In Conversation with JB Davis

Tell us about your background:

I was born and raised in Clearwater, Florida a small town just outside of Tampa. With my childhood filled with sports, I ultimately went to college in Tampa to play volleyball. In 2013 I graduated with a Bachelor’s in Mass Communication with a focus in PR. After college, I had to make the tough decision to either play professional volleyball or start my career in the fashion industry. A few months later, I bought a one-way ticket to NY to start my internship (that stemmed from a blind email) at a small ready to wear brand named Ronny Kobo. After the internship commenced I was hired full-time as their production assistant. The great thing about working for smaller brands is that you can experience all aspects of the business and learn quickly, which is what I loved the most. After two years, I started working for a luxury loungewear company, Sleepy Jones as their production associate. Working closely with the Creative Director I got a real insight into how design worked from ideation to execution. One of the biggest projects during my time there was the Sleepy Jones x Harry’s collaboration! Fast forward 2 years, I was moving to San Francisco to work at a financial technology company, BlueVine. I spent the last year on the account management team where I worked to enhance the client experience with our product and facilitate over 1 million in bank transfers each month. I’ve always wanted to explore the tech industry because I felt that it always had so much to offer; both financially and intellectually. Being involved in an industry that is ever-changing and revolutionizing the way we think and do things has been exciting!

What do you wish you’d known when you started out?

Building genuine relationships from networking opportunities matter! I’ve always wanted to be the one who did everything for myself in regards to my career. I would make every excuse to miss those after-work networking events; one, because I never truly thought I fit in, being that I was a black woman trying to navigate the fashion industry and two, networking can seem so unauthentic the majority of the time. So reach out to that person you’ve always wanted to and go to that networking event. Most importantly, be authentic when building relationships. You’re already headed in the right direction if you’re reading this!

Best career advice you've ever received?

To ask yourself “why not,” when you’re feeling nervous or scared. Apply for that job, start that business, send that email because if you don’t then someone else will. No excuse will be worth the regret if you don’t at least try.

What leadership qualities are important to you?

Humility because with humility comes vulnerability. Being able to set your ego aside to teach and show is something that can be hard for most. I’ve been fortunate enough to work at smaller brands where humility has been at the forefront of leadership which created a very collaborative atmosphere.

And for fun, what is your favorite wardrobe staple?

Vintage Levis, you can never have too many! I usually find good ones on eBay or local vintage shops. Pro-tip, get your jeans tailored!

Email JB’s here: jberiadavis@gmail.com

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