Today we’d like to introduce you to Jose Sime.
Hi Jose, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
My name is Jose Sime, Founder and Creative Director at JSIME COLLECTIVE. I was born and raised in the Dominican Republic, then came to Miami when I was 17. I worked a few jobs while going to school and graduated from Full Sail University with a Bachelor’s in Graphic Design.
I’ve always been passionate about Japanese animation, so I was able to develop my artistic skills at a very young age by practicing that kind of art. I’ve been working as a Graphic Designer for about 10 years now and have been involved in numerous fashion projects prior to launching my eponymous label.
I’ve had recognition from the likes of Pharrell Williams and collaborated with other local artists back when the Wynwood we know now was still new to Miami.
This journey started as a kid, always doodling in all my schoolbooks, drawing random Anime inspired characters, clothing, shoes, and anything that could come to mind, while dreaming of someday having my own company. Even though at times it felt as if I had given up on this dream, something inside of me kept the wheels turning.
Now, 19 months after officially creating my eponymous brand, I stare at myself on the pages of prestigious magazines such as this one.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The journey here hasn’t really been a walk in the park. I like to be honest and not paint a picture of smooth sailing success and magical talent discoveries because that is not how it happened for me. I had to come to a foreign country and learn a new language. I had to get into debt to obtain my degree.
I still use my own money to sustain my business. I design my own graphics, manage my own website, source my own manufacturers, measure my own samples, steam, fold my merchandise, photograph and conduct my own photoshoots. I even lost money to manufacturers that did not hold their end of the deal.
None of this was given to me, I had to take it. Perhaps, this is where JSIME COLLECTIVE’s motto comes from: “Darkness is the universal canvas of the true creators”; because when everything seems to be dark in life you take that as a canvas to paint or create your own reality.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
JSIME™ takes a minimalist and sophisticated approach to luxury streetwear. Rooted in experimentation and exploration, JSIME™ applies the best manufacturing technologies to create elevated aesthetics and timeless fashion pieces.
JSIME™ studies the introspective journey towards the liberation of the shadow self. Every piece compels you to look inwards, and peel off the layers that usually shelter your true self while maintaining a non-disturbing approach. Hence one of our favorite phrases is “Simplicity speaks louder”.
Our online boutique, JSIME COLLECTIVE, delivers exclusive capsules throughout the year, outside of any fashion calendar. We do not mass produce; we don’t run with fashion calendars or industry trends; we have our own agenda we like to follow.
Stay tuned, as we keep adding to our exclusive collections and expanding our brand to local retailers.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
Miami has always been an epicenter for all kinds of nationalities and cultures. This has helped the city create its own subculture, thus bringing an entirely different atmosphere compared to the rest of the U.S. Thanks to this, I’ve been able to grow as an artist and develop my craft further.
Miami is always improving; we have an ever-growing culinary scene that very few other states can compete with. Our retail and hospitality industries are seeing the best part of the other side of the COVID coin. And now we are experiencing a gigantic influx of companies from all over the world wanting to come to get a piece of this paradise.
If I had to change something about Miami it would be the traffic, but every city has its struggles, and it’s a small price to pay to live in such a beautiful place.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.jsimecollective.com
- Instagram:@jsimecollective
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JSimeCollective/
Image Credits
Image1st Studio
