I was lying with Jacqui Jacques on the floor of her apartment in Oakland, CA staring up at the beautifully-constructed textile canopy that was part of her senior thesis show. Vibrant yet earthy colors, created with natural dyes and sun bleaches. I knew almost nothing about textile work, but I knew this was special.
Jacqui continued working with textiles, and now the New Jersey-based artist, clothing & textile designer, and natural alchemist, is the owner of Earthly, "an ever-evolving lifestyle brand...creating a new genre of holistic apparel and leading the way in the future of sustainable fashion."
Learn more about Jacqui's natural dye workshops, volunteer work with alpacas, need for water submersion, and love of neo-soul below:
1) What did you eat for breakfast this morning?
Watermelon, mad mad watermelon.
2) For those that don't know you yet, could you please tell us a bit about yourself? What are you up to currently?
So I’m Jacqui Jacques, I come from the beaches of New Jers., I studied apparel design at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn my first two years of college. I left to immerse myself in textiles & fiber art at CCA [California College of the Arts] in Oakland (where I met the COOLEST friend, Jess!). I got into natural dyes after taking a class with lovely Sasha Duerr ... and that was the beginning of it all! I travelled around the world to volunteer and learn the craft deeper. From living with the weaving women of Guatemala, to herding alpacas in Portugal and using their soft fur to make textiles that empowered local women. I could go on for days! Now, I am spending the summer in Asbury Park, NJ ... vending my lifestyle line, Earthly, at Asbury Fresh market and teaching natural dye workshops.
3) Could you give us a bit of history on Earthly? What sets Earthly apart, and why is sustainability and natural dyes important for wearables?
It actually all was born from my senior thesis show called Color Medicine. I created an interactive chromotherapy installation using botanical dyes and fabric. I figured if traditional chromotherapy used chemical-filled plastic to heal people, there was no question that using colors obtained straight from nature would make a huge difference! That set me off on the path of using pure, intentionally-foraged plant dyes to color the clothing I make. Most people don’t realize that when they buy conventional clothing (any clothing NOT dyed with natural dyes), they are unknowingly ingesting harmful toxins through their skin from the chemical dyes. The skin is our largest and most absorbent organ! So with Earthly, you can enshroud your precious body with healing plant essences and receive all the healing benefits. I think it truly (and hopefully!) is the future.
A look at Color Medicine - Jacqui's installation-based thesis project
4) What's been the biggest hurdle you've faced with starting your own business? And how did (or how are you working to) overcome it?
Starting your own business, completely by yourself, is harder than I ever could have imagined! It’s truly insane, but I’m learning so much. The biggest hurdle is not having 5 clones of myself. And also having no investors or big a$$ fund to start the business with. I am literally working my ass off and then simultaneously using the money I make to start my business. Feeling like you can’t take time “off” for one second is really stressful. But I’ve learned to force myself to take chill days because it’s necessary to keep up the zest & not burn out. It’s also very hard that a naturally dyed clothing line is such an under-the-radar concept still, that it doesn’t run at all like a normal clothing brand.
The Earthly pop-up booth
5) Could you walk us through your creative process? From initial concept to final constructed, wearable item.
Hmm, it’s hard to pin down, because there is definitely a difference between what I would make if it was just for arts sake, and what I make for customers. Everything always starts with making the fabric, because that’s the true fun and magical part! Usually I am guided by the availability of plant-life in my area. Working with the seasons and with the generosity of what my local florists can provide. I like to make wearables that are all about the textile, keeping the shape simple and ethereal.
Earthly promotional video created by Andrea Raggio
6) What do you do to recharge? How do you stay motivated and energized to pump out new work?
Being around nature is an instant recharge for me. Also just being submerged in water every now 'n then is SO crucial. I feel most inspired when I’m traveling and when I'm bumping perfect music.
A close-up of some Earthly fabric
7) Quick, look at whatever music streaming source you use: What's the last song you listened to? What band or artists have you been jamming to recently?
I’ve been nonstop neo-soul for a while now. My tops [right now] are The Internet, Sampa the Great, Kelela, Jordan Rakei, SPZRKT, Sango, the Anti album (luv u riri), & tons of UK future soul/hiphop. Soulection is also always on wax.
8) Who or what has inspired you recently?
I just recently hatched a plan, with (future CoolFriend) Andrea Raggio, to move to Brooklyn area later this year. And talking with her about building our epically inspiring/crazy/fun space & life together is fueling my fiya right now!
Earthly's sun-bleached, custom-made leggings
9) What's a book/movie/album that's on your list, something you've been meaning to read/watch/listen to?
Actually Andrea just recommended the book Sapiens. It’s basically about why the way we are. Sounds dope cuz ... human beings are so insanely weird!
A naturally-dyed top created from indigo, acacia bark, and avocado.
10) If you could meet any famous person (living or dead) who would it be and why?
Hmmmmmmmm... Definitely Prince or Jane Goodall. First people that came to mind. Prince because *Prince*. And Jane, because she was my biggest childhood idol & animals are my #1.
A silky Earthly top
11) You've been organizing events like artisan craft fairs, and natural dyeing workshops. What're you most excited for in the coming months? Any cool projects or events?
First off, I’m excited that it is Spring and there are finally plants growing and flowers blooming!! It makes finding dye materials so much easier than in the cold months. I’m hyped for my first *legit* Natural Dye workshop at Bond & Bangs Apothecary next week! I’m also planning some events in London for the end of summer- like community garden dye days and teaching children about the botanical dye magic! At POP Brixton - keep your ear to zee ground.
Earthly offers made-to-order, hand-dyed, custom pieces
12) Final question: Who's your cool friend?
The amount of cool friends I have is like damn. So my cool friend is my super cool boyfriend - Jacob Read! He runs his own business Pig&Rig and is a dope graphic designer.
See more Earthly goodness on her website here. And connect and stay up to date with her on Facebook or Instagram