We recently had the chance to connect with Jahlani O. and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Jahlani , thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
Yes actually, this moment right here. Lol You guys reaching out to me after many years since our first interview.. It’s really a proud moment. A lot has changed. For the better, of course.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Yeah for sure. Like I said, a lot has changed from the last time we spoke so allow me to reintroduce myself Lol My name is Jahlani. I decided to go by my actual name instead of Lava because it’s more professional. The decision happened after a 2020 (before Covid) trip to Paris. Those who do know me as Lava still call me that though Lol.
As you may know, I am a creative, a designer (fashion and graphics), and Co-Founder/CEO of 4Seasons clothing. My design firm is still here as well.
4Seasons was founded by me and my brothers in 2015. It’s a fashion house based from both New York and Florida. Our vision and commitment is to create comfortable and timeless designs for the contemporary person, leaving an impactful and luxuriant feel with the pieces worn throughout the four seasons.
We have a lot of great pieces that’s on the way. You can shop with us now at www.Shop4SC.com
Also find us on social media.
Instagram: @4Seasonsonline
Twitter/X: @4_Seasonsonline
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
To be honest, I was rapping before any of this. Lol rapping from the age of 9 but it was the feeling I received by the world when I showcased my designing side that showed me my purpose. Especially from my Mother. I’ll never forget that night when I showed her I did design work for an artist on Def Jam. Brought tears to her eyes. Tears of joy because she finally realized her baby boy purpose and she was so proud of me. I cherish moments like that. It just felt correct and welcoming.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Oh yeah, definitely. Two times actually.. When I was doing commission graphic design work for customers. It was cool in the beginning. The money and the recognition, it was great but then it started to get a little crazy with the customers.. Some of them had no vision for their project when I asked them. They would hit me with the “I trust your vision bro” but when I presented my art to them, they didn’t like anything about it.. They’ll complain about my prices. A lot of things just started turning me off and had me wanting to quit doing it.. It no longer felt like joy but more so like a job you didn’t want to go to.. This actually made me transition more into my fashion designer side.
Another moment is when Virgil Abloh transitioned. It was a very sad moment. Even tho we didn’t know each other personally, we bounced energy off each other and pushed the creative drive. I remember me and my bro Anthony always would be in the warehouse at work, just using anything around us to create fashion pieces for fun just because the energy we caught from Virgil boosted our energy. The creative drive was amazing.. When he passed away, I felt like the energy had died out. Felt like nothing was exciting to me anymore. You know?
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
100%… Lol I can’t be one way and then be another. Whether it’s online or in reality, I’m the same me. Got to remain authentic and remain who you are.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I’m doing what I was born to do… Nobody told me to become a fashion designer. Nobody told me to become this creative that I am today. This is all God work. This is what is destined for me, feel me? This is my story.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.Shop4SC.com
- Instagram: @4seasonsonline and @Jahlani.o
- Twitter: @4_SeasonsOnline and @Jahlanio
Image Credits
Pooks
Jahlanio
Oz
