Today we’d like to introduce you to Jada Ingram.
Hi Jada, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers?
Well to be fair, I haven’t lived much of a life but I will say that I’m grateful to be where I am. It’s like one day I was coloring with Crayola crayons and then another BAM I’m a business owner?? It’s a very surreal moment.
I was always an artistic kid, even from a young age. My favorite thing to do was to color. Everywhere I went I found something to color. Then when it came to school, specifically elementary, I began to be exposed to different mediums of art like painting and oil pastels.
Fast forward to me getting older, I began sketching and painting with acrylics and simply…fell in love. I’m not sure how or when but I’m glad that I did. I even still have some of my older sketchbooks from like 2019!
Funny story actually, the whole reason this shoe painting thing even started was because of a freak accident that happened at camp. It didn’t turn into a business idea until the pandemic first started in 2020, I was…14? yup just turned 14. May 25th, 2020 was when I officially launched it. I’ll be 16 this upcoming May of 2022. It’s insane to think about.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I’d say it’s been as smooth as Michigan roads themselves. Some spots are overwhelmingly smooth and then some spots are just full of potholes.
I’m certainly grateful for the amount of support I’ve received from my family and friends. Ranging from people who’ve done my hair to my mom’s coworkers whom I’ve never even met. It really makes working a lot easier.
However, of course, the biggest struggle is keeping a balance between social media and school. It can be hard to find the motivation to keep going because everyone is so driven by numbers even if we swear, we aren’t. We all want likes and views so when we don’t get them it can be…difficult. Then add that on top of trying to maintain my straight A’s… very very hard work but it pays off.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
In fancy terms, I’m a hand-painted sneaker specialist. In regular terms, I paint shoes for a living. I mainly specialize in cartoon characters and lettering. I always enjoy doing those things the most. Always a fun experience.
I’d say the thing I’m most proud of is that all the things that I do are hand-painted. Most people use airbrushes but I like being able to be up close and personal with my projects. I guess that’d also be something that I’m known for. Then there’s the whole, you know, starting a business at 14 but no biggie.
One thing I believe sets me apart from others, especially those my age, would be that I’m extremely professional and easy to work with. There have been times where I’m conversing with a customer and when it comes time to drop off/pick up the shoes there’s a wave of surprise when they see me. not only am I 15 but I’m also…pretty short so there’s that. It’s always incredible to hear that customers are impressed by my maturity and work ethic.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
A wise man once said “just. DO IT!” I believe it’s best to start when the idea is the freshest. It’s brilliant no matter how common you may think it is.
Also, from a more professional standpoint, reserve your business name through the state of Michigan, or your state of residence, so people can’t take it. Use social media to your advantage and don’t be afraid to try new things to find out what YOUR brand is. I wish someone told me this when I first started. Social media plays a big part in our daily lives so don’t be afraid to put yourself and your ideas out there in the world and just let it take its course. no rush at all.
Pricing:
- Adults: Start at $75
- Kids: Start at $60
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: justkicksbyjay.weebly.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/justkicks_byjay
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jada.ingram.7967
- Other: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZTdmKquat/
