TVISUAL

JARII DESIGNS - JANAYE DUKE: From saving to gaining

Janaye Duke wearing Jarri Designs, Make-Up by Lynda De La Mothe, Styling by Kambe Lovelace, Lighting by Kerby Young, Photo by Terrance

Known by many names such as ‘Ari, Jay, Duke, Dutches,’ Janaye Arianna Duke has been designing garments professionally for three solid years. The 22 year old designer found her love for designing when she stumbled upon her aunt’s old sewing machine sitting in a corner at her home. Beginning her journey with no knowledge or help, only great enthusiasm and patience. “Up to this very day I've never done a sewing course, the internet and books have been my best friends in this learning process. Yes, I’m self taught. I do have plans to pursue and complete a sewing course so I can have a better understanding on the skill and to produce much more polished pieces.”

Janaye Duke wearing Jarri Designs, Make-Up by Lynda De La Mothe, Styling by Kambe Lovelace, Lighting by Kerby Young, Photo by Terrance

A year into comfortably designing her own outfits, Janaye lacked the confidence to venture into designing for possible clients. Sticking with her initial notion, designing was simply to help save a dollar. She often turned down potential clients by downplaying her ability. It wasn’t until two of her friends convinced her to create matching emancipation outfits that she took on the challenge of designing for anyone other than herself. “I got the boost I needed and started off small, taking orders one after the next then I began to build a clientele and ‘BOOM' I was in business. I went from saving to gaining a dollar. As time passed, my confidence not only grew but also my passion for the art. I began challenging myself with bigger jobs. What drives me to continue isn’t only the income I earn but the happiness and satisfaction of my clients.”

"What really drove me into this profession was the idea of saving a dollar not gaining."

In 2016 Janaye decided it was time to create a brand for herself and hence came the birth of ‘Jarii Designs.’ “The name Jarii wasn’t just made up, I creatively joined the first letter of my first name and first three letters of my middle name [(J)anaye–(ARI)anna] then added an extra (I) for a fun twist”