11 minute read
FASHION FORWARD
JEAN ADORE
Tell us about yourself, and how you started JeanAdore?
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My name is Chevon Mason. I am the owner of JeanAdore. I was born in Lockport, NY, a small town known for its locks on the Erie Canal. I am the single mother of a 13 year old son. I graduated with a degree in Business Administration and in Visual Communications from Monroe Community College in Rochester NY, and I am an Army Veteran. JeanAdore was an outcome of a previous clothing company that I owned called ShoeVonDoo. During my ownership of ShoeVonDoo I realized that the products my customers liked most were denim and I myself, also have a personal love of unique denim clothing. I decided to focus more on denim and JeanAdore was born.
What is behind the name “JeanAdore”?
For JeanAdore I wanted to go with something simple but unique. Something that would tell what my company was about just by looking at the name.
What makes you hustle?
Over the years this answer has changed. Initially when I started selling clothing it was kind of a hobby of a housewife. When I divorced, my business kind of fell to the wayside. I moved my son and myself from Georgia back to New York, where we had to start all over again. In Georgia I sold to other housewives and women in the community. Moving back I had to find work and a home for us. Once we got that established I was able to slowly focus on ShoeVonDoo but it was still a part time thing because I worked overnights almost 6 days a week. That went on for 7 years, during that time JeanAdore was born. During covid I lost my well paying job and refused to put my all into another company that was not my own. Now I hustle
for me. To be the best me that I can be. I hustle for my son. I want to be more than just a mom. I want to leave my mark. My, I was here. I want to be a role model for my son. I want to leave him with not just a company but with that knowledge and drive to go out there and take control of your life. I love fashion. I love unique clothing. Individual style. I love that fashion can create a mood. That it can make you feel beautiful or comfy or both at the same time.
Who are the inspirations behind creating your business and your fashionable looks?
Fashion in general is its own inspiration. I am a Pisces so I love visual things. Colors, depth, shiny, unique. Fashion is all of this.
What does fashion mean to you and your team?
For JeanAdore fashion is freedom. Freedom of expression and speech. It’s nostalgic. It brings groups together. We focus on trying to create that energy for our customers.
According to you, what are the skills that are necessary for becoming a successful woman entrepreneur in the fashion industry?
There are many skills necessary to become successful in the fashion industry, but the ones that I think are dire are to NEVER give up, watch, look and listen to your audience and fellow boutique owners and PLEASE put yourself out there. They won’t know you exist if you don’t stand up and show ‘em what you got.
What do you consider good customer service?
To achieve great customer service you have to always be willing to go
that extra mile. You have to listen to concerns with concern. Although all customers should be treated with the same respect and consideration, make sure to pay special attention to your regular customers. Those customers are the ones who can help your business succeed. Treat them special because they are. Also don’t skim on your family and friends. By that I mean don’t leave out little things because it’s your sister or cousin. Give them that free item or make sure to let them know that their purchase is truly appreciated as well.
How would you define your own personal style?
Oh my goodness! My style is all over the place. You can see me on Monday and I will have on a long floral maxi and then Tuesday have on a pair of combat boots and a baseball cap. I love that fashion gives you the freedom to go from glam to gritty in seconds. My personal style would be the statement “dress how you feel”.
When did you first realize you wanted to pursue a career in fashion?
Thinking back I want to say I showed my first real interest in fashion in about the 6th grade when I would throw little fashion shows with my sister and cousins. They would let me dress them up in clothes I would cut up, draw on or “non” matching items I would put together. It was so much fun.
What is your favorite style to wear? My favorite style to wear is anything
fun and unique. I also like vintage items that have been altered in some way to mimic the current fashion trend.
If you could pick just one MUST HAVE item of clothing, what would it be and why?
Stretchy perfect butt jeans. Usually dark wash. Your favorite pair of jeans go with everything. I mean it. Long sleeve top, short sleeve, tanks, boots, sandals, sneakers or jackets. You can dress them up or down with little to no effort at all.
If you could go back and tell yourself one thing before beginning your career what would it be?
Don’t wait, stop planning and jump right in.
What are your favorite jeans?
My favorite jeans are still in my closet. They are a size 5. A size I have not been in years. About 20! I will never get rid of them though. I love them. They are by a company called Virgin Only. They are straight leg, distressed, stone washed, 100% cotton, with metal embellishments and a floral back pocket. Definitely have that updated vintage look.
Has working during a pandemic helped or hindered you?
I know a lot of people have said that it hindered them and for those people I am truly sorry. In the beginning I felt as though it was a hindrance because in the winter of 2019 I just opened up a store that I had to close down. I realized though that what
happened, happened and I learned to use that time at home wisely to be more attentive to my business. It helped me realize that I wanted to do this full time.
What role do you think social media plays in fashion today and what is your favorite platform?
I think social media plays a huge role in fashion. You can reach markets and also follow others in fashion that you would not have heard of without social media. You can quickly connect with others in fashion and learn about many things as well. It also shows you that you are not the only one doing or feeling or experiencing what you are doing, feeling and experiencing in this industry.
How do you want women to feel when wearing your clothes?
When a woman wears an item from JeanAdore I want her to KNOW that she looks good! I want her to feel that she is unique, she is stylish and she is the belle of the ball. She doesn’t even know what mundane is.
Who are some of your main fashion influencers?
I love stylish looks like Rihanna, Tracee Ellis Ross and other small business boutiques like Murrswagg.
How do you select the merchandise you want to sell?
Our merchandise is selected mostly by customer input. If our customers are into jumpsuits or jackets, we find those items but on an amped up lever. They have to be unique in some way. We also study the trends so our customers can keep that unique fashionista look.
What do you have planned for the next year? What about five years from now?
A year from now we have plans to re open up another store front and to be better known throughout Western NY. So when there is an event happening and you see JeanAdore’s name you know exactly who we are and what we are about. In 5 years from now we plan to be well known nationwide online, will offer custom made items and will have branched off to extend our market into mens or childrens items. So stay tuned!
TAXES AND MARITAL STATUS
FEDERAL FILING CONSIDERATIONS
Current options
Today, married couples can file as married, either jointly or separately, at both the federal and state level. But does simply checking a different box on your tax forms guarantee a better outcome? Maybe but maybe not.
If you and your spouse earn roughly the same amount of money, filing jointly could bump you into a higher tax bracket. On the contrary, if there is only one primary bread winner, filing jointly may result in paying less taxes. In other words, getting married, could reduce or increase your tax bill to Uncle Sam.*
Domestic partnerships and civil unions While a handful of states recognize domestic partnerships and civil unions, unfortunately the IRS does not. While these designations may offer some of the same rights and responsibilities available to married couples, it is only at a state level and on a state-by-state basis.
Tax benefits that apply to all
There is no one size fits all solution for married couples grappling with how to file their tax returns; I always advise my clients to consult with their tax advisor to ensure the most efficient method is chosen. However, here is what you can count on assuming both spouses are U.S. citizens:*
• The ability to transfer an unlimited amount of assets to your spouse, free from federal gift or estate taxes, either
BY CAROLINE HILL
during life or at death.
• The right to leave your spouse property upon your death that doesn’t come with a heavy estate tax bill due to the unlimited marital deduction.
• More tax-planning options upon inheriting your spouse’s retirement account.
• The right to open an Individual Retirement Account on your spouse’s earnings record if you are unemployed.
Still the federal tax benefits afforded to same-sex spouses are on par with those of heterosexual spouses. In the eyes of the IRS marriage is marriage, so if you are married or thinking about getting married, you may want to consider taking the time to talk with your tax advisor to see how your marital status might impact your income tax and your financial future as a married couple.
Need additional guidance?
Our team can help
Our firm can help you lay the groundwork for your financial future. We are qualified to assist LGBT couples with key financial issues affecting same-sex spouses and domestic partnerships.
Timing truly is everything.
Timing your marriage to help minimize taxes
Choosing a wedding date that accommodates family, friends, and employers—not to mention the church and reception hall—is a newly engaged couples’ greatest challenge. Perhaps you should consider Uncle Sam when choosing your wedding date.
Tax filing status is determined on December 31 of each year. For tax purposes, that means even if you wait until the last day of the year to walk down the aisle, the IRS will consider you married for that entire year. If there is a notable disparity between your and your partner’s income, then getting married by December 31 could benefit your tax situation. However, if your combined income pushes you into a higher tax bracket, you may want to marry January 1 of the new year to avoid a negative impact on your current-year tax bill.*
Still, income is not the only factor that influences whether marriage could impact your tax situation. Discussing questions such as who incurs deductible expenses, who can claim children as dependents, and what tax preferences you might qualify for can also help you gauge the potential effects of marriage on your tax situation—and help you and your partner to determine the best time to exchange vows.
*Our firm does not provide legal or tax advice
*source: US Tax Code
