Houston based designer Jada Ledet is the definition of black girl magic. She maintains stellar grades at the University of Houston as an Entrepreneurship major and singlehandedly runs a clothing line. Ledet’s line, Ignorant Art, was founded in October 2016 as a clothing brand that supports black empowerment and liberation. Ledet’s love for fashion didn’t start with Ignorant Art, from childhood she has shown an interest and talent for design. She knew from a young age that she was set apart, “I would do crazy things to my clothes like wear a shirt on my hip and tuck in the pockets,” said Ledet “I’ve always been creative.” Ledet spent a lot of her time sketching and making clothes for her dolls out of obscure objects like balloons. The first article of clothing she made was a hand sewn pajama set at age 10. Fast forward ten years and her creativity and unique style can still be seen through her line of t-shirts, hats, and hoodies.
Ignorant Art has statement pieces that express Ledet’s political and social beliefs. Her line is an homage to the Black Panther Party of the 1960s and 1970s. She is influenced by figures likes Malcolm X, Huey P. Newton, and Angela Davis. Her best-selling t-shirt called “Off the Pig” is inspired by the Black Panther Party and their opposition to police brutality. Ignorant Art also has pieces like the “By Any Means” hat that honors Malcolm X and the “Panther” tie-dyed t-shirt. Ignorant Art is more than a clothing line, it’s a movement, “My clothes represent strength and unity,” said Ledet. “I want black youth to escape institutionalized thinking.” Although she is currently a one woman show she wants to create a collective for other artists to collaborate and assist each other. She wants to reignite the community mindset of the 1960s by supporting all art forms like poetry, music, photography, and graphic design. “Black people are a big part of the economy,” said Ledet. “Buying black can help our community.” Ledet is right, in fact the black community has $1.1 trillion in buying power. However, the circulation of the black dollar in the hands of African-American consumers is six hours compared to the Asian community where circulation is 28 days.
“My clothes represent
strength and unity. I want black youth to
escape institutionalized thinking.”
Despite the 20-year-old seeming to have it all together she expressed the major challenges to operating a business, and at times she has wanted to give up. “Every time I want to quit I remind myself that quitting is not an option,” said Ledet. She encourages other budding entrepreneurs to stay focused, find their groove, and learn how to manage their time. In addition to being a full-time student and the CEO of Ignorant Art she also works part time in retail at Urban Outfitters. “Owning a business might not allow you to do everything you want,” said Ledet. There is a lot of sacrifice that comes along with entrepreneurship, but she is dedicated to making her dreams come true.
Ledet’s goals for Ignorant Art include expanding the line to posters, pins, and notebooks. She would like to see Ignorant Art in stores and is currently focusing on setting herself apart from other t-shirt brands. Ledet describes the average Ignorant Art consumer as “young and trendy.” She wants people like Rihanna, Migos, and Sza to wear her designs. Ledet promotes Ignorant Art by wearing it herself and giving it as gifts to her family and friends.
After college Ledet hopes to work for herself full time at Ignorant Art. She plans on moving to a major fashion hub like New York City, Los Angeles, or Atlanta and expanding her brand to storefronts. Entrepreneurship runs through her veins, “I want to own stores, restaurants, salons, and a farm,” said Ledet. Ignorant Art can be found on Instagram at @ia_theemprise, and custom pieces are available upon request. Keep your eyes out for this passionate designer and blossoming entrepreneur.