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How She Got There: Jack Germain, Founder of Jack Germain Handbags

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Name: Jack Germain
Age: 26
Job Title and Description: Founder of Jack Germain Handbags
College/Major: University of Wisconsin-Madison: Bachelors of Science in Textile Design; Fashion Institute of Technology: Associate’s in Accessories Design
Website: www.jackgermainhandbags.com
Twitter Handle: @jackgermain
 
Her Campus: What does your current job entail? Is there such a thing as a typical day?
Jack Germain: When you run your own small business, there is no such thing as a typical day.  I currently handle all design by myself, but I work with a factory so there has to be constant communication.  In addition to that, you should always be promoting yourself and the brandso keeping in touch with stores, magazines, and networking in general is a 24-hour job. 
 
HC: What was your first entry-level job in your field and how did you get it? 
JG: I began interning for designers in New York when I was 18.  My first job was at Cynthia Rowley, which I was connected to through a friend of a friend.  My next two internships—Emanuel Ungaro and Prada—I found through networking at events.
 
HC: What is one thing you wish you knew about your industry when you first started out that you know now?
JG: You really have to have no shame at all when it comes to selling your product because you’ll learn fast that it’s the shameless people that end up making it in this industry.  If you believe it’s a great product, but you don’t promote it wholeheartedly, no one will ever hear about it.  When I first started out, I was hand making all of the bags myself and I would constantly say, “I’m only making them because if I don’t, no one else will.” The same holds true to self-promotion. If you don’t tell people why they should know you, they probably never will. 
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HC: Who is one person who changed your professional life for the better?
JG: I can’t say that there is one person in particular who changed my professional life, but I can say that my friends have certainly had an effect on my career.  Having a positive support group with people that will encourage you, critique your work, and push you to do better is invaluable.  A lot of my friends are in creative fields so they’re not going to tell me that my work is great if it’s not.  Honesty can be a hard trait to find—that’s why it’s very important to have a core group of people you can trust.
 
HC: What words of wisdom do you find most valuable?
JG: It sounds cheesy, but you always have to believe in yourself and never give up.  We’ve been told this our entire lives, but when you’re trying to make it on your own, you have to realize that there are going to be bad days and that’s just the reality of it. You just have to focus on the fact that this is your dream, this is what you’ve always wanted to do, and now you’re doing it. Keep your chin up and know that tomorrow is going to be a better day, and if it’s not, work hard until all of the kinks get ironed out.  Just know that it will eventually happen, you just have to keep trying.

HC: What is the best part of your job?
JG: On the days when I work on the website and do everything from my computer, I get to stay in my pajamas.  It’s those days that keep me motivated through the times when I’m carrying 1,300 zippers and bundles of leather in the rain through the garment district.  
 
HC: What do you look for when considering hiring someone?
JG: Organization is an extremely important attribute.  Having a positive attitude and being optimistic are also paramount.  On the days when nothing goes right, having someone there with a great attitude can make all the difference.   
 
HC: What advice would you give to a 20-something with similar aspirations?
JG: The fashion industry can be tough, but always keep in mind why you began this path in the first place. You didn’t do it for the money, you didn’t do it to work for three days straight without sleep: you did it because you absolutely love fashion. If you can’t imagine doing anything else, then don’t.  It’s not going to be easy and you shouldn’t expect it to be, but know that it will be rewarding.  After all, there’s no greater feeling than seeing someone on the street wearing something that at one point was only a small thought bubble in your head.

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Gennifer Delman
Gennifer is the Branded Content Specialist for Her Campus Media. In her role, she manages all sponsored content across platforms including editorial, social, and newsletters. As one of HC's first-ever writers, she previously wrote about career, college life, and more as a national writer during her time at Hofstra University. She also helped launch the How She Got There section, where she interviewed inspiring women in various industries. She lives in New York City.