Today we’d like to introduce you to Jerrelle Williams.
Hi Jerrelle, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers?
After being on numerous trips and finding myself shoving my personal items into my pockets, I came up with the idea to start an apparel line to provide items that can be utilized while traveling. I thought it would be a great idea to have sling bags, backpacks, baseball caps, sunglasses, and cellphone holders so travelers could have easy access to their personal belongings without the hassle. Some of the items would also protect them from the heat. In September of 2018, I found myself creating a business plan for what is now known as Striker Apparel, LLC. I began by advertising Striker sling bags, which are brown, black, or blue leather. There was so much hype surrounding the sling bags so I went ahead and began advertising black and brown leather bookbags. And once I showcased the neon book bags and other accessories, business began to skyrocket. Over time, I’ve won entrepreneur competitions and have been requested to speak at two entrepreneur conferences.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road. I often find myself struggling to balance my work life and entrepreneur life. There were times when I had huge orders come in but I needed to stay up to date with things at work. At times, this has caused me to ship items a few days later than expected. Over time, I have learned how to better manage my time and run the business smoother. That experience did not break me. It made me stronger and showed me that I am capable of putting in the same amount of effort in my full-time career and Striker.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a School Social Worker at Spacecoast Jr/Sr High School in Cocoa, Florida. It is my responsibility to manage students’ social and emotional well-being so they are able to perform, at their best, in the classroom setting. I complete mental health assessments to determine current risk. I complete evaluations to determine appropriate interventions. And I make referrals to community service providers and provide resources to families. I specialize in providing service and advocacy for children with childhood trauma (abuse, abandonment, and neglect) and providing mental health therapy to children between ages of 6-18. I am most proud of my ability to relate and effectively communicate almost anyone. My friendly personality and willingness to serve the community sets me apart from others. I am a strong believer that our future is as strong as our youth.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
Intrinsic motivation is most important to my success. Although I received tons of support from family, friends, and customers, it was very important that I kept myself motivated. There were times when I almost let “doubt” get in the way of my ideas. Eventually, I built the strength to move forward with ideas and felt comfortable with making the necessary adjustments when needed.
Pricing:
- Leather sling bags $50
- Striker Leather bookbags $30
- Striker Caps $30
- Striker Neo bookbags $35.00
Contact Info:
- Email: strikerbyjwill@gmail.com
- Website: www.striker-apparel.com
- Instagram: @strikerapparel
- Facebook: Relle Williams
Image Credits
@djc_productions
@kimecoproductions
