Much has been made of the doom-and-gloom facing business owners over the past few years, particularly during the heights of the COVID-19 pandemic. Jemima Harrigan, founder of House of Jem, can be counted amongst those who have turned adversity into an opportunity for growth…growth that probably wouldn’t have happened otherwise.
In conversation with her, it seems to be a running theme of taking challenges and making the most out of them, even if unintentionally. Jemima’s set path was at first in the sciences. Being a product of St. Joseph’s Convent and then Sir Arthur Lewis Community College (where she got her A Levels in Biology, Chemistry and Mathematics), she then moved on to the University of Guelph in Canada. While there, she pursued an undergraduate degree in Bio Chem, but was unable to finish the program. “I came home after my 2nd year with the intention of going back to school, but lots of things happened and I never returned. It was in that summer that I unintentionally started what would become House of Jem.
Today, House of Jem is widely known as ‘a brand which creates unique and custom-made swimwear, lingerie and carnival wear.’ She openly shared that her biggest inspiration hails from French fashion designer, Thierry Mugler. “His whole design aesthetic is what I would say is a huge inspiration for my own work.” As for contemporaries in her field, she cites Lanadeene Rene as one of her inspirations when she was just starting off. “She’s been creating swimsuits before me. Back then, I’d pick her brain with lots of questions and she was very helpful.”
What happened to prevent you from going back to school?
“First, my scholarship requirements changed; it was no longer available to international students and I couldn’t work enough hours to pay for the next semester. My uncle, who helped me pay for school, was no longer able to support me either. I even tried getting a work permit but that fell through.” Considering that she always wanted to pursue a career in the sciences, it must have been crushing to have that taken away from her. “I wouldn’t say I was depressed but it was really disappointing because I’m a very driven person. That’s what I wanted to do and I was very good at it.” Jem takes pride in the fact that she made the Dean’s list every year during her tenure. Yet still, circumstances forced her to take a break, save some money, apply for other scholarships, and then continue where she left off.
“I don’t like staying idle, so I got a job as a customer service rep at The Cell. In August of that year, I made myself a swimsuit for my birthday because I couldn’t find one online that I’d be satisfied with. So I made one for myself and everyone really liked it. Eventually, I ended up creating swimsuits for friends and then that’s where it really took off.”
Sewing was something that Jemima had grown familiar with, seeing her mom sew back in the day at La Pansee, where she has lived her entire life.
In hindsight, are you glad that everything happened this way or would you have preferred to follow a career path in the sciences?
“I really don’t know. You know the feeling where you think you know what you want to do, but then when you get there it’s not really what you want? I do believe everything happens for a reason, though. Maybe I wouldn’t have been happy if things worked out the way I originally wanted them to.”
It’s clearly something that is very near to Jem’s heart. “Obviously it’s still a bit of a disappointment because I would’ve loved to finish my degree, but I think I’ve accepted that maybe it won’t be a possibility.” Still she finds peace by concluding, “You know the saying ‘when you water the grass on one side that’s where it’s going to be green?’ So I’m just focusing on developing my business for now.”
A major part of House of Jem’s development came as a result of a 2-year lull during the heights of COVID. When asked what her proudest achievement was, she had this to say. “I would say, having my website go live; having my products available internationally.” The widespread reach of PayPal and DHL make for a powerful combination, allowing her to receive orders from and send to countries as far as Russia (so far). She does admit that finding overseas clients can be challenging. “Apart from online marketing, I don’t have personal connections in those markets. My steady customer base is still within the Caribbean region. I get lots of local support and promotion for my brand so that’s a plus.” Even in setting up her website, Jem had serious considerations to make. “Initially, I didn’t want to use a hosting site; I’m not a tech-savvy person and I had a very limited budget. That’s when I decided to go through Shopify with my siblings’ help (and YouTube video tutorials). All of this came to be during COVID, and since I don’t like to be idle, I got it done then.”
How influential have your siblings been in helping House of Jem become what it is?
“My older sister is my sounding board. She’s a business professional who does marketing so a lot of questions related to that I’d go to her with. I’d even go so far as to say that without my older sister, House of Jem wouldn’t exist in the way that it does now. Even now, before I sat down for this interview, I called her for one, so I wouldn’t be anxious and two, just to tell her what’s going on…we’re close like that. She also holds me accountable. If I say I want to do something for the business she’ll remind me of it and keep me on track. As for anything tech related, I can call on my brother who’s an entrepreneur in Barbados.”
After 7 years of business, what keeps you motivated?
“It doesn’t feel like 7 years; time flies so fast. For me, I just want to do well and be self-sufficient. I’m constantly thinking of ways to do things better and make more money. Returning customers and good reviews always keep me going. I can’t tell you how many times (especially during COVID) I contemplated shutting down the business. But in those times my long time customers wouldn’t let me. They’d ask, ‘OK, so who’s going to make our swimsuits?’ (laughs). Jemima was also candid about her other motivations. “I need to pay my bills (laughs)…but honestly it’s nice having something of your own. In some ways I have more freedom than I would with a typical 9 to 5. The fact that I’m also doing something for myself and I’m not just building someone else’s business for them; working tirelessly for pennies. Even if I’m making pennies now, at least it’s for myself, you know? Maybe eventually, I don’t know if I’ll have children but I’d want to get the business to a place where I can leave behind something that we can call ours.”
When asking the question “Where do you see yourself in the future?” you’d expect a detailed answer, “But should I give a detailed answer? (laughs). With regards to House of Jem, obviously I’m working towards growing the business so that it becomes more popular. I’m interested in other things apart from just fashion…so I’m trying to get to a place where I don’t have to be as involved in the day-to-day stuff with the business.” Jem’s ideal situation as she describes it is one where she designs and someone else, who can maintain her quality of work, does the production of her designs. “Which is a challenge in itself because anybody that I know who has that skillset, they don’t want to work for someone else, they want to do their own thing.” In other words they want to follow Jemima’s path to having their own empire to build. “So that makes expansion difficult but I think that the right person will find me.”
What valuable advice would you give to someone coming up in your field?
“First, have a plan. I think that if starting the business that summer was my plan, I would’ve been further along and things would’ve happened differently. Secondly, I’d say try to secure as much funding as you can and have a plan to manage it. Lastly, don’t be afraid to ask for advice or ask questions.
fun facts
What is your favourite drink?
Passion fruit juice
Apple or Samsung?
Samsung
Favourite colour?
It changes all the time; I get bored. Right now, it’s like a periwinkle/lilac kinda colour.
