Today we’d like to introduce you to Tj Harris. Them and their team share their story with us below:
Designer, Investor, Author, Community Leader, Harris was born in 1997 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He attended Booker T. Washington High School, and was 17 years old when he first became intrigued by fashion and the avenues it could open. Searching through old photo books of his parents, TJ was immediately infatuated by 90’s energetic and unapologetic fashion culture; and has since never looked back. Fashion is a lot more than craftily blending fabrics to Harris— fashion is individuality, fashion is a stance, and above all, fashion is a voice. Harris does not believe in impossibilities, and it is that mindset of tenacity that he is imputing into the minds of Jouéur. He weaves his ideals about culture, faith and social awareness into his fashion through strategic color usage, design and texture to encompass timeless cultural fashion, with a voice.
Harris’ message is simple: “To whom much is given, much is expected and required.” TJ has noted that he does not consider his commitment to his community a choice but rather a personal obligation. “I am 24 years old and I have dedicated my life to the advancement of my peers. Many believe that one person cannot change the world. That’s fine, if Jouéur cannot change the world, we’ll create the millions of Players who can.”
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
As a Public Speaker, I often teach that love is not a strong enough motivator. Love won’t cut it. So, I am fueled by hate. I hate the fact that nearly 50% of start up companies fail within their first five years. Even more so, I hate the fact that 80% of Black businesses fail after their first 18 months. My experience as a Finance Professional and as Black Entrepreneur has shown me that there is a large disparity in the way wealth is distributed and allocated in this country. As a Black Entrepreneur, my biggest milestone has been finding the funding needed to scale Jouéur into its international prominence.
A report done by Gene Marks from The Guardian showed that less than 47% of financing applications filed by African American business owners get approved. This finding, amongst other disparities keeps me awake at night. They also sparked me to write my second book entitled “Finance is the Great Equalizer” and to create Jouéur. Jouéur is the voice of the people. We are a society of brilliant, like-minded radicals all on one accord in a fight against social injustice. As a Founder, I understand that nothing changes if nothing changes. If I do not courageously and tenaciously fight against injustice, the brilliant minds to come after me will face the same plight.
Like all exceptional things, building a global business takes time. Great businesses far too often fall to their demise solely because they cannot afford to weather the storm. They cannot afford to stay in the fight. I teach people that money is merely a tool. My focus as an Owner is equipping Jouéur with enough tools to continue to push forward in our mission and keep building great thinkers. You only fail if you quit. Jouéur will never fail because I will never abandon my obligation to this world. One man can absolutely change the world if his reason for change is strong enough.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Jouéur?
With a French origin translating to “Player” in English, Jouéur (Jou-air) is a Designer Fashion Company dedicated to innovating the entire world through style and fashion. A Player is an individual who is naturally smooth, suave, and elegant in all their endeavors. Jouéur is a utopian society made up of the world’s greatest thinkers, wittiest speakers, and smoothest dressers. The leaders of today and tomorrow.
What separates Jouéur from other Designer companies is that we focus on intrinsic fashion. We sow, stitch, and carefully design every piece in a way that compliments you, not only physically but mentally and spiritually as well. We design our garments in this way because no matter what you are wearing, if you don’t feel good, you won’t look good, and that all begins with how confident you feel as a Player.
From Michael Jordan to Deion Sanders to the late great Kobe Bryant, all the most impactful players in history share a commonality; confidence. The world is only changed when the people have the confidence to believe they can do it. That’s where Jouéur comes in. Our focus is on intrinsic fashion because we know there are certain things that money can’t buy. Like confidence. We want to give our consumers the confidence they need to believe that anything is possible! There is a quote that says, “The world is changed tomorrow through the seeds we plant today.” Jouèur is committed to planting the seeds that will change the world. At Jouéur, we don’t believe in impossibilities, but for the people who believe it’s impossible for one person to change the world, fine. If Jouèur can’t change the world, we’ll create the players who can.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Your network is your net worth. At Jouéur, we understand that the power is in the people. Networking is paramount. You have to be able to get out in front of the world and thoroughly articulate your vision in a way that not only is understandable but also gets people inspired and excited to support your dream.
No risk, no reward. People often say they cannot afford to live in California. I believe you cannot afford not to. There are certain places, certain rooms that you cannot afford not to be in. One handshake can change everything! Take that risk, get in those rooms!
Lastly, people are attracted to confidence. As a Business Owner especially, your belief in self is pivotal. If you do not believe in yourself, no one will. You must have the supreme confidence in yourself to boldly go in front of the world and let them know you have an idea that the world needs! Prove your worth to the world!
Contact Info:
- Email: joueurfashion@gmail.com
- Website: https://joueurgalerie.com
- Instagram: @JoueurFashion
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JoueurFashion
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lp0UYnDjoNY&t=2s
