Today, The Platinum Mask channel would like to introduce Jessica Ozoude for a conversation.
Hey! Please explain to the audience what you’re promoting.
Coutured By Jess is now a mobile alteration service, that conducts clothing fittings at the client’s home. Receiving alteration services at your convenience!
What was the biggest obstacle in your journey and how did you overcome it?
The biggest challenge my business face currently is visibility; with my business not operating out of a store front, due to closing my brick n mortar back in 2021, it has been hard for customers to access my services. However, I am making strides via social media, to engage with people on a weekly basis by uploading recent clothing projects, clothing transformations and service offers.
What separates you from similar artist in the Dallas-Fort Worth area?
Operating in a mobile setting sets Coutured By Jess apart from other tailors for sure. What’s more convenient than getting your clothes fitted at your home, altered and delivered to your home when ready!
Is there anything you wished you would have known earlier in your journey?
Not really, I now realize that my knowledge and the things I did not know in the past, has taught me a lot about entrepreneurship and what it takes to stay motivated despite my expectations not being met. I’ve learned how to be flexible and resilient for the unknown obstacles that may occur in my journey. I’m learning to stay consistent in sharpening my skills and creating new clothing pieces.
Do you have any favorite spots in the Dallas-Fort Worth area?
I love shopping for fabric & trims at Fabrictopia located in the Harry Hines area. I also like shopping at Joann Fabrics to pick up supplies when I run out.
What was your upbringing like and did you discover your passion early on?
My upbringing was lovely, it was where my creativity began to take its shape. Both of my parents are creatives. My mom created traditional African attire for women and my dad has a background in architecture; He would host drawing competitions between me and my siblings, and we would draw sketches of buildings and objects. I also would spend hours sketching clothing designs to someday create them in the future. From the age of 7, I knew I wanted to pursue a career in the fashion industry.
Do you have a mentor and can you remember any key advice they have given you?
Yes, in high school my mentor was my fashion design teacher Ms. Kristy Joyce. She inspired me and encouraged me to be president of the fashion club my junior year of high school; she also gave me advice during hard times and supported me at my store grand opening. In college, I attended Texas Tech University and my program director Dr. Shin guided me in my journey and helped me connect with a company to establish an impactful internship.
Were your friends and family supportive of your mission?
Absolutely, I am grateful for my family and friends support and advice, it has kept me motivated to keep going on in my path to growing my business.
Any links you want to share for the viewers?
