Today we’d like to introduce you to Ndi Jeru.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I’m an avid collector of sorts. Inspired by culture, texture, and color; cinema, music, writing, and photography are passions that help to induce my concepts. From an early age, I’ve had a love for jewelry, invading my Grandmothers jewelry box of strung pearls, vintage pendants, and clip-on jewels. I remember helping my mother and her best friend merchandise their brick and mortar when I was a preteen; fascinated by their resale finds and observing the way she, (my mother) sourced and styled, set the stage for my future. As a young adult, I thought about what it is I’m passionate about, what I would like to do in life. My objective was to inspire the masses through what I like to call my “God abilities” (God-given gifts). I went from beautician to musician then finally set my heart on jewelry making. Self-taught, I began designing jewelry in 2007 and clothing in 2010, using any and all resources available as experimentation, this has created a staple in my brands aesthetic.
It’s been a road of unraveling the layers of life, to find my purpose. I specifically asked God to help me to use my gifts to not only be profitable but to engage inspire and encourage others. Having a 9-5, definitely aided who I am as an individual when he comes to business, but spirit would always put me into a position, where I would end up back working for myself. One day, I ended up going through a really rough patch in life and as I sat there and prayed and really listened, I promised God that if he would remove the situation from my life that I would do the work I know I was called to do, and in 2016, I took a leap of faith, after years of working in retail and coming home being uninspired and just tired and not feeling creative at all. I did my first outdoor market in April 2016 and never looked back.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Things definitely could’ve been a lot smoother if I would listen to the spirit within me. My belief in Jesus is my driving force but I would often go against what the Holy Spirit tells me and just do what I want to do or what I thought was the best thing for me at the time, it created a cycle of repetitive disadvantages.
Please tell us about TRIBE AND SOL.
TRIBE AND SOL is a size inclusive womenswear design studio based in Houston, Texas. Founded in 2013, our philosophy is based on community and the spirit of living, where indigenous culture meets modernism. Celebrating leisure, by crafting earthy bohemian loungewear and statement jewelry as a sanctuary for balancing utility and femininity, that translates from home to street style. We’re all about vibrancy be it through design or communal effort. Our mission is to make the unconventional artistically functional through sustainably ethical praxis; rejuvenate the earth, and to empower society through self-care, and connection. I’m most proud of being able to clearly have an express my brands aesthetic, I’ve been blessed to be featured in magazine publications, online and television. Knowing who you are and what message you’d like to convey as an artist, a creator is very important. I create a meaningful experience for anyone in my presence that is what sets me apart.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
If I had to start all over the only thing that I would’ve done differently is change my outlook on the process. Not try to rush things but operate at the pace of grace and really engage fully being present to what I have experienced.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.tribeandsol.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tribeandsol/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tribeandsol/
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/tribeandsol/
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/tribeandsol/
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