Everyday this week I will be featuring independent designers that contribute to the male fashion movement. Today, get identified with 'John-Clifton Victor's company "John Bolé".
How
long has your line of custom jewelry been around and what prompted you to start
it?
My line of
custom jewelry has been around for purchase since May of this year. But I
started making jewelry for myself in February of this year. The idea of John
Bolé birthed during a trip to New York with one of my best homies and Design
Assistant, Zac McBride. We were doing a little shopping and ran across a really
nice bracelet ridiculously over-priced. (I’ve always been a “crafty” person
wanting to alter different things or re-making it if possible.) So again, the
idea of, “What if I could make that” popped in my head. A few months later I
actually decided to give that vision a try. I started making my own bracelets solely
just for my own personal use. When I would wear them, my peers, along with
people I didn’t know, begin to compliment my bracelets a lot and constantly
would ask me where I bought them. After telling them that I made it, almost of
them would ask me to make them one. After getting that same repeated response,
the idea of turning my craft into a profitable business came to me. I took the
necessary steps to put my ideas into action and here we are now.
Why did you choose to go with the name “John Bolé” as the product association
for your brand?
John Bolé
is a partial version of my first and middle name. I wanted to give my brand a
self-titled name simply because the brand represents me in every way.
Male
accessories are currently a huge market especially bracelets. You tapped into
an area that all styles of men can appreciate. When it comes to your designing
process, do you customize styles based off the mindset of what you think your
customers will like? Or do you solely base it off your personal style?
I definitely try to
tap into my clients’ own personal style, while inducing a touch of my
mine to keep the integrity
of the brand.
From following your instagram, one can conclude that you have a GREAT
sense of personal style. What advice would you have for a guy interested in
your product but doesn’t feel he has a great sense of style and may not know
how to wear it?
I would
suggest for that guy who doesn’t consider himself to be heavily into fashion
and or men’s accessories to start off with what I call, “The Beauplicity
Collection.” This collection was added to John Bolé specifically for that guy
or girl. It’s not as intricate as the other pieces in my line but it yet has a
valor of design to capture attention. In the near future I plan to totally
revamp my site to where models will show how to wear my pieces exemplifying all
styles.
I’m
most impressed with your beading combinations. In viewing the detail of your collection,
it seems as if your designing style is more centralized on detail. With most of
your arrangements, you keep a simple base of like beads and finalize the look with
a small yet impactful dose of more extravagant beads or charms. Why have you chosen
this route of design?
It’s interesting that you ask that. I’m a recent graduate of
Prairie View A&M University School of Architecture. The “simple chic”
approach to things started there, in my design studio class. I’ve always taken
a literal approach to design rather than the fantasy approach. I’m all about
the “pop of…” effect and what the everyday consumer could actually appreciate.
Who is your target market and why did you chose that demographic?
My target market doesn't have a particular demographic, per
say. But my market is targeted to that lady or gentleman that loves to
accessorize and look dope doing so.
Your site is very clean, professional and gets straight to the point when
showcasing your unique product. What is your advice to other entrepreneurs who
may lack a polished, customer friendly website like yourself? Why was that so
important to you, because it definitely shows?
I would
say put yourself in the shoes of the consumer. I always ask myself, if I saw
this presented in this way, would I buy it? That pretty much determines the way
I do things, considering my resources. This is very important to me because if
you wouldn’t support your own brand, who else would?
Take me through the process of brainstorming when coming up with new
ideas for your designs. Do you envision a bracelet and then sought out to find
its materials, or do you base your designs off what you find when shopping for
beads?
I utilize both methods. Ideas for new designs can come in
many different ways. But it normally happens all at once in my head, whether if
I’m driving, dreaming, or bead shopping. I normally don’t sit and sketch designs,
unless the client requests specific beads.
What inspires you?
All things
that are shinny inspire me.
Outside of bracelets you also make necklaces that are also featured on
your site. Do you have any aspirations in expanding that venture, adding new
materials to your current inventory or introducing new products (i.e rings,
earrings, brooches, etc)?
In the future, I plan to expand John Bolé to all humanely
possible accessories and pet accessories as well. I also plan to venture into
clothing at some point.
Do you make custom orders for customers? If so, how does that process
work?
Everything within the John Bolé brand is handcrafted by me/ a
design assistant.
Would you say your affordable price points reflect the time that goes
into making your product? Would you ever consider an increase on your product?
It’s a give a take process. Some things take a bit longer to
construct than others. But I use that issue to drive me to increasing the speed
of my craftsman-ship. In the future there probably will be a minor price
increase, but it won’t be a bank breaking increase. All pricing will fairly
benefit the customer as well as the company alike.
What has been your proudest moment thus far in starting your line and
where would you like to see it grow?
My proudest moment has been when a homie of mines visited
another city and was stopped by another visiting stranger acknowledging the
fact that he knew my homie had on a John Bolé bracelet. I want John Bolé to be
known Internationally and the sky is the limit!!!
To check out John Bolé's full collection and to inquire about ordering, he can be reached via these outlets:
For Custom
Orders: customerservice.johnbole@gmail.com
For
Business Inquiries: jvictor.johnbole@gmail.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/johnboleaccessories
Twitter: @mrjohnbole
Instagram:
@mrjohnbole
If you have a product that contributes to male fashion or know someone who does, send a media press kit, press release or any helpful information to TheXStylezBlog@gmail.com.
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