We had the good fortune of connecting with Jaquana Moses and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Jaquana, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
The process and decision to start my own business stemmed from a personal place. As a single mother, I found myself in a position where my job wasn’t providing the financial stability I needed to adequately support my daughter. I was determined to create a better life for us, so I embarked on the entrepreneurial journey to establish an additional stream of income.
Beyond the financial aspect, I was motivated by a strong determination to instill in my daughter the belief that we are capable of achieving more than simply working a traditional 9-5 job, contributing to someone else’s dreams. I wanted to be a living example for her, demonstrating resilience, creativity, and the courage to pursue one’s own aspirations. It has been a journey of personal growth, and I am proud to show her that with dedication and a willingness to step outside conventional norms, we can shape our own destiny.
Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I started on my entrepreneurial journey by crafting handmade jewelry, particularly bracelets. The spark for expansion arose during the planning of my wedding when I realized the outrageous costs associated with everything. So, I rolled up my sleeves and DIYed everything – from save-the-dates to flower girl outfits to bridal party gifts, you name it, I made it. I didn’t have fancy equipment, but I made it work, and that was the beginning of a bigger business idea.
What sets me apart is my unwavering passion for what I do. When creating personalized items, I recognize the moments my clients entrust me with, be it celebrations, commemorations, or achievements. It’s a responsibility I take seriously, ensuring I contribute to these significant moments in a meaningful way. I go the extra mile by offering a free gift that resonates with each client, adding a personal touch to their experience.
My proudest moment is when I made my business official and the establishment of my business as an LLC. I remember calling my mother in excitement and showing her my documents! This accomplishment along with the pursuit of building business credit and aiming for the goal of generational wealth makes me very proud. The journey hasn’t been easy; it required countless hours of studying, podcast listening, video watching, and seminar attendance. However, I’ve found joy and peace in the challenges, knowing all of this contributes to my personal and professional growth. I’m also excited about passing down the lessons to my kiddos. Some of my favorite reads are The Four Agreements, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Poeple and The Decision by Kevin Hart
The ‘Sista sessions’ with my close friends/sisters have been instrumental in overcoming hurdles, and networking has proven invaluable. OMG, I’m always amazed at how much information people are holding on to and how you can pick up little gems and nuggets when you least expect it! A little bit from this person, a dash from that person and a splash from the person across the room and you end up with your own special sauce of insights and strategies.
I’ve learned some lessons along the way, authenticity is key; staying true to oneself is non-negotiable, the importance of being of service to others is a guiding principle and lastly, pursuing your passion with confidence and good intent is a key to success.
I want the world to know that we are more than just a business, my brand is driven by a deep sense of purpose, resilience, and the ability to overcome challenges. Every product or service is designed with a specific mission — to make a positive impact in my client’s life. Through my story, I aim to inspire others to find purpose in what they do and make a meaningful difference. Setbacks are not roadblocks but stepping stones. I hope to inspire others to embrace challenges, learn from them, and emerge stronger, turning adversity into opportunities.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Below is my itinerary, many of the places I’ve been to, some are on my wish list to visit this year.
Monday
– Toasters Downtown for brunch
– Museum of Fine Arts
– Galleria Mall
-Ruth’s Chris (Dinner)
Tues
-Toasted Yolk
– Houston Aquarium
– Discovery Green
– Graffiti Park (Ride Scooters)
– Trill Burger (Dinner)
– Urban Social
Wed
– The Breakfast Klub
– Art District – Houston Murals
– Picnic @ Hermann Park
– Spa World Houston
– Sixty Vines The Woodlands
Thursday
Hebrews Coffee – The Woodlands
Market Street – The Woodlands
CAVA Mediterranean
Escape Room – Escape In Time
El Bosque – Dinner
Friday
Turkey Leg Hut
Third Ward Project Row Houses
Color Factory
Kemah Boardwalk
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I actually have to express gratitude to several individuals who have played pivotal roles in shaping my journey and instilling in me valuable lessons. Firstly, my mother deserves a heartfelt shoutout. Her creativity served as an early inspiration, and she was the first person to illuminate the path of using our God-given gifts to craft something beautiful. Witnessing her create home decor and design all her wedding decorations left an lasting impression on my perspective of what we are capable of accomplishing if we just focus and create a plan.
Another significant influence in my life is my Uncle Tim. His resourcefulness, creativity, and unwavering confidence, coupled with a diverse set of skills, have been instrumental in my personal and professional development. He imparted the crucial lesson of self-belief, urging me never to sell myself short. Growing up, he exposed us to new experiences, emphasizing the importance of continuous exploration, travel, and the belief that if you can dream it, you can achieve it.
Last but certainly not least, my daughter Dynisty holds a special place in my heart and deserves immense credit. She is the “Dy” in JaDy Designs. While all my children motivate me, my firstborn has been a profound source of inspiration. Raising her has been a continuous learning experience, and her mere presence motivated me to aspire for more, reach for my dreams, and develop the resilience to never give up on them. Her impact on my life has been immeasurable, driving me to strive for growth and success in both personal and professional realms.
Website: ja-dydesigns.com
Instagram: ja_dy_designs
Facebook: JaDy Designs
Other: ja.dydesigns (Tiktok)
Image Credits
Jaquana Moses (myself)