1) LAEDA: Entrepreneurship is a very challenging path to take with many different possible directions. What made you decide to become an entrepreneur?

Being an entrepreneur is a part of my life because I owned two businesses in my home country of Brasil. I also enjoy being my own boss even though it is very hard in the beginning because I had to establish a connection with new clients.

2) LAEDA: Why did you choose your industry?

I came to this country to become an artist since a major part of my background was art and sculpture. Eventually, I realized there was no money in arts, just passion. Fashion was my second choice because it is what I love as well. I can use my skills as an artist and transform it into fashion. This led to me graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design and later become very established in the alteration business, which is what I do at this moment.

3) LAEDA: Tell me about your experience while attending EDTP/ WBA. What have the major takeaways been from the program? Have you had any “Ah-ha!” moments? How did the program help you?

I feel that I gained a lot of knowledge in how to conduct a business. Every class was important. The program helped me to understand where to find my target market but the most impressive thing to me was how helpful LAEDA staff was throughout the entire process.

4) LAEDA: Tell me about your journey on the road to business start-up. What have been some of the challenges, successes, failures, etc.?

It took a long time to decide which area I wanted to target. I started specializing in bridal dresses but the pandemic came and changed all my directions. I got deep into alterations more than I ever anticipated. In addition, my clientele doubled due to a higher demand for masks, hats, and scrubs by nurses and others in the healthcare industry.

5) LAEDA: Could you tell me a little about where your business is today?

Now, I have a new associate who is specializing in swimmer wear manufacturing.  We are going to do a cooperative together because there is a significant demand in the Latin community.  They like styles that are not only a little different but also can be hard to find here in the USA. I am still doing my alterations and custom-made dresses, but not as frequently.

6) LAEDA: Do you have any advice for future (or existing) entrepreneurs?

My advice is never give up especially at the beginning of the start-up process and/ or business. I still have so much to learn about how to run the business; however, I know that I can always ask LAEDA staff for some help and support. They can help make your passion into a profitable reality.

Congratulations to Janaina Carr for completing WBA and recommitting to her journey on the path of entrepreneurship. Jay Carr Customer Design & Tailoring, LLC offers professional, custom made clothing for women and men and ready-made clothes for women. Jay Carr Customer Design & Tailoring, LLC also are experts at clothing alterations for women, men and children. Jay Carr Customer Design & Tailoring, LLC also makes custom made cufflinks, earrings, jewelry and COVID-19 protective masks.

To get in touch with Janaina Carr, you can reach her by visiting her website at https://www.jaycarrcustomdesign.com/ and you can also call her at 908-330-7533 or visit at her location 1137 Bedford Ave- Cherry Hill NJ.

The Women’s Business Academy (WBA) is a free, nine-week business skills training course offered in Camden, NJ in the Winter each year. Qualified entrepreneurs receive 72+ hours of training from industry professionals, business planning, and one year of technical assistance.