Jolea Jacob selected as spring banner bearer for May 2024
What is your major?
- Apparel Design and Manufacturing
What is your hometown?
- Cypress, Texas
Why did you choose your major?
- I chose to pursue Apparel Design & Manufacturing because of the profound influence of my grandmother, who was a skilled seamstress. She instilled in me a love for sewing and fashion from a young age. This passion has evolved into a design philosophy centered on challenging norms, promoting inclusivity, and celebrating diversity within the fashion industry. My journey in apparel design reflects a commitment to crafting custom pieces that inspire confidence. Through my pursuit of education, I am making my childhood dream of becoming a fashion designer a reality.
What does it feel like to be selected as the Banner Bearer for the College of Human Sciences?
- Being selected as the Banner Bearer for the College of Human Sciences is a profound honor. I am privileged to represent the college's service and empowerment core values. This esteemed role allows me to carry forward the spirit of advocacy and social change that defines my approach to fashion design. I am truly blessed to represent my program and college, which hold such significance in my heart, and exude the meaning of serving mankind.
What do you enjoy most or appreciate about the College of Human Sciences?
- One of the highlights of my experience in the College of Human Sciences has been the engaging coursework, particularly in surface design. This course equipped me with the techniques to blend feminine and masculine elements within the men's eveningwear collection I debuted at the Techstyle Fashion Show this year. This knowledge has enriched my journey as a fashion designer and supplied me with the tools to advocate for representation and inclusivity.
What are your career plans/next steps?
- My immediate career goal is to work with a fashion company in New York City, where I aim to apply my design philosophy of promoting inclusivity and celebrating diversity within the industry. Additionally, I plan to pursue a master's degree in fashion design to deepen my expertise and advocate for social change through my designs. Ultimately, my goal is to inspire industry transformations by celebrating diversity and empowering individuals to embrace their unique beauty. This vision drives my passion for fashion and fuels my ambition to establish my own eveningwear company dedicated to inclusivity and representation.