START-UP FOUNDER

Jes Wade Atelier

In 2009, after designing for global fashion houses for a decade, including Calvin Klein and Ralph Lauren, Jessica founded a start-up to re-think industry practices and use design thinking to drive business strategy. The Atelier used a parallel innovation process that combined technical craftsmanship supported by client engagement. Within 24 months client acquisition and product development had tripled revenues and the B2C business model and brand was awarded by a jury of C-suite fashion executives, led by the President of LVMH USA, in the Design Entrepreneur NYC program competition.

Using sustainable design thinking principals, we vertically integrated product development, production, and sales while engaging all stakeholders (vendors, customers, employees, investors) to support growth. Manufacturing focused on energy efficiency and zero waste. Employee well-being was facilitated with beautifully designed work spaces, full benefits, continuing education, and morning yoga.

The collection combined old world craftsmanship and glamour with new world technologies and hosted clients in experiential retail environments that popped-up in private homes, art galleries and stores across the United States. The women who were part of the Jes Wade story, to this day, are empowered by their Jes Wade pieces and continue to wear them as they celebrate life around the world.

A SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE AND SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS MODEL

CUSTOMERS CENTRAL TO PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT & BUSINESS STRATEGY

ZERO WASTE DESIGN & VERTICAL PRODUCTION

RESPECTED CRAFTSMANSHIP & ETHICAL LABOR PRACTICES

MINIMAL CARBON FOOTPRINT IN PACKAGING & SHIPPING