Meet Ronisha Howard | Ronisha Howard, BSW, MSW

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

Hi Ronisha, what do you attribute your success to?
The most important factor behind my success is my drive to continue to run a business and work a full time job and be a mom of 3 girls. You have to have dedication and enjoy what you are doing. The joy of selling hats isn’t about the money its about how it brings peace and it’s my happiness. The story behind being a hat lover was inspired by my grandmother Jewel. She was a hardworking women that raised 10 children. She was a women of faith and enjoyed attending church. When she arrived at church she wore various big hats. She had a different hat for every outfit she wore. She walked into the church with grace and confidence. She was an inspiration to other women in church. She was a “Jewel” . As a young child being able to witness this was when I feel in love with hats.

What should our readers know about your business?
Jewelz Closet was launched on November 9th and it has been a fascinating year thus far. I started off selling Fedora hats at the beginning. This was a great opportunity to network and do pop up shops to see what the people liked. I received a lot of request for large brim Fedoras, short brims Fedoras with feathers and other styles. I began to research more and more styles of Fedoras to step outside the box. I started selling two tone Fedoras which was a huge request and made for statements pieces when dressing up. My Fedoras stood out so much that I caught the eye of Black Ink owners. I was then asked to bring my Fedoras to the guys (Cease, Van and Doughboy) and they absolutely loved my Fedoras. I was then invited to attend their Grand Opening for Black Ink Houston on January 31st. I sold over 150 Fedoras at this event networked and made connections with customers from all over the world. This was the highlight of Jewelz Closet in such small months. My Fedoras are still worn presently by Black Ink’s Van regularly.(check his page) . Later, in June I hosted my very own Pop Up shop in Galveston( my hometown) on June 12, 2021 . I named it “Galveston Island Summer Vibes” It was a great success. I had 35 vendors, Black Inks own 360 photobooth was present, vendor flew down from New York to sell her lashes, known DJ Huskey on the 1’s and 2’s it was Lit and entire Vibe!!. I had the opportunity to give other small business like myself their opportunity to sell their products and network. This was another great accomplishment for me and also another learning curve. I’m still learning everyday to run a small business and host pop up shops. I have learned that there will be obstacles in the road but it is about learning from them to push forward! I’m not afraid to ask another business owner questions in regards to inventory or how to handle customers ,sales and dynamics of having a small business. I’m very open to take constructive criticism and I feel that is a huge strength for my business. I am educating and researching myself to soak in all information to the business. As of today, I have networked with more IG online boutiques and influencers that have worn my Fedoras and Caps. Yes, caps Jewels expanded it’s inventory and has ventured out to now sell Crystal Velvet Caps caps which have been my #1 seller, Kangols, Berets, Bucket hats and Wide Straw Fedoras. One lesson that I have learned is that you have to be confident to promote your brand when no one else will. You will wear many “hats” striving for your business to be successful. You will not be able to rely on anyone but yourself to do the work. I also understand and have witnessed personally by having great customer service and providing a great product that your customers will do the work for you naturally. All in all, that is what will make your business grow. Staying humble and not forgetting about your customers. I would like to the world to know that the person behind Jewelz Closet is a one women show. I run the business being a full time mother and social worker. Starting this business came at a great time in my life after graduating from University of Texas with my Masters in Social Work. The time and dedication that I put into the business is worthwhile because I have the chance to see my Fedoras worn on Birthdays, Anniversaries, Weddings and pretty much other major life event and when I see a customer happy that makes me happy that I could add a little “Jewel” to their life.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
So first we would wake up early lol and head to the Breakfast Club. For Lunch I would want to go to the Turkey Leg Hut if the line is not too long. If so we could head downtown and check out some restaurants. On weekend we would stop by Kamp for some day parties and Bar 5051 for some drinks as well. We probably would go to the Spot to hear some hood music at night and also drive around to show her 3rd ward and some historical spots. We would definitely hit up Black Ink Houston to holla at the guys and possibly get a tattoo


Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Yes, I want to dedicate my shoutout to Destiny, Jada and Journie my three babies ! I love you girls much. Everything that mommy does is to inspire you… motivate you.. and encourage you

my grandmother the late Jewel Arceneaux, My Mom: Marilyn Doty My Sister:  Roshonda Doty, My Aunt Barbara Collins & my Besties

Family Friends and Supporters & Jewelz Closet Baddies, DJ Huskey (Brand Ambassador)

Black Ink (Van Johnson, Ceaser & Doughboy )

Website: www.jewelzcloset.com

Instagram: @shopjewelzcloset

Facebook: Jewelz Closet

Image Credits
Ronisha Howard Spartan Photography