We had the good fortune of connecting with Monica & Jalen and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Monica & Jalen, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?

We started It’s A Legacy Thing Collections as a way to continue the conversations about Historically Black Colleges and Universities amongst alums and youth in a fun and fashion-forward way. Our mission was to design apparel for the entire family so that alums could share the love of their alma mater with those closest to them while educating them on the importance of legacy of the institutions, as well as creating, or carrying on their own. Jalen sees how much love I have for my alma mater, and has since gained an appreciation for the richness of HBCUs history.

Our company distinguishes itself by highlighting the significance of volunteerism amongst youth and families. HBCUs teach us the importance of service and how greatly it contributes to the positive growth of our communities. We felt like the best way to reinforce this position was to lead by example. Jalen and I enjoy highlighting different experiences that we’ve had together to show how easy and rewarding it is to “Pay It Forward” by contributing to the community. We also highlight the non-profits we partner with just to add to their brand awareness, while encouraging others to join us. Our goal is to teach the correlation between our HBCUs and community services, while having fun doing it.

What should our readers know about your business?

We create licensed collegiate apparel for alumnus and their family. We encourage our consumers (we call our Legacy Family) to use our apparel as a tool to create teachable moments for others in a fun way. My son and I wanted to drive conversations about Historically Black Colleges and Universities amongst demographics where we believed it was lacking. Our partnership allows our consumer to get perspectives from both the HBCU graduate, as well as the HBCU prospect. The best part about what we do is enjoying who we do it with. I love the quality time we spend together, and the memories we create.

Our company also partners with various non-profits in the Atlanta area. We look to encourage volunteerism amongst all ages and families as a way to give back to the community, while spending quality time with those closest to you. Our website highlights the projects we do together and gives tips and tricks on how our Legacy Family can do them in their area or donate to our initiatives. We are currently working with Little Free Library and Great Little Minds Book Exchange, placing free book exchange stations with books focused on diverse storylines and authors

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?

J loves catching football games at Mercedes Benz stadium, and family dinners at Escovitchez Restaurant. After vendor exhibits, we both love grabbing a milkshake at The Yard Milkshake Bar in Buckhead, or catching a facial at Skyn Culture Spa.

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Who else deserves some credit and recognition?

Jalen and I would like to thank our friends and family for their consistent encouragement and faith in us to push forward. A huge shout out to our team from production, to photography, to graphic designs, and marketing, you all have helped our vision come to fruition, and as Jalen says often, “We don’t know where we would be without you.” To my SpelMoms (#IYKYK) thank you for your constant support, wisdom, and numerous comical moments.

And lastly, a special shout out to my beloved Alma Mater, the #1 HBCU, Spelman College. Thank you for four years of lessons learned both in and out of the classroom, being the home where so many of us have laughed until it hurt, cried until we couldn’t anymore, and helping create memories that will last forever.

Website: www.itsalegacythingcollections.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/itsalegacythingcollections

Facebook: www.facebook.com/itsalegacythingcollections

Image Credits
Monica Nwaigwe, MNJ Photo Joe Carlos, Joe Carlos Photography.

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