Today in a world where fashion trends often overshadow individuality, Jennifer Sinigal Bell Cornelius has carved a niche by addressing a significant gap in the market. Motivated by personal experience and a deep understanding of the unique needs of women of color, Jennifer founded Born To Roam, a brand that transcends traditional hat design by embracing the beauty of diverse hair textures and volumes.
Filling a Market Gap
Jennifer’s journey began with a personal frustration shared by many women of color. The limited options for hats that could comfortably accommodate braids, twists, or weaves inspired her to create a solution. Born To Roam is not just a collection of hats; it is a celebration of heritage and individuality. These hats are designed with boldness, meant to elevate any outfit while ensuring that no one has to choose between style and comfort. As Jennifer explains, “These hats are a celebration of diversity, offering a fashionable and comfortable solution that embraces our individuality and heritage.”
Crafting for Diversity
Creating a product line that caters to a diverse audience comes with its own set of challenges. Jennifer faced the temptation to design for the masses, but she remained committed to focusing on a specific, underrepresented group. “Inclusivity is front of mind,” she says, “designed to fit comfortably, providing comfort and style for everyone.” Born To Roam hats are crafted with flexibility in design and superior craftsmanship, ensuring they accommodate various hairstyles and head sizes without compromising on style.
A Tribute to Heritage
Jennifer’s passion for hats is deeply rooted in her belief that what we wear is a powerful form of self-expression. From a young age, she viewed hats as the ultimate statement accessory, capable of capturing a mood, personality, or moment. This belief is woven into every design at Born To Roam. “I don’t want our hats to fit into a mold; I want them to break it,” Jennifer says. Her designs experiment with unexpected shapes, textures, and patterns, creating pieces that allow people to express who they are without saying a word.
Celebrity Endorsements and Industry Visibility
The impact of Born To Roam has been amplified by endorsements from celebrities like Brandy Norwood, Tai Beauchamp, and Zoe Saldana. These endorsements have not only validated Jennifer’s vision but have also propelled the brand into the spotlight. “Seeing major celebrities embrace Born To Roam has been surreal and incredibly validating,” Jennifer shares. The visibility brought by these endorsements has opened doors and allowed the brand to reach a broader audience, further spreading its message of inclusivity and personal expression.
Championing Fashion Inclusivity
Born To Roam plays a critical role in the broader conversation about fashion inclusivity, particularly for women of color. Jennifer’s vision for the brand was born out of a desire to see more representation in fashion. “For so long, the industry has been shaped by narrow ideas of what’s ‘in’ or ‘beautiful,’ often leaving us out of the picture,” she says. By creating hats that reflect the diverse realities of women of color, Jennifer is challenging the status quo and pushing the conversation forward. Born To Roam is not just about following trends; it’s about creating a space where women of color feel seen, celebrated, and confident in their own skin.
Looking Ahead
Jennifer has ambitious plans for the future of Born To Roam. She envisions the brand evolving beyond hats into a lifestyle brand that resonates deeply with its audience’s values and experiences. “Expanding our retail footprint is paramount,” Jennifer says, emphasizing the importance of forging partnerships with retailers who share the brand’s ethos. Securing funding is also a key objective, with plans to explore various financing avenues to scale operations and fuel growth.
With a clear vision and strategic planning, Jennifer is committed to steering Born To Roam toward a future where it stands as a beacon of inspiration. Her journey is a testament to the power of dreaming big and acting boldly, proving that inclusivity in fashion is not just a trend, but a necessity. Born To Roam is more than just a brand—it is a movement that celebrates the beauty of diversity and the power of individuality.
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