Jordan's story
My Journey: From Brooklyn Roots to Purpose
The Spark of Inspiration: As my students started shuffling out of the classroom, Sean—not his real name—approached me and said, “Mr. Jordan, I felt inspired by what you taught today. Thank you.” As we walked out that Friday afternoon, my mind flashed back 20 years earlier to when an elementary school teacher sat me down and told me, “You are very smart, you don’t have to play around to get attention.”
Roots and Resilience: As a new immigrant from Haiti, I had tried to “belong” by being the smart aleck and funny guy in school. My parents wanted a better life for their children, using all their savings to move our family to Brooklyn, New York, where my dad worked 16-hour days as a gas station attendant and livery cab driver, and my mom worked in a clothing factory.
Turning Points: In the sixth grade, I met a teacher who single-handedly changed my perspective on myself and school. Just six months after starting high school, I took my General Education Diploma (GED) and went on to Kingsborough Community College, where my first daughter was born during my first semester.
The Pursuit of Education: Faced with intense emotional and financial pressure, I placed myself on welfare and stayed home to care for my daughter while my wife attended college. Later experiencing firsthand racism while working at a dry cleaning store—and facing rejection from modeling agencies that told me my shoulders, feet, back, and lips didn’t fit their “ideal size”—I realized that having a voice in this society required an education.
Building a Future: After my wife graduated with her master’s degree, I returned to college, ultimately earning an Associate’s degree, a Bachelor’s degree, and a Master’s degree in Education.
The Mission Behind Jean-Jacques: Having taught preschool through college-level adults and practiced Applied Behavioral Analysis therapy, I created the Iron Sharpening Iron blog, wrote a book of my experiences, and founded the Jean-Jacques (pronounced zhahn zhahk) apparel brand.
A Brand Built on Purpose: Jean-Jacques represents strength, courage, and love for my community. We employ all model types, including the special needs community, and feature inspiring messages on our tagless labels. Each piece of men’s, children’s, and unisex wear tells a unique story of fearlessness, power, and overcoming challenges to elevate your inner and outer self-image.