unconventional materials such as burlap, it can be easy to get into my own head about whether people will understand or be attracted to what I am creating. However, as someone who prefers to think outside the box, it is important to stay focused and true to my own process. I often reference a quote from Brandies Daniel, Founder of Harlem Fashion Row: ” You don’t need a degree or another. You don’t need another credential. You don’t need another certification. You are enough.” Being grounded in my own artistry has helped me quiet the noise of self-doubt and stay to my own creative expression.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Initially, I began designing tote bags using burlap. It was an easy way to get back into sewing, and there seemed to be a growing market shifting away from traditional plastic bags toward more creative, reusable alternatives. After honing my skills and selling a few bags, I wanted to transition into clothing design. I didn’t want to make entire garments out of burlap, but rather incorporate it through small details, such as a pants pocket or a figure applique on the front or back of a suit jacket. It became a way to honor functionality of the original material while adding something unique and special to each piece.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
Relinquishing control and focusing on my own creative process are two lessons I’ve come to understand throughout my journey. Because we live in a world with unprecedented access to other people’s lives, comparison can feel inevitable. There were moments when I minimized my own life by measuring what I saw online or in my everyday interactions with others. Intrusive thoughts such as, ” What am I doing wrong?” or ” How can I emulate their achievements?” were among the many feelings that weighed me down. As I’ve grown and experienced more of life, my perspective has shifted. I’ve come to understand that becoming preoccupied with how I perceive someone else’s success only distracts me from cultivating and accomplishing my own.
Pricing:
- medium bags: $55-65
- large bags: $75-85
- jackets: $90-120
Contact Info:
- Instagram: kemontae.jordan
