We had the good fortune of connecting with Delvon Jae and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Delvon, what do you attribute your success to?
Firstly, for whoever wears Checkmate x DelvonJae, I want them to be confident and comfy all while letting the pieces speak for them—Checkmate, game over! My garments have made me feel this way because I, too am working being more confident and ultimately love to be comfortable while knocking down barriers.

Secondly (here’s where my hippie side comes out lol), to make the world a more beautiful place. I make pieces that people can hold on to with longevity and sustainability. This helps with nurturing the world by lessening the damages of fast fashion in the landfills—which causes ruptures in the ozone layers and it ends up right back at us.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
As an artist/ clothing designer, I’d consider myself an oxymoron–I don’t like clothes. So, I try to make them as comfortable and appeasing as possible. It’s the art of putting an outfit together for me, like a puzzle that gets my wheels turning.

I’m mostly excited about brand recognition because of what CheckmatexDelvonJae stands for, which is loving the skin you’re in no matter your size, shape or gender AND your fit is fly, eco-friendly and they’re keepers.
Thinking back I’ve always had the ‘Can Do’ mentality but of course there are those trying times when the momentum slows  and I think I’m unable or I compare myself– I do a mental reset: a mirror, self motivation, quite space and solid support group gets me through every time (like an episode of “Insecure” when Issa’s in the mirror).

I’ve learned to stay positive, breathe, to be always be myself and be nice because karma is bigger than me. And as an introvert, I’m learning not to be in my own way.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Umm, I’m a homebody and I mainly cook so my friend and I are gonna be exploring together! I have a few places to go but more than likely, I’d get on Google and Yelp real quick, ha!

But I am spontaneous. I’d take them to a Broadway show, Car racing, horse backing, cooking class…the possibilities are endless.

Sunday: Evening, They’ll arrive and get settled. We’d chill and have some comfort food–brick oven pizza, some wine. Chat.
Monday: Morning, I’d make breakfast–pancakes, eggs. Order lunch, nice cobb salad or something light until dinner. Evening, salsa–food, tequila and dancing.
Tuesday: Mid-Morning, Light café breakfast, croissants, muffins, yogurt, tea, coffee. Lunch, soup and sandwich. Museum. Evening, drive-in movie theater, snacks and a flask.
Wednesday: Mid-Morning, walk in the park–lunch, picnic. Get a picnic nap in. Evening, skating and light dinner–halal and ice cream.
Thursday: Morning, breakfast burrito. Lunch, fruit salad, strolling/ shopping in the city, cycling. Evening, chill– we’re slightly beat from all of the running around all week.
Friday: Morning, Back to the café. Horse backing, trail ride. Lunch, hearty smoothie and chill. Evening, rooftop lounge in the city, seafood dinner and wine.
Saturday: Mid-Morning, we tiiied–Brunch, apple french toast and mimosas (bottomless because who’s driving? lol) A much needed nap. Evening, a barcade and end up bar hopping and don’t come in until 4 am!
Sunday: Came so quickly! We had fun and now it’s back to life. Back to reality. “Let me know when you get in. Miss you already <3”

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Well, if it weren’t for the beautiful soul who referred me, this interview wouldn’t be in the works. So, HUGE shoutout to her and all of successes going forward. Above all, my mom. That lady…she’s the reason. The reason I strive for so much more. She’s instilled nothing but drive in me. That flame has gone up and down but it has ceased to die. And I don’t plan on it!

Website: www.etsy.com/shop/checkmatexdelvonjae

Instagram: @x___djr

Image Credits
Photography: Tony Thompson, @tonys.time Authentic Creators Creative Direction: Tykhari Rawlings, @imtykhari Authentic Creators Stylist: Delvon Jae, @x___djr CheckmatexDelvonJae

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.