Meet Jivon Cole | Entrepreneur, Creator, Student, Visionary

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

Hi Jivon, how do you think about risk?
Taking a chance on my clothing brand, Novij La Flare, was hands down one of the best moves I’ve ever made. I started it when I was 18, just a few months out of high school, with no real clue about what I wanted to do next. I ended up going to community college, and instead of playing it safe, I took all my refund checks and put them straight into the brand—not knowing if it was going to pop off or flop.

At first, it felt like a flop. Sales were barely coming in, and it felt like I was just throwing money into a black hole. But I stuck with it. I kept pushing and let it play out for a year, and that’s when things started to click. I had my first big break—drops were selling out, influencers and creators were hitting me up, and my pieces were even showing up in celebrity music videos, like Luh Tyler’s.

Looking back, I’d say taking risks has been a game-changer for me. It’s taught me that if you really believe in your vision, stay down, and stay focused, everything else—money, recognition, success—will follow.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m a proud creative from Prince George’s County, Maryland, a place full of talent, but unfortunately, where many individuals either lack exposure or get caught up in the wrong paths. My journey wasn’t straightforward, but it shaped the person and entrepreneur I am today. After graduating high school, I found myself at a crossroads, unsure of my purpose. I was working a job where I felt unfulfilled, but deep down, I always knew I had immense creative potential waiting to be unlocked.

During that time, I decided to teach myself graphic design through YouTube tutorials, using every spare moment to hone my craft. Designing became a passion that I nurtured daily. The turning point came when I shared my first design online—it received an outpouring of support and positive feedback. That response inspired me to take a leap of faith and start my own clothing brand. Growing up, I had always admired bold, unique styles, so creating a brand felt like a natural extension of my creativity, even if it was something I never thought I’d seriously pursue.

Getting to where I am today has been a journey of consistency and faith. As an entrepreneur, there were many moments when I wanted to quit—times when I doubted my progress or questioned if I was on the right path. Starting out, I had no sales and felt the weight of pouring money into something without seeing immediate results. But I’ve learned that entrepreneurship is about persistence, trust in the process, and faith in God. I’ve kept God and prayer at the center of my business, and I believe His blessings have followed my consistency and commitment. What’s meant for you will always find its way to you if you stay dedicated.

It wasn’t easy and still isn’t. Today, I’m 20 years old, running a clothing brand that has grown from no sales to sometimes receiving 100+ orders a week. I run everything on my own, and while it can be overwhelming, I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Balancing my business while maintaining a 3.1 GPA as a full-time student has been one of my biggest challenges, but it’s also one of my proudest accomplishments.

What sets my brand apart is its focus on freedom and creativity. It’s about allowing people to express themselves authentically and confidently. Every piece I release is unique and encourages individuality—there are no rules, no limits, and no self-doubt. My brand represents freedom in fashion, empowering people to dress how they want and be unapologetically themselves.

To anyone out there chasing their dreams, I want my story to remind you that the path may be tough, but with prayer, perseverance, and belief in your vision, anything is possible. My journey is just beginning, and I’m excited to keep creating and inspiring others to live authentically through my brand. I hope one day Novij La Flare is a household name that everyone loves and just inspires everyone to chase their dreams and fulfill whatever they want.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend was coming to town, you already know I’m showing them a week they’ll never forget. We’re hitting the best spots in PG County, DC, and Atlanta, eating good, turning up, and catching vibes everywhere we go.

We’d start the first three days in PG County and DC. Day one, we’re grabbing breakfast at Busboys and Poets they got the fire sweet potato pancakes, plus the vibe is always good. Then, we’d slide to the National Museum of African American History and Culture* because you gotta know the history when you’re in DC. for dinner we’re hitting up *Ben’s Chili Bowl for some classic half-smokes, and after that, it’s all about the nightlife. We’d probably go to Rosebar or Decades depending on the mood. Either way, you cant beat a good night out in DC

Day two, we’re keeping it local in PG County. First stop is National Harbor for a chill morning by the water and maybe hopping on the Capital Wheel. Lunch would be at Milk & Honey because that’s a DMV staple right there, Later, we’d head to MGM National Harbor for dinner at Voltaggio Brothers Steakhouse and a some casino fun or a live show. If we’re still on 10, we’re sliding back to DC to check out Harlot lounge

Now for the Atlanta part of the trip, this is where we really turn up. Day four, we’re starting with breakfast at Atlanta Breakfast Club. probably one of the best restaurants in ATL. After that, we’re getting cultured at The National Center for Civil and Human Rights and maybe stopping by The World of Coca-Cola. Dinner would be at poor Calvins which is a underrated restaurant that’d I’d put my friend onto for some soul food, and then we’re hitting opium or Magic City to see what Atlanta nightlife is really about and they can have a memorable experience.

Day five is all about calm vibes. We’re exploring Ponce City Market and we’d hit Skyline Park for rooftop games and views. Dinner at *South City Kitchen* is the move for some more Southern eats and probably just walk around and tour the beltline and head to the olympic park at night.

This trip? Straight memories, good food, and energy from PG County to Atlanta.

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?
First off, I want to give a big shoutout to all my customers, supporters, friends, and everyone who’s been a part of my journey over the past 1.5 years. Whether it’s a sale, a follow, a like, or a share—every single thing has helped me grow, and I couldn’t do this without y’all. I’m always grateful for the love and support, especially from those who encourage me to keep going when things don’t turn out as planned. Instead of tearing me down, you push me to go harder, and that means everything to me.

A special shoutout goes to my cousin, Khadija Conteh, who has never missed a single drop. I could drop a needle, and she’d still find a way to support it! She’s always believed in my vision, no matter what, and has been there for me through it all—even while serving in the military. Whether she’s here or overseas, she still finds a way to show love, and I’m forever thankful for her. She motivates me to push harder every single day.

Website: https://novijlaflare.com

Instagram: @novijlaflare

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jivon-cole-267476224