Entrepreneur Kim Jones said she is not a fashion designer, but she is passionate about promoting Guyanese artisans in the US where she has lived since she immigrated from her ruarl Buxton Village, at a very young age.
Jones was one of many vendors who sold merchandise at the Christ Fellowship Baptist Church Winter Wonderland Flea Market, in Brownsville, last Saturday Dec. 2.
Her suggested Christmas gifts of colorful fabrics, wooden earrings, head-wraps, handmade leather bags from Guyana, and her signature – “Just Skirts” collection of children and adult skirts designed from African cloth, are sourced from local and international designers.
“Entrepreneurship is in my blood,” said Jones, who was inspired by her mother, a former vendor, to continue the trade, even after she had completing her studies, and continues to work as a banker.
“I continue to work, but still find the time to promote the work of designers, and since I love to wear skirts, I promote the garment through my brand, “Just Skirts,” added Jones, who carries on the Afro-centric idea to keep-up the movement her mother started. At the same time, she gives women the opportunity to look good while wearing her colorful print skirts.
She noted that it is difficult for shoppers to find these types of skirts during the winter season, and more so, many who are traveling home to the hot climate for the holiday season, and cannot find summer garments in stores.
To this end, Jones said she created a market for herself, by selling summer clothing all year round. She also likes fashion and knows what types of outfit looks good on a woman.
The vendor said it was very important to her bottom-line, to promote a quality product, as such, for the last 15 years she has sourced manufacturers who produce top of the line sturdy fabric.
She praised nationals in Guyana for their eagerness to produce quality work, such as her children’s skirt collection that was produced by rural Bartica resident Diane Holder, in a timely manner.
“I am looking for ideas from vendors in Guyana. If there are any young Guyanese entrepreneurs who can create clothing, I would promote their work here in New York,” said Jones.
The businesswoman would provide the fabric for the clothing to be made in her homeland, and in return, she would ensure the designers are given the recognition they deserve, said Jones who sells her merchandise online, and at pop-up shopping events in Brooklyn.
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