Today we’d like to introduce you to Imani Jacobs.
Imani, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I started Aia Jai Vintage – pronounced Aia (Eye-Yuh) Jai (Jay), in 2018. My love for vintage really began when I was 17 years old. I would go thrifting, looking for pieces that matched my favorite 90s fashion photos on Pinterest boards. That’s when I realized I was manifesting – manifesting all the vintage clothing of my dreams. What started as a personal styling turned into something bigger: I began sourcing clothes not just for myself, but with the intention to share them with others.
Back in 2018, Kansas City’s Crossroads district hosted First Fridays – an amazing community event where artists and creatives of all kinds lined the sidewalks with their art, tables, and clothing racks. It was vibrant and full of energy. I decided one month to set up a few racks and sell my collection for the very first time.
I did really well that night – and it gave me the motivation to keep going and take this seriously. Soon after, I attended my first official pop-up. I was so excited to learn more, meet people, and really begin building my presence.
About two years into selling, I was offered an opportunity to have my collection carried in a well-known vintage shop in the Crossroads. That gave me even more visibility and helped grow my brand. While selling in-store, I continued participating in pop-ups and also sold pieces through my website.
Fast forward to today, I’m still doing what I love – selling vintage at local pop-up events, working on new business ventures, and connecting with the community through fashion that tells a story.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
For the most part, yes — my road has been relatively smooth. When I started my vintage business in 2018, I was just incredibly grateful for every opportunity that came my way. I stayed consistent with posting my vintage finds online, and I also creative directed photoshoots and styled some of my favorite models in Kansas City.
When 2020 came and the pandemic hit, I had no idea what to expect. I kept myself motivated by modeling the clothes myself and continuing to post them online for sale. That summer, I was invited to become a vendor at my favorite vintage shop. I was so excited — during one of the most challenging years for so many, that opportunity felt like a true blessing. I gave it my all to maintain it and continue growing.
Almost two years into vending, I had to leave the store and figure out a new direction for my business. That was one of the most difficult moments. I felt heartbroken — I had grown comfortable there, but being an entrepreneur means staying ready for change. I made the decision not to let that moment break me, but to use it as a chance to pivot and grow. That’s when I committed to doing pop-up events. It pushed me out of my comfort zone, but looking back, it also got me moving again.
Pop-up events taught me so much — how to network, how to sell, how to show up consistently. I built strong relationships with other vintage resellers in the community and committed to doing pop-ups from mid-2022 through all of 2023.
That said, 2024 has been my second most challenging year. I completely overextended myself — doing up to three events a month while also holding down another job. I was drained, and not every event was a success. The inconsistency made me question things. So, heading into 2024, I made the decision to take a break from selling and focus on working a second job while also reflecting on what I want the next chapter of my career to look like.
Entering 2025, I can say I have a much clearer vision of where I want to take my career. I am working on new business ventures that I look forward to sharing soon. One thing I know for sure is that vintage and fashion will always be apart of my life, in some shape or form.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am the founder, vintage curator, creative director, stylist, merchandiser, marketer, and graphic designer behind my business, Aia Jai Vintage. I specialize in women’s clothing and accessories, with a strong focus on pieces from the ’90s and early 2000s. My brand stands out for its curated variety—ranging from casual streetwear to bold clubwear and timeless work attire. I like to think I have a little something for every kind of closet.
Friends, family, and peers know me as the fashionista—the go-to person for style inspiration. And the person to borrow clothes from. I’ve earned a reputation as a master thrifter, known for uncovering hidden gems in any thrift store I step into.
What I’m most proud of is being a self-made entrepreneur. I’ve built Aia Jai Vintage from the ground up, combining creativity with business acumen. It’s not just about selling clothes—it’s about telling stories through fashion, creating community, and inspiring others to embrace their personal style.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aiajaivintage
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/imani-jacobs-8b3540377
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@aiajaivintage
- Other: https://linktr.ee/aiajaivintage
