Meet Angelique Walker | Owner of 1 of 1’s by Jolie

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

Hi Angelique, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I started my business based on my love for being creative. I always wanted to be different and unique. I live in Memphis, TN and I remember a particular event, that everyone was going to. I worked in the mall at the time and I could remember everyone buying the same exact outfit. I decide to make my own and literally after that night my entire life change. I made my entire outfit, from the dress to the bedazzle shoes. I woke up to Facebook messages, asking when will I be accepting orders.

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.
I truly believe my love for creating unique authentic pieces comes from my vivid imagination. I can see a piece in my head before I actually make it. It’s a strong feeling to where I actually don’t sketch anything I go in full blown artistic expression and immediately create it. The essence of my brand creates and curates beautiful denim pieces that you can wear and feel absolutely beautiful in. My brand took off the day Keyshia Kior, Gucci Mane wife wore my shorts. I immediately seen orders increase and sales grow. That happen in 2014. Since then I have had beautiful everyday girls and celebrities in my items. To name a few I have had, Cardi B, Taraiji P. Henson, Lala Anthony to name a few.

With the immediate success of my business I’ve also had major lows too. I learned the hard way of not fully operating as business. I knew the creative side but not the business side. My costumer service sucked tremendously. I was overwhelmed with working that I didn’t keep that line of communication open. I immediately found out I couldn’t do it alone.

Just like I had public success I also had public failure. I learned that every successful business needs a team. I also learned that every successful business needs leaders. I had to unlearn that I don’t have to always be in charge. I had to learn to listen.

With the help of my mother in law and husband I was able to come up with a structure of how to get my orders out faster and have my awesome customer service.

I want to people to know that I truly make all my pieces with love. Each item is crafted and hand sewn or painted. 1 of 1’s by Jolie creates beautiful custom pieces so that every women feels exceptional beautiful.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend was coming to visit I for sure am taking her to the legendary Four Way girl in South Memphis for the best soul food. We would of course go to Beale Street for drinks and laughter. We have to go to Central BBQ for a pull chicken sandwich after. Later on in the evening, we would take our talents to Ruth Chris for an amazing Filet. Afterwards, we would have drinks at Tiger and Peacock, and dance the night away at Love Night Lounge.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would love to personally thank my incredible husband, he is amazing he’s been so encouraging. He motivates me. He keeps me grounded. I love to thank my family for always supporting and being understanding. My supportive friends as well, especially my linesisters. My village is amazing.

Website: ShopJolie.net

Instagram: @shop1of1sbyJolie

Facebook: Facebook.com/1of1sbyJolie

Image Credits
Photo Credit: Jenil Askew