Meet Jaelaun Moses M.S. | Master of Science & Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jaelaun Moses M.S. and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jaelaun, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
When it came to Jae Taj boutique, I had to first ask myself, “Is this your passion? What do you want others to take from this? How can you be more than just a boutique? What makes you stand out from everyone else? How can you relate?” I ask myself these things to make sure I outline my purpose; my mission. It’s never been a get money quick thing for me. I always consider my personal relation to the matter and make it work for me and not against me. Growing up, I always had a fuller figure and expressing myself through fashion was the best way for me to identify myself without any restrictions or limitations. Problem with that was, finding cute AND affordable clothing in plus size growing up was extremely slim. Everything seemed so basic, and frumpy. When I did find nice pieces, they were so much more expensive. I felt like I had no one speaking to me and my body frame/type. I knew at some point I had to step in and make something happen. Everyday, I still ask myself these questions.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Beaulity (Reality of Beauty)- I launched my junior year of college (January 2013). It started off as just a t-shirt line with empowering statements. This journey started because growing up, the standard of beauty was very….. shallow. The media & society have placed in our minds what the beauty standards were, and if you did not meet those then you were not wanted, you would not succeed, you will have to try a little harder or have something more to offer. I wanted to go against that and show the differences in beauty, in all ways. As I grew, the brand did as well. I started to host Women Empowerment Brunches, each one a different theme, where I would have guest speakers, raffles, food and vendors for people to shop and open that space to connect mentally, emotionally, & spiritually while also networking. I helped other women to tap into themselves, turn their pain into their passion or to find their purpose. While doing so, that allowed me to tap into myself and push myself to start the business I’ve always wanted to do. Jae Taj- A boutique for women of all sizes. What sets me apart from others boutiques is the fact that I connect with my audience. I let them in on my journey. Their opinions matter to me so I often do polls of things they would like to see from me. I show them different ways they can style my pieces and make multiple outfits from them. I try my best to interact with them all, to build that rapport and connection. They aren’t just another customer, they are a part of my brand. They are what keeps me afloat. I am most proud of my growth during a pandemic, and I am excited about how much more I will grow and blossom. I am excited to create more content, bring my visuals to life and even build a team. I am excited to expand and become more than just a boutique. I got to where I am business wise today by brainstorming, researching, staying consistent and focused. Was or is this an easy journey? Absolutely not! There are days that I want to throw in the towel, other times I’m telling myself “I’m made for this!” We are in such a tough time in the world and it has definitely affected my vision in some ways, so I had to pivot. I had to adjust to the times we are in without losing my vision fully. Sometimes I get stuck & overwhelmed because as of right now, it’s a one woman show and I work a full time salary job as well. To overcome those challenges, I had to stop being so hard on myself and just take a step back to refocus. I had to remember my WHY. I took a couple days off from looking for inventory (It was a daily thing for me). I involved my audience in some way when I felt like I needed to know what to bring. Just because I like it, doesn’t mean my audience will. I had to consider that and make them apart of the process in some ways but not fully, because again, I didn’t want to lose the vision I had for myself and business. Some of the lessons I’ve learned along the way were, to not short hand myself. Worrying about if I am affordable. If people like what you are offering, they will support and spend their money with you. I’ve taken financial loss because I didn’t want to charge too much. I’ve learned that all information being passed, isn’t good or effective information. All money isn’t good money, if it’s costing you your peace. I want people to know that my brand is literally me blossoming. This brand has allowed me to stop hiding behind my capabilities and applying myself. I want this to grow into something more. I want to create my own designs eventually, focus on the different frames/shape of women and create pieces that mold to and enhance those areas. My brand came from experience, triggers and sometimes pain. It wasn’t easy being “the big/curvy girl” a lot came with it mentally & emotionally. I had to learn how to LOVE myself and what I had. Fashion and creating looks allowed me to express my self love and creativity.

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?
Well they would probably be a little disappointed because I’m a homebody, well they are too lol. My city has a lot of hidden gems and I am still trying to try new places but it’s not as popular as a lot of cities so there’s not a lot to do. Pre-covid my city has grown to hold multiple events, from day parties, women empowerment brunches, fitness bootcamps etc. Imagine a Covid free world Bootcamp with Mr. & Mrs. Coach Keem- Fitness Camp in the Park Shalloh Grille (Brunch). Outdoor dining right by the overlook, so that you can over look the city. Complimentary Mimosas, and different areas of style of foods. Top Golf- Food, Drinks, and outside driving golf bay Vinoski Winery- Good Wine, food, picnicking and spa Burn Cigar Bar- Grown & Sexy atmosphere, live band Strip District- Strip of restaurants, bars, shopping stores and vendors. Southside Works- Shopping, Restaurants, sometimes live music, brewery

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I, of course have to thank God, because it was all about his timing. For years, I put off starting this particular business because of my fear and doubt, and I firmly believe that he was trying to show me that yes, that is my purpose, but I wasn’t quite ready for it. He threw some challenges at me to see what I could handle and how I handled them. This business came right on time. My family, friends, and boyfriend are my biggest support system. They sometimes see more in me than I see in myself and push me to make it happen because they know what I am capable of. I wish I had a mentor growing up and even now because I feel like it would have helped with the process. Yes, I’ve watched other women in my hometown do their thing, make an impact and I’ve admired them, but to have a close connection with someone and tell my goals to, I am hoping to gain one day. Books that have inspired me have been “Girl Boss” and “We’re Going to Need More Wine” by Gabrielle Union

Website: www.jaetaj.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/jaetajboutique

Facebook: www.facebook.com/jaetajboutique

Image Credits
J Visionary