Today we’d like to introduce you to Jasmane Symond.
Hi Jasmane, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born and raised in Orlando, Florida, I am a 32 year old woman and here’s a glimpse into my life.
As a little girl, I was full of love, adventure, optimism, and ambition. My earliest foundation came from my paternal grandmother, who raised me for the first five years of my life because my mother had me at the age of 14 where she faced difficulties and resistance when it came to her living environment and situation. My grandmother, instilled in me: self-respect, strong values, and faith in Jesus Christ—and that foundation has followed me through every season of my life.
Growing up wasn’t always easy. I lived with eczema for years, and there were moments where I experienced bullying, rejection, and the kind of judgment that can quietly shape how you see yourself. I didn’t grow up with a lot of affirmation at home, and for a long time I felt like love had to be earned. That experience taught me what it feels like to be overlooked, misunderstood, and undervalued—yet it also pushed me to develop a deeper sense of strength and identity. I grew up learning how to stand my ground, how to keep going, and how to build confidence from the inside out.
Even with challenges, I always had drive. I knew early on that I was creative, I loved to dance, cook and clean which led me to recognize I had an entrepreneurial gift. I started doing hair, babysitting, and later moved into makeup artistry. Eventually, I discovered I could design and make clothes—and that shifted everything.
I truly believe God’s hand has been on my life the entire time. I remember waking up in the middle of the night with what I can only describe as a “download”—designs and ideas that I didn’t even understand yet, but they felt like a glimpse into my future. I’ve experienced moments where I knew my vision wasn’t random—it was God-given. It felt like divine direction, and I’ve watched confirmation come through people, timing, and opportunity.
In 2018, I received another clear vision: my ministry-based streetwear brand called GSUSTHEBRAND, created for people who want to show up unapologetically as themselves while being refined and transformed by Christ.
In February 2025, I stepped fully into another major milestone: producing my first fashion show. I created 14–15 original looks in less than two months and brought the full production to life with 12–13 models—an experience that proved my ability to execute vision at a high level. It was a success. My first collection was called “ The It Girl “ collection. It was about confidence the way you are. I surprised myself, I handled almost everything on both the front and back end. That experience taught me so much—not only about fashion, but about leadership, resilience, and the level of support I truly have around me. My sister Flo is a gift from God truly. She helped make the process a lot smoother. If it had not been for how she’s naturally wired, I don’t think I could’ve done this by myself so I’m grateful for her help and guidance.
Today, as the designer behind The JL Effect, I create for the originals. My mission is clear: I design so people can step out to stand out—not as copies, but as confident originals. With every piece, I continue to merge future-forward design into a signature that can’t be duplicated. I’m always evolving, always learning, and always becoming—and this is only the beginning.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
No, it has not been a smooth road. I’ve faced many challenges to get to where I am, and I honestly don’t believe most journeys to greatness or success come without obstacles. For me, it started very young.
One of my first battles was mental and emotional—growing up feeling unseen, unloved, or not fully valued, especially because I didn’t always receive the affirmation and support I needed. That lack of consistency shaped my confidence for a long time and forced me to learn how to build inner strength earlier than most people.
Another major challenge was being labeled with a learning disability. On paper, I was classified as “mentally handicapped,” and I never agreed with that label. For a while, I almost allowed it to define me—until I made a decision in the 10th grade to challenge the system and prove that I did not belong in ESE classes. With the support of leadership at Jones High School, I took multiple tests, sat in meetings with the school board and staff, repeated ninth and tenth grade coursework, and did whatever it took to qualify for a standard diploma. I graduated from Jones High School with a standard diploma, not a special diploma—and I was later awarded Most Outstanding Senior for my resilience and determination. That moment taught me that I could fight for myself and win.
Later in life, I experienced seasons that tested me in deeper ways—including homelessness more than once. I also went through a period of intense heartbreak and betrayal that led to losing friendships I never wanted to lose. In 2023, I lost everything—my home, my car, my job—and I found myself having to rebuild from the ground up again. Those losses were the result of mistakes and poor decisions, and I don’t shy away from that. But what I’ve learned is that recovery takes courage, and growth requires honesty.
There were also moments where my self-esteem was so low that I struggled to even look at myself in the mirror. I remember writing words that reflected how broken I felt at the time—believing I would never be enough. But even in those moments, I still had something in me that refused to quit. I didn’t always understand how insecurity and confidence could exist in me at the same time, but they did. I was still learning who I was, while still showing up.
On top of that, I’ve been through multiple car accidents that impacted me mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and financially. Some of those experiences were tragic, including one that was fatal, but I kept moving forward the best way I knew how.
I didn’t grow up with a silver spoon, but somehow I still carried peace, ambition, and drive—and that’s what continues to shape my path. I’m not exactly where I want to be yet, but I know I’m closer than I used to be. And that will always make every challenge I’ve endured worth it, because I didn’t let what I survived stop what I was called to become.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a fashion designer, creative, and entrepreneur—and honestly, I’m known for making people look like the main character. I’m the founder of The JL Effect, and what I’m known for is originality—my looks are bold, confident, and intentional. My work is about identity, expression, and walking in your presence like you know who you are. I design for people who don’t want to blend in, and who are tired of looking like everybody else. My mission is clear, to help people step out to stand out—because you were never created to be a copy.
I’m also the creator of GSUSTHEBRAND , my Christian streetwear brand and ministry, and that part of my work is for people who want to show up authentically while still growing, evolving, and letting God refine them in a way that feels real—not forced—and reminds people that you don’t have to water yourself down to be used by God. faith and authenticity can exist in the same space. God wants people growing, and becoming—without hiding who they are. John 8:32.
What I’m most proud of is my first fashion show I had in February 2025. I created 14–15 looks in under two months, worked with 12–13 models, and brought the entire vision to life from start to finish. That experience proved to me that I’m not just creative—I’m a builder, a leader, and a finisher.
What sets me apart is my eye, my fearlessness, and my message. My designs and my ministry don’t just turn heads—they represent identity, purpose, and confidence. I have vision, I take risks, and I’m not afraid to be different. My brand(s) isn’t about copying trends—it’s about creating a lane and making impact while doing it.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Honestly, something surprising is that a lot of people assume I’m an extrovert because I’m confident, I can talk to anybody, and I can hold a room when I need to—but I’m really an introvert. I love people, I love connection, and I can be very outgoing when I’m in my element, but I love being alone, I love reflection. I recharge in quiet. I’m big on peace, solitude, and being in my own world often.
And if I’m being real, because I live a pretty transparent life and I’m very open about my journey, there honestly isn’t that much that’s “shocking” about me. Most of what you see is what you get. I think that’s what surprises people the most—that my confidence isn’t loud… it’s grounded. So I don’t really have a “secret” side. I’ve learned that transparency is part of my purpose—so most people who know me and my brand know they’re getting the real me every time.
Pricing:
- GSUSTHEBRAND Tee Shirts are $20
- GSUSTHEBRAND Hoodies are $40
- The JL Effect pricing is based on designs.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://gsusthebrand.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasmanesymond?igsh=MW0wbWI2ZzQxZTJhaQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
Image Credits
Daquane Armstrong for fashion show photo
