Today we’d like to introduce you to Zak Lee Jackson.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
It all started as a child, from reading my mother’s magazines to making clothing for my dolls with my brother socks. I’ve always had an interested in fashion and clothes. I come from a mother of 4 where she couldn’t really afford much which forced me to be creative with the things we had. I’ve been working since I was 12 years old, I was one that never really fit in at any position but when you constantly get knocked down from job to job you get tired and try to figure out things on your own.
As an adult, I found it difficult to find inexpensive accessories and clothing that wouldn’t break the bank, so I began looking into the jewelry business. I’ve been a stylist since 2008 but I launched ZJewels Jewelry March of 2016 after I was laid off from a job I thought I would retire too. I took the last bit of money I saved and started my own online business, selling trendy accessories for every girl to sparkle in. I started StyleGuruZak on youtube back in 2011 then August of 2016 I started my blog to add to my brand. Recently I added Once Boutique to the mix because I realized I have a lot of fashion finds I buy that I either do not wear or is worn once.
Today, I’m in the place I’m in because it takes hard work, long nights, dedication, and time to craft a business which I think is important when you’re an entrepreneur. As a person in business learning is key and one should learn something in their line of business every day. Making a decision to be consistent is something hard but it’s a must if you want to succeed because in a world of social media and fast past technology if you’re not moving with time you’re moving behind.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Well, for me, something worth it is never easy. A person will fail but that failure is there to see if you will push through the roadblocks, the obstacles, and the multiple no’s you’re going to get. There are many struggles but if you have time to meditate, have some type of personal development, and can put the focus on the positive instead of the negative you will be just fine in business.
My struggles would be that fear that we all get, the details that are important to your craft, the persistence that you can actually make it, and dealing with individuals who don’t support what you’re doing. If you can surround yourself by like-minded individuals or get some type of mentorship, you will be just fine. But if you focus on the past instead of where you’re going, you won’t go anywhere. When you change your thinking, you change your future.
Please tell us about StyleGuruZak – ZJewels Jewelry Shop – OnceBoutique.
Ok, StyleGuruZak is my brand that represents all my businesses. I help men and women find confidence through styling looks for there everyday attire. I added my youtube channel to give tips on styling, hairstyle tips, life topics, and product reviews.
My blog styleguruzak.com mainly consist of outfit ideas visitors maybe looking for. I also style virtually, over FaceTime, and via email. I’m proud of actually making a person smile and feeling confident with the way they look or just assisting with information a lot of people don’t know about clothing. My personality and the ease I provide with my clients set me apart from others.
I am known as a freelance fashion stylist & accessory junkie.
ZJewels is an online shop for stylish accessories and jewelry with pieces that would add a spark to any outfit. I love the emails, and reviews that women send of there excitement and piece purchased on the site. I am big on customer service, so I feel that if you’re in that business be the best you can be. I’ve purchased items from many sites and noticed how mean or not understanding a rep can be so it’s a must I put my client first and responding to their needs.
Once Boutique is a fashion online specialty shop with a wide selection of closet finds worn once or none. We specialize in trendy and vintage closet finds. I’m proud that I’m actually making money selling items right of my closet. What sets me apart is the experience I have with each individual that purchase something from. The communicating, the trust I have with my clients.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
Great question, before going into business I’ve learned a lot on the many jobs I had. From large companies to small business, I’ve observed the do’s and don’t behind the scene, which taught me to take business and professionalism serious. The only thing I would do differently is exclude the distraction when you’re trying to take care of business. Other than that I have no regrets at the peak of my business. I honestly wouldn’t do anything else different because I’m a firm believer in everything happens for a reason.
Pricing:
- ZJewels pricing starts at $3.99 & up
- Once Boutique pricing start as little as $5 & up
- StyleGuruZak Style consultant fee range on your budget but hourly charges begin at $25 per hour
Contact Info:
- Website: (ZJewels Jewelry) www.zjewels.com, (Style Blog) www.styleguruzak.com
- Phone: 832-856-1051
- Email: styleguruzak@gmail.com or officialzjewels@outlook.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zaza_land/ or https://www.instagram.com/shopzjewels/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StyleGuruZak/ or https://www.facebook.com/Zjewels/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/styleguruzak?lang=en
- Other: Youtube-https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi_OYMju4adVpGvGDEkw3jA?view_as=subscriber
Image Credit:
Joshua Andrews (Thriver)
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
