In Convo with Jai Monee’ of Point Blank Limited
It was 2017 and I was vending at my first art event. I was fairly new to showcasing my own work and was feeling a sense of freedom after dropping out of fashion school (another topic, another post) and I was ready to meet my fellow creatives and gain some new customers. That night didn’t go exactly how I thought it would. I made less than what I spend on the vending table and most of the other vendors weren’t that outgoing. Except for one vendor who was friendly, kind and very helpful. Jai Monee’ of Point Blank Vintage was two vendors down and she had to be one of the nicest people at that event that night.
Not only was she super dope, so was her clothing. She had an everlasting supply of cool vintage clothing any thrifter would be in love with. Plus, the prices weren’t overly expensive like other reseller brands can be. From that moment we stayed connected through social media. We worked together on some cool projects and continue to work together through The Sable Collective. All in all, when I decided to interview some peeps for the relaunch of the site, I knew she had to be one of those people. Point Blank Vintage is definitely a brand you want to get to know. So, be sure to check out our interview below to get to know the person behind Point Blank Vintage.
Photo Credit: Jai Monee’ of Point Blank Limited
Keyonna Butler: Who are you and how would you describe the work that you do?
Jai Monee’: My name is Jai Mone’. I am a fashion entrepreneur who loves music, dried mangoes, and to make folx smile. I am a stylist, personal shopper, buyer, and creative director among other things.
KB: Where did the idea of Point Blank Vintage come from? What were the steps you took to start your career?
Point Blank Limited Fall 2020 Campaign
JM: The steps I took to start my career were simple. I graduated college as an eager designer but my first step was to sit tf down. I wanted to stop for a second and just “be.” Just let my creativity, knowledge, and life experiences guide me on the path to my career. This process led me to several internships, freelance design projects, and landing my first personal shopping client by accident. After taking a leap of faith with a popular retail company and moving to Philly (from Atlanta) to later find out they are racist and only wanted to steal my work, I continued to work on me. Point Blank Vintage was born as an extension of the Point Blank Brand (a collection of fashion services offered). I started it in 2016, as a response to “THAT’S SO CUTE! Where’d you get it?” The answer most times was a thrift store. Then I thought to myself, 90% of your wardrobe is from a thrift store….. mmmm. The icing on the cake for me was when I attended a “fill-a-bag” sale. There were so many great pieces I knew I couldn’t squeeze in, but I didn’t want to leave them. That’s when I knew. That’s when I stopped going so hard for a company that clearly didn’t care about me and went harder for myself.
KB: You have a business within the section of sustainability and secondhand fashion. What inspired your passion for sustainable fashion & thrifting?
JM: My mom laughs at me all the time. When I was a kid, you couldn’t drag me into a Goodwill. Ha! But truthfully, the passion grew out of frugality and uniqueness. I always grew up shopping the Clearance (not sale!) rack first, with stackable coupons, and only on a tight budget. But, we would leave with so much stuff! Bang for buck? So with it! It wasn’t until I started college that I started thrifting. Being someone that had to wear a uniform until high school, I would never want what everyone else was wearing at the time. I purchased a pair of earrings that got millions of compliments every time I wore them. They were clearly from the 80’s, but they were so unique it was like they were brand new. After sweeping out the jewelry counters, I turned around and the rest is history *laughs*.
KB: Many times within the sustainable & vintage fashion industry, black and brown communities are not represented. How important is the representation of the black community in sustainability and secondhand shopping to you? What do you think needs to change within the community?
JM: Let me say this first: “Black People Influence Everything.” I’m not gonna go through our history and point out how black people were given scraps of everything. Or how our “Sunday’s Best” outfits were “gifts” from slave masters to look our best at church for potential buyers. Or how the trickle up theory in fashion starts with black streetwear. Nope, won’t do it because you, reader, can search that yourself IF YOU DON’T ALREADY SEE IT. Whether it’s luxury fashion or sustainable fashion, it is extremely important for black and brown bodies to be represented. Not only so little black and brown babies can see someone like them on a billboard or bus ad but so they know it’s possible. So they know we are not forgotten. What did Solange say? “Get so much from us, then forget us” There is a slow change starting to happen with the sudden world awareness in light of George Floyd. Starting with recognizing and dismantling SYSTEMATIC and INSTITUTIONALIZED RACISM. Simple answer for the fashion industry, FIRE ALL THE CEOS AND EDITORS IN CHIEFS OF FASHION PUBLICATIONS AND DESIGNER BRANDS. Just throw them away along with their company guidelines and start over.
KB: What is your process when picking the garments for Point Blank Limited? When do you know you have the right piece to add to your collection?
JM: My process is simple, I just ask myself a few questions during inspection: Brand?, Era? Condition? How much would I pay for this? I don’t shop for size, color, or specific look because I shop for everyone.
KB: Lastly, where do you see yourself in the next couple of years? What are some of your goals for the future?
JM: I won’t say too much but just watch out! I’m about to change the way you think about going thrifting!
Be sure to stay updated with all things by following the brand at @pointblankvintage and @pointblankstyle. Also, be sure to visit the shop via her website & shop the curated collection at The Sable Collective.
