Rising Stars: Meet Jelicia Lloyd

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jelicia Lloyd.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
As a young child, I was always drawn to clothing. I use to love seeing the outfits my mom would put together as she got ready for work or even just an everyday casual look. She paid close attention to color, pattern, and textures, making sure all the details aligned perfectly to her. It was so fascinating to me, I would even mimic her as I picked my own outfits. The admiration grew into a deep love and passion the older I got. I decided one day this would be what I do for the rest of my life.

My Journey to becoming a fashion designer began when I was 19 years old, attending The Art Institute of San Antonio, studying fashion design. I learned fashion was so much more than just cute outfits and even for more than pretty pieces of clothing. Sometimes no one sees the amount of time, planning, and research one would put into creating a collection. At times, it was hard but the reward was so great and I knew all the countless nights of sleep would pay off.

After I graduated I couldn’t wait to start my journey. I thought I was ready because I had spent the last four years preparing for the next chapter. Still being so young, I had assumed the work you be effortless and I was mistaken. It was had and I had no idea where to even start. I applied to countless job openings, but each time I hit a dead end. I remember one day I had cried so much because everything I ever wanted to be felt so close to me I could almost touch it, but I felt so impossible.

All the crying became exhausting. So I reached out to a few of my mentors and friends, I had honestly felt like giving up after not finding a job. I had my friend look over my resume, we sat there for a while, and then the conversation began at what I wanted to do. I had to pause because I was confused. ” I want to do fashion.” All I ever wanted to do was to create & sew my own fashion. My friend then said, “If they won’t let you into the front door, then it is time to create your own entrance.”

That phrase never left my head. Every year, I made a theme and did a photoshoot for the collection. I had a positive response from people on social media. Soon I had a few people reach out for me to take part in fashion shows. Soon after I put up the official website for The JL COMPLEX. That conversation with my friend helped me put both my life and my career into a different perspective.

Creating is hard but when the project is finished I can look at my beautiful work and remember why I design and I wouldn’t trade it for the world. From that moment forward I’ve been creating my own entryway.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I have my fair share of struggles. During the production stages, there can be both small and large challenges. Sometimes my sewing equipment fails on me or sometimes the sewing process during the production stage can be challenging. The biggest one was doubt.

I would question myself a lot, even though I either knew I could complete something or I would simply overthink a situation I had under control. It is easy to lose confidence when you start to doubt yourself.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a Fashion Design/ Graphic Designer. I specialize in Knitwear. I am well known for designing Androgynous clothing. I am most proud of the progress I’ve made as a designer, and the moments when women of color come up to me to tell their stories and how my work inspired them.

What sets me apart from others is I look forward to both the hard and the effortless times of creating. I feel the struggle is inspiring as the grand moments. I have a huge love for learning, as an artist, I feel it is my job to learn so I can teach, whether it be through designing or talking with a stranger.

What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
The most important I’ve learned is to believe in yourself. Creating can be struggling and you never know where it will lead you, but if you stay true to yourself and believe, you can accomplish so much.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: thejlcomplex.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jlcomplex/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jlcomplex

Image Credits
Madison Lloyd