Meet Jaelyn Barnes: Visionary & Author

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

Hi Jaelyn, career-wise, where do you want to be in the end?
In the end, I plan to have created something that isn’t tangible. It’s so near in my future I can feel it radiating within me. Labor has never been something I was fond of and I guarantee those feelings won’t change. However, when it’s pertaining to something I have care for like OneStar, I exert every last inch of will into my body. I plan to retire from the fashion industry young and dedicate my time to focusing on changing the communities around me. The respect, money, and power have their upsides but I won’t feel fulfilled until I start making visible changes in the world around me.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Ever since I can remember, I’ve had a strong sensation in my chest. It felt and still feels like the urge to do something. My whole life I have had a desire to do something that’s everlasting and will make an impact on the world around me. When I think of OneStar, all these thoughts seem to compile all into the brand. Knowing that I was destined to do something fueled my flame to put the work in. There’s been numerous times where I had to remind myself that my age wasn’t an excuse. My youth was actually my greatest asset. All the wild imaginative thoughts in your head have a chance to become reality when you make the first step. When you want something to be great so bad will you exert as much effort as you can into it. OneStar started out as a basic streetwear company who’s core values were around positivity but that was it. There was no backbone or nothing that gave us flare besides our name. After going solo I decided to rethink my whole approach and the backbone of what OneStar is., I identified a problem in my industry and altered my actions to make strides towards solving the issue. Unfortunately, there are obstacles and loyalty. The most important to me perspective. Understanding that not everyone could go where I was going and that certain individuals weren’t on my wavelength was a tough pill to swallow but I accepted it. After being betrayed by my own business partner, I still approach my work in optimistic and professional fashion. The journey will always be a rough path especially when you plan to go all out. The bigger the dish the more ingredients you need. I just remind myself along the path to keep my intentions pure and follow my heart rather than a dollar sign. After all, when you do things for monetary gain they will never pan out like you think.

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?
My favorite activity is definitely eating so my choices are long. Narrowing it down however, I’d definitely have brunch at the Peachtree Cafe located in Lawrenceville, GA. The selection is just unbeatable. As far as dinner, I’d have to take myself down to Slutty Vegan in west end Atlanta. We could spend the week hitting various destinations like the Georgia aquarium since I have a fascination with life, Coca-Cola factory, Tribble Mill Park, Botanical Gardens, and have some thrills at Six Flags. If I was being inconsiderate, I’d only visit the park. Something about enjoying the scenery and silence makes me feel at peace with myself. I feel like Georgia has a beautiful landscape it’s just overlooked. Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My book, Places, helped me let go of a lot of events and thoughts I was holding onto. It’s all poetry and depicts multiple subjects my teenage mind was exposed to. I also wanna thank Eric Foote of Cuatro Supply for helping me bring my new vision to life. He did a sick design for our logo, mascot, and a few other projects. I would like to show some appreciation to TWW for holding me down. My closest friends and family of course have supported me from the start and I remind them everyday how thankful I am. Domonique Broner of look-at-fhoto, has provided his handy-work with photography and produced my brand’s first shoot so big shoutout to him! A business I would like to recognize is @Bubblybudbeauty as they are not only a unique operation but a soon to be collaborator! It’s so many people to show gratitude towards and I will one way or another.

Website: onestarclothing.com

Instagram: onestar_clothing

Other: https://books.apple.com/us/book/places/id1548220729

Image Credits
@Lookatfhoto, Bubblybudbeauty, OneStar.