Meet Jessica Singleton (Fulks): Menswear Designer, Food Blogger, & Private Chef

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jessica Singleton (Fulks) and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jessica, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I first started my brand in college on impulse. I started as a Zoology major at NC State University and after a Final Exam with a snake involved, I immediately changed my major. I had no background or knowledge of the apparel industry, but I wanted to go all in. I’ve always been into art, even taking AP Art classes in high school. My thought process was since I don’t know anything about garment construction or apparel design, I could put just art on clothing. Today even though I have the knowledge and skills needed, I still try to design all the prints used in my collections.

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 think the thing that sets me apart from other clothing brands is my unique textile designs and desire to expand my brand into other genres, such as cooking with The Chronicles of the Cast Iron chef (IG: @the_cast_iron_chef). It was a long road to get where I am today professionally. It took my faith in the Lord to turn down my first job offer out of undergrad. Unfortunately, I had to take the retail route in doing so. I was fortunate to use my skills in Visual Merchandising instead of being in sales. During this time, my faith was still tested and I often wondered if I was wasting my degree. I overcame these challenges and complacency by applying for graduate school at 3 in the morning. It was me going out on faith again. Going to grad school opened so many doors and helped exposed my brand to a lot of people in the music and film industries. Today both of my brands are labors of love showcasing my childhood interests.

Subconsciously, I went along this path not knowing that God was leading me into a place where I would be able to do what I didn’t even know I wanted to do.

I created, Laché Supply & Company, a print-based clothing brand creating vintage-inspired garments with a hint of athletic details based on the perseverance of the African Diaspora. We provide statement pieces that satisfy not only the need for exceptional products and uniqueness but also change, comfort, quality, and functionality. With each collection, we aim to use our platform to uplift, honor, and preserve the African Diaspora. We learn from the past to change the future…for we are the FUTURE OF VINTAGE.

My second brand, The Chronicles of the Cast Iron Chef, is a recipe blog, online store, and small events/private catering company that celebrates the vibrant culture that surrounds us all. I hoped that my website/blog and my other social media outlets would inspire people to cook more at home promoting a healthier lifestyle, family unification, romance, and most of all an understanding of Black Culture and its influence and adoption of various Diasporas.

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?
It is very hard to say during these hard Covid times where I would take someone to hang out. I am currently living in Burlington, North Carolina and I would have to take them to Raleigh and Greensboro for my favorite spots to have a great time, eat, drink, or be around art.

Food: The best food is created by me! The Cast Iron Chef Experience never disappoints… My private catering and free recipes can be found on my website at www.thecastironchefchronicles.com or on Instagram @the_cast_iron_chef

Other places I could take guests for good eats and drinks are:

Crafted The Art of the Taco (Greensboro, NC)

Morgan Street Food Hall (Raleigh, NC)

Burger Warfare (Greensboro, NC)

Art/Culture:

NC Museum of Art (Raleigh, NC)

Art to Heart Trail (Raleigh, NC)

International Civil Rights Center & Museum (Greensboro, NC)

CAM Raleigh (Raleigh, NC)

Raleigh Bar Crawl (outside of Covid)

Hanging Out:

Drive Shack (Raleigh, NC)

Thrifting:

J & R Liquidation Stores (Burlington, NC)

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to dedicate my shoutout to my wonderful husband, Cornelius, who encourages and supports me every day. I also want to dedicate it to my mamma, Patricia, who blessed me with my creative spirit.

Website: www.lachesupplyco.com

Instagram: @lachesupplyco & @the_cast_iron_chef

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicalachefulks/

Twitter: @lachesupplyco & @ThaCastIronChef

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LacheSupplyCo & https://www.facebook.com/CastIronChefChronicles

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgqn1wTh0akW43KtNHHAXMw

Image Credits
1st two images – Christian Cody 2nd two images – Grace Millar Food Images- all take by myself