Conversations with Angelique Walker

Today we’d like to introduce you to Angelique Walker.

Hi Angelique, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started my business based on my love for being creative. I always wanted to be different and unique. I live in Memphis, TN and I remember a particular event, that everyone was going to.

I worked in the mall at the time and I could remember everyone buying the same exact outfit. I decide to make my own and literally after that night my entire life changed. I made my entire outfit, from the dress to the bedazzled shoes. I woke up to Facebook messages, asking when will I be accepting orders.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
With the immediate success of my business, I’ve also had major lows too. I learned the hard way of not fully operating as a business. I knew the creative side but not the business side. My customer service sucked tremendously. I was overwhelmed with working that I didn’t keep that line of communication open. I immediately found out I couldn’t do it alone.

Just like I had public success I also had a public failure. I learned that every successful business needs a team. I also learned that every successful business needs leaders. I had to unlearn that I don’t have to always be in charge. I had to learn to listen. I had to learn how to run a business. I knew how to be creative, but I did not know the fundamentals of owning a business.

I learn that I can’t do this by myself. I needed a team desperately. Now my husband helps me with our business. He helps with shipping orders and customer service. I also have a creative team that consists of some of the baddest creatives in Memphis, TN. ( Jenil Askew Joshua Lee, Ejae Colemon, and Tiara Harvey), without them, my visuals would not be hired. They bring everything to life!

Honestly, if it wasn’t for my failures I wouldn’t be here today.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I truly believe my love for creating unique authentic pieces comes from my vivid imagination. I can see a piece in my head before I actually make it. It’s a strong feeling to where I actually don’t sketch anything I go into full-blown artistic expression and immediately create it.

The essence of my brand creates and curates beautiful denim pieces that you can wear and feel absolutely beautiful in. I try my best to be different but still sexy chic. I would say my brand is can not be confined to one check box. My brand took off the day Keyshia Kior, Gucci Mane’s wife wore my shorts.

I immediately saw orders increase and sales grow. That happen in 2014. Since then I have had beautiful everyday girls and celebrities in my items. To name a few I have had, Cardi B, Taraiji P. Henson, Lala Anthony, Draya, and so forth.

We’d love to hear what do you think about risk-taking?
I would say you have to jump. That indeed is the scariest step. It’s hard, it’s scary, it’s frightening but once you jump the biggest step is over. You now start to organize your business and build your business. The days where you lost. The days your building. That indeed is the dream that we’re chasing.

Contact Info:

• Email: Info@shopjolie.net
• Website: ShopJolie.net
• Instagram: @shop1of1sbyJolie
• Facebook: Facebook.com/1of1sbyJolie
• Twitter: @shopjolie2
• TikTok: @1of1sbyJolie

Image Credits
Jenil Askew Photography and Ejae Nails TintNails