Why J. Brooks Boutique Is One of America’s Fastest-Growing Private Companies
After being gifted a sewing machine and teaching herself how to use it in 2017, with help from the internet, Jessica Brooks decided to create a size-inclusive brand to share her work with the world. Since creating her brand, J. Brooks Boutique, she has steadily built the business, which this year ranked 446 on the 2023 Inc. 5000 list of America’s fastest-growing private companies.
In this Q&A, Brooks, founder and CEO of Atlanta’s J. Brooks Boutique, discusses why inclusivity in the fashion industry is important and how she designs to empower.
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Rivet: Can you explain your denim sizing?
Jessica Brooks: We display sizing on our website to better assist our customers with selecting the perfect size. For example, a size 15/32 would correspond to the numerical size and the waist measurement.
Rivet: Do you outsource your denim production/design or do it in-house?
JB: We do a combination of both, but primarily outsource our denim production from China and Vietnam. Outsourcing allows up to partner with manufacturers with specialized expertise in denim.
Rivet: What do you look for in sourcing partners?
JB: We look for partners with experience producing size-inclusive clothing.
Rivet: How much of your business is direct-to-consumer (DTC) versus wholesale?
JB: We are 100 percent DTC.
Rivet: What style of jean do you see your customers asking for the most?
JB: Right now, our customers are loving denim with the crossover waistband detail. We’ve also noticed an increase in demand for ‘90s acid-wash styles with a hint of distressing.
Rivet: How does the brand’s denim DNA influence your non-denim items?
JB: Our customers enjoy shopping for full looks. An increase in denim allows us to promote complementary categories such as tops and outerwear.
Rivet: How do you design to empower?
JB: We cater to women who are confident in their personal style and not afraid to stand out in a crowd.
Rivet: Are there any plans in the future to open a physical store?
JB: While there are no imminent plans, we’d love to open a flagship store one day. However, one benefit of operating solely online is our ability to broaden our reach. Not being limited to a geological location has allowed us to connect with potential customers all over the world.
Rivet: J. Brooks Boutique ranked 446 on the 2023 Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing private companies. What was your reaction when you found out this news?
JB: Joining the Inc. 5000 has been a goal of mine for quite some time. I was ecstatic to learn we not only made the list, but landed in the top 500. We have an incredibly dedicated team, so I enjoyed sharing this win with them as well.
Rivet: What are your plans to continue your growth?
JB: We’re exploring new ways to connect with our customers to make online shopping more personal. Online shopping comes with its own set of challenges. I’d like to provide more of an in-person experience while operating online.
Rivet: What do you want to see more of from the fashion industry as we head into 2024?
JB: We’ve made great strides as an industry; however, we still have more work to do. I’d love to see the industry continue pushing the needle toward diverse representation. This includes using plus-size models and showcasing a variety of body types in fashion campaigns, runway shows and editorial content.
