Jacque Martin has always been about her business. Martin is a serial entrepreneur whose journey started on the south side of Chi-town. Jacque did everything right, from balancing college, juggling motherhood, working a full-time job, overcoming a challenging relationship, and obtaining her degree in Business Management and Marketing. When Martin was let go from her VP of banking position, and that’s when she decided to get into the fashion world. Jacque slowly inserted herself into the industry and evolved her passion into Jacque M 528 Designs which to date has sold thousands of bags worldwide! Now she’s living out her passion as a serial entrepreneur and has been inspiring women with her BABExperience, which consists of retail therapy and coaching.
We caught up with Jacque Martin to discuss how she went from unemployment to creating a multi-million-dollar luxury handbag line and dropping gems about taking a leap of faith when opening a business.
Can you share your story on how you went from unemployment to creating a multi-million-dollar luxury handbag company?
Honestly, it’s been prayer & hard work. I know that sounds cliche, but it’s true. When you get to a place where you can no longer rely on a steady income, and you have a child to feed, something miraculous happens inside. It’s almost like you wake up blind & just go, and you keep going.
Have you always wanted to own a handbag company or did you want to do something else when you were younger?
I never dreamed of owning a handbag company, it just happened. I did what my mother & grandmother told me to do, go to college & get a good job. For 10 years straight, I had a great job making 6 figures under 30 years old. I’ve learned that money doesn’t fulfill your purpose, it doesn’t feed your soul, and it’s just a means to make things happen. When I lost my job, I had one prayer, & it was “God PLEASE Guide My Footsteps” and here I am over 10 years later still asking him to guide my footsteps.
Do you think growing up on the south side of Chicago played a pivotal role in why you’re successful today?
Absolutely, I come from a hustler’s era. So you see things that inspire you to work hard, so you don’t fall victim to your surroundings.
What advice would you give your 15-year-old self?
Don’t let anyone speak negativity over your life, develop your own mind, and be the leader & not the follower. Always strive for greatness & don’t fall into the fear trap.
What are 3 gems you can share with anyone wanting to take a leap of faith and open their business?
Big risk brings great reward. Start with the resources you have, and grow as you go. Walk through the door of fear.
We’re entering the holiday season, any plans to decompress before the new year?
My birthday is Dec 7th, so I’ll be traveling to Cabo, and resetting so that I’m prepared for all of the amazing things happening in 2023.
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