Meet L. Jiles | MC/Emcee & Fashion Designer

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

Hi L., can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
After working in the behavioral health field for so many years I started feeling like this can’t be my destiny. I like the work I do and very passionate about it but it can become emotionally taxing. I started talking with God and just prayed about manifesting His vision for my career. I’m great at what I do but realized it’s not what I want for the rest of my life. It just didn’t make sense any more to give heart and dedication to someone else’s business/company. After that I just started getting messages from the universe and dived in headfirst. About 5 years ago my “MC/Emcee” journey began with a close friend that was an aspiring DJ and she asked me to “MC” her gigs, “I was like okay let’s do it”. Recently I began marketing it as a business, at first it was only for fun but soon realized I really enjoy it so why not! My other business is fashion designer. I sat on the thought for years, people would always tell me I should start a clothing brand. I was dripping before there was sauce lol so it only made sense to push my own apparel. I spoke to some of my business friends and before you know it I jumped off the porch in July 2021 launching my online store. I have a local vendor as well for custom pieces. JustA HopeDealer Apparel & MC-B’

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
What sets me apart from others when MC-ing is that I’m a whole vibe. Most MC’s don’t engage with people at the events. I make events memorable by interacting, dancing and give people that 1-on-1 time. My services are an “experience” and I’m determined to leave an imprint in their minds. JustA HopeDealer brand is more than apparel. My products are inspirational and trendy. I design it in a way that any age group can support it. Also at one point I was down bad and hopeless about life, so when I changed I wanted my clothing to represent others who had ever been there before or need a HOPE shot (inspiration). In other words I inspire others and spread HOPE through my MC services and apparel. I often run into people at parties/events who had a horrible day, bad moment or struggling with something and they tell me at the end of the event they enjoyed themselves or had a blast. Those be the highlights of my night.

I got where I am today by prayer, faith and ambition. It wasn’t easy but I knew that in order for me to have freedom or focus on building my own empire I just have to start somewhere. I can’t spend my entire life building someone else’s empire. I’m still in the initial phase of my clothing line and learning what’s needed to get whew I would like to be. I just stay inspired by observing/studying other brands and networking to learn more about the game.

The lessons I learned is do you homework and research before jumping head first like myself and make TIME for your business. The process may be a bit simpler that way.

I want the world to know that- JustA HopeDealer is more than a brand.

HOPE is the force behind overcoming any loss or obstacle. HopeDealers are influencers, innovaters, creators, movers and shakers of the universe. We embody and cultivate HOPE!

I use my ministry of fashion and MC/Emcee services to spread HOPE. It’s more than a brand, it’s a MOVEMENT! So many people have went through or dealing with something and just need inspiration. I want show people that no matter your background or where you’re from you can overcome anything. I’m a living witness to that!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would probably take them to KISS Houston or FIVE Central. Great food and great vibes at both locations. Places to check out would probably be the rooftop cinema even though I haven’t been yet lol. There’s so much to do and my friend doesn’t really hang but she loves great food.

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 shoutout the Man that sit high and look low. I got to give Him all the credit because I was going no where real fast lol. He changed my life around and I wanted to inspire others. That’s where my brand- JustA HopeDealer derived from. Inspiring others by giving Hope through fashion. Next would be my mom, she’s my biggest fan! She’s rooting for me whether I rise or fall. My partner in crime DJ Que who asked me to MC her gigs definitely deserves major credit. I think she saw it in me and that’s how that began. Also the fellowships that I’m a member of that keeps me spiritually inclined also has played a huge part as well. Of course my childhood friend Seaira, who I vent to on them late nights helped keep me sane. There are many others that support my businesses and probably too many to name. I just want to say THANK YOU to anyone that has supported the brand in anyway.

Website: https://my-store-bb2d6d.creator-spring.com/listing/buy-hopedealer?fbclid=IwAR2jm4IuBR9tsoX4q-V2GRkSjjgvb6hn-W5buR8_JrvNUlK-sNcaYZmg4Xo

Instagram: @justahopedealer

Facebook: JustA HopeDealer

Image Credits
📸: jmimms 📸: DJQue