Meet Jatcie Williams | Fashion Designer & Enthusiast

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

Hi Jatcie, what do you attribute your success to?
The most important factor behind my success and the success of my brand would have to be the difference I make in the lives of others around me. Having a platform of influence means people are constantly observing for various reasons. My hope is to always leave people better than I found them and help them create the most fashionable version of themselves!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My fashion styling and design business is called Outclassed. It’s based off of Proverbs 31:29 where it says, “of these women, you’ve Outclassed them all.” It represents class, sophistication, elegance, timeless silhouettes with a few fashion-forward pieces! I am very excited about what my brand stands for and the many women I get to work with in the fashion industry. I’ve worked with celebrities, local TV shows, presented at NYFW, weddings and have had my designs published! Also, I’m finally releasing a ready-to-wear ladies collection! Yay!

In addition to Outclassed, I’ve been working for Dillard’s for almost 6 years. I started off part-time, but they quickly promoted me after 3 months and then again 4 more times like clockwork. The experiences at this retailer have sharpened me, given me insight without liability concerning brands and allowed me to meet some of the most amazing people in the fashion industry. I work very closely on sales, but I have since coined my phrase of, “driving sales with creativity.” With this motto, I consistently focus on thinking “outside of the box” to help make my department goals.

Experience has taught me so much more than my degree could have ever taught me! I’ve grown tremendously by shadowing individuals who were either doing what I loved or where I wanted to be. I had the opportunity to open a shop upon learning multiple things in business and the fashion design industry. It was short-lived due to circumstances that were out of my control and that has probably been the most challenging thing that has happened to me on my journey. However, I’m grateful that I know how to build from the ground up again when the time is right!

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is to stay the course. Everything always works out the way it’s supposed to at the right time! Although, I’m working and waiting on things to happen, I’m loving the journey of getting so much insight from the company I’m employed with! They love me there – all the way to corporate! And they have no problem teaching me things about the industry!

I’m working to break into the industry with every avenue I’m aware of and the journey is enjoyable so far!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m a lover of knowledge, so if my best friend was visiting for a week, we’d definitely be hitting up a museum or getting involved in an interactive activity to learn something new! Equally important places, would be nice restaurants! And then topping it off with so much needed retail therapy!

I love Childress Vineyards and Green Valley Grill which are local to Greensboro, NC! Those places would be at the top of the list!

Living in Greensboro for many years, I often travel to Charlotte, which is the closest city I love to visit! My family lives there and I love sharing time with them and my friends together, if it’s ever possible!

So we’d go there as well, for a spontaneous day filled with fun! There’s ALWAYS something to do in Charlotte!

I never meet a stranger, so the most exciting places and things to do are meet people in different settings where you can network and learn! My bestfriend would be getting the best of the business brunches, workout meetups and settings that make us more well – rounded!

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?
My parents, Harold Varner Jr. and Patricia Carter, definitely deserve the biggest shoutout for the encouragement and resources they gave my brother and I growing up! They instilled great work ethic, drive, motivation and ethical values into our lives. I was always reminded by my dad that, “it’s mind over matter” – if you can think it, you can be it. In addition, you have to let your drive for success to outweigh all of the odds! As a former business owner, my dad dropped many golden nuggets since I was very young. He gave me tangible goals to go after in the direction of what I wanted to accomplish.

Secondly, Dr. Kevin Williams, Bishop of New Jerusalem Cathedral in Greensboro, NC has an amazing ministry that grew my relationship with God and my faith in my journey! I thank God for his ministry! His weekly words inspired so many parts of my untapped potential! Led by the Holy Spirit, he has a way of conveying the word of God and showing you how you fit into the word of God. I began to walk in the success I’d prayed for serving under his ministry! To this day, I live by many of the ideologies and disciplines he taught me.

Last, but not least, my brother, Harold Varner III, definitely deserves to be recognized as someone who has pushed me and given me resources to succeed. He taught me to make no excuses and accomplish everything I’ve set my heart to do! I’ve lived vicariously through so many of his feats and major accomplishments in his life and career. Seeing those up so close, have only motivated me to believe my success is tangible! He’s been an amazing big brother.

All of these people mentioned will always have a lasting impression on my life and many of my accomplishments! I love you all!

Instagram: Jatcieeee / TheeFashionInfluencer

Linkedin: Jatcie Williams

Image Credits
Jerome Hart