Meet entrepreneur Janyelle Milton from Michigan. She is the founder of J Marie Premium Sneakers and has been in business for 4 years.
What does your dream life look like? Are you currently living your dream or still working on it?
My dream life would be to have my Sneaker Brand in major upscale department stores and e-commerce platforms making a consistent profit enough to invest and grow my business. I’m still working on it.
Tell me more about what you do.
My name is Janyelle Milton founder of J Marie Premium Sneakers. J Marie Premium Sneakers are conceived in Detroit and handcrafted in Italy. Our Sneakers are 100% Italian leather in premium finishes like faux zebra, crocodile, and python in vibrant colors!
We help provide style, quality, comfort, and color to primarily women who are style INFLUENCERS!
Your sneakers are super cute! What inspired you to get started?
After graduating from College, I fell ill and was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and longed for more comfortable shoes. I couldn’t find a brand that I was pleased with so I started my own.
What can we expect when purchasing a pair of J Marie Premium Sneakers?
You can expect a PREMIUM experience and a PREMIUM Sneaker.
Our Sneakers are HANDCRAFTED not mass-produced! You can expect FREE shipping and returns in the US, UK, and EU. You can expect unique designs and colorways that you will not see anywhere else. You can expect Italian leather, Premium finishes like faux zebra, crocodile and python!
You can go to www.jmariepremiumsneakers.com and sign up for our mailing list and get $30 off your first purchase!
You’ve been in business for a few years now. What’s a challenge you’ve faced along your entrepreneurial journey?
One obstacle I faced is that the sneaker industry is very male-dominated and the idea of a premium sneaker didn’t fit in that world. People want to put me in a box of the “sneakerhead” genre that typically encompasses sports footwear.
I’m overcoming that by using my social platforms to think about sneakers differently…to show that Sneakers can be just as feminine as heels.
How has being an introvert affected your business?
Being an introvert makes it hard for me to create content that involves me going outside of my comfort zone to create eye-catching and engaging content that rivals other lifestyle brands
I use it to my advantage by using it as a constant to put the BRAND at the forefront.
I use color, music, and the product itself to tell my story in a way that doesn’t intrude on me.
What methods do you use to bring in new customers?
I use social media, networking, and other advertising channels. I also do podcasts, lives, and other collaborations to spread the word about my brand.
Is attending networking events a part of your marketing strategy?
Absolutely! It has to be…especially when YOU are the business. People have to buy into ME!
How do you define success for yourself and your business?
Success to me is being able to have TIME to do the things that bring me joy and still be sustained.
What advice would you give to other introverted women who are just starting their own businesses?
Keep going. Don’t stop and do what feels comfortable and right for you!
Thank you for taking the time to share your story. Where can our readers find more information about you?
My website: www.jmariepremiumsneakers.com
