1. What's one lesson you've learned since launching your brand that you wish you knew from the beginning?
The power of quick decision-making. Until very recently, I would agonize over every little choice, often spending days or weeks turning things over in my mind. I told myself I was being intentional, but in truth, I was stalling. I began to realize how much energy I wasted on indecision, energy that could’ve been spent on building momentum and moving the brand forward.
It wasn’t until I heard multiple founders I admire emphasize how crucial fast decision-making was to their growth that it really clicked. I decided to challenge myself to make decisions faster. Not recklessly of course, but without so much hesitation. Because the reality is, you won’t know the outcome of a decision until you take it. Most of the time, waiting doesn’t give you clarity, action does.
Of course, thoughtfulness is still part of the equation, especially in a values-driven business. But often it’s fear, fear of making the wrong move or being judged, that slows us down, not the quality of the decision itself. Letting go of perfectionism and learning to trust my instincts has been transformative, and it’s something I wish I’d embraced from day one.
2. What has been the most rewarding part of building the brand so far?
It is definitely seeing our pieces on women out in the world. Whether it's being tagged in a photo on Instagram, or getting an email or a DM from a client saying how much they love a particular style and that they want it in every color, it never gets old. There are more choices than ever when it comes to dressing yourself nowadays, so when a woman chooses one of our styles, it is such an honor.
3. What does a typical day in your life look like running the brand?
I get up around 6:30 or 7am, make a decaf coffee (no caffeine first thing for me) and have a quick breakfast, then usually head to the studio first thing. I'm often testing new styles and tweaking the fit, sample making (I make all our first samples and it's one of my favorite parts of what I do), coordinating with my patternmaker about any changes we need to make. We ship all orders from our studio, and it's always so fun seeing what styles you're loving. I come home for lunch, where I'll often eat a lunch of roasted chicken and veggies that I can prep ahead of time on a sheet pan, or I'll grab a sandwich from my favorite shop. I'll usually make an iced matcha latte as well, I love the little burst of sustained energy it gives me. Then it's back to the studio for either admin work, (my least favorite but still very necessary part of the job) or calls with remote members of the team, or more design work. I try to end the day around 5 or 6pm, after which I will do some Pilates, make dinner, take my dogs on a beach walk, and then spend time with my husband. Every day is different, which I love.
4. How do you envision the future of Jacoba Jane? Any dreams or goals you're working towards?
Growing our in-store presence is the number one goal of 2025. We onboarded a sales director and are showing at Coterie NYC in September, which is both very exciting but still makes me nervous! Any big, forward-thinking decision always leaves me with this combination of feelings, but I've learned that nervous excitement is often a sign that it's the right thing, even when it pushes me out of my comfort zone.
5. Do you design with a specific woman or lifestyle in mind?
Yes, I design for the woman who likely lives in a larger city, travels often (our pieces pack up very small and light which is amazing!) she appreciates thoughtful design in both her clothing choices and her environment. She has an appreciation for timelessness in her wardrobe and enjoys wearing color. She doesn't shy away from a bold choice, whether it's marigold yellow or our bestselling Clementine orange. She has an affinity for fine fabrics and knows what she does and doesn't like. She's confident, strong, and appreciates all the beauty life has to offer.
Read Part I here.