Jendella Hallam – Founder of SEN*FOLD
What is SEV*NFOLD?
SEV*NFOLD is a female-focused streetwear brand with the ethos of Ambition, Attitude and Art. Our clothing is all about bright colours, loud statements, fun and healthy dose of attitude too.
What inspired you to start SEV*NFOLD?
So many factors went into the inception of SEV*NFOLD. I’ve always been a lover of streetwear and after collaborating on tee designs for a streetwear brand and some music artists I was hooked, constantly coming with concepts and ideas. Then there was the fact that there were hardly any British female streetwear brands at all! I wasn’t seeing the kind of clothing that reflected me, even in the male streetwear. So instead of just complaining I thought that I would run with SEV*NFOLD and make it exactly how I thought a female-focused brand should be. I create SEV*NFOLD first and foremost for myself – I guess I’m part of my target audience so it makes sense, and luckily other people are feeling it too!
How has the process of starting a business made you feel? What have been the positive and negative impacts?
It’s had it’s ups and downs for sure. It’s not easy, but it’s made me 1000% more determined. It’s good to feel independent and to put in work into a vision that you are completely passionate about. It’s amazing to see your ideas transcend your imagination into a physical product, and even more amazing when people are feeling what your producing. On the negative side, it’s physically and emotionally draining at times, that’s why you have to be so passionate about what you’re doing. And you have to sacrifice your time and your money for something that is not an immediate return. It’s a lot of work. It’s something akin to having a baby I reckon. I’m not 100% sure on that because I’ve never had one myself…but I imagine it would have it’s similarities.
I know you do more than street wear tell us about:
Photography:
Photography is my other baby. I shoot portraiture, social documentary and some fashion too. I’m currently assisting established photographers, building up my portfolio collaborating with other creatives, working on a few client briefs as well. This year I created two self-published books, one was a documentary book on ex-gangmembers, the other was exploring the psychology of memories, places and family. Quite different from your standard fashion photography, but I keep it versatile!
Graphic design:
I studied Graphic Design and Photography at Uni, so Graphic Design is another skill I have, which is really useful with SEV*NFOLD on the design, branding and web side. Although it isn’t my favourite thing in the world to do, it does help to pay the bills, so it’s all good. I love designing photobooks though. I’m currently working on book design for a charity.
Writing:
I’ve been doing a bit of editing and proof-reading for bloggers and also drafting press releases for music artists but mostly I write for pure enjoyment. I perform spoken word occasionally but I’m always writing. If I’m not designing tee’s, or planning shoots, I’m writing.
How do you find the time?
You don’t always find time to do what you wanna do, that’s why you need to prioritise. My mantra is “there are enough hours in the day, you just need to get your hustle right”, but I’m by no means perfect. Some days go smoothly and I go to bed feeling like a BOSS, some days I’m kicking myself because I get distracted and loads of my to-do list remains undone. But that’s life, you live, learn and get better. But a diary always helps.
What’s next for Jendella and SEV*NFOLD?
Just tryna perfect my crafts and get better and better. The SEV*NFOLD website has just launched so I’m really tryna build awareness of the brand and also get out there and meet people face to face, not just online. With photography I’m doing the same, building my network, building my portfolio, meeting new people to work with. I’m gonna start assisting full time soon, which is going to be intense alongside SEV*NFOLD which already feels fulltime! But it’s all about growth and pushing myself as a creative.
Where can we find you?
Website: www.sev-nfold.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/sev.nfold777
Twitter: www.twitter.com/SEV_NFOLD
Blog: http://blog.sev-nfold.com
Photography portfolio: www.jendella.co.uk
I have really enjoyed reading this interview as it is inspirational and real. I can feel Jendella’s passion and cannot wait to make a purchase. Jendella is part of a new wave of talented young women that have decided that they will make their own path to success. I am looking forward to seeing the brand grow!
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