AJL interview

ANTOINETTE JORDAINE
Artist based in London, the founder of AJL.
@antoinettejordaine
www.andjustlive.com

Hi Antoinette!
So tell us a bit about yourself. All the bits that you do want us to know about you.
I am a creative in every sense of the word. Creative is such a heavily used word nowadays but its a true one which I think is the best way of describing myself. It incorporates my capabilities as an artist, a designer, and an editor.

Your brand AJL. What is the idea behind it and when did you come up with it?
AJL initially started with my customisation clothing line Antoinette Jordaine London in 2010. It has now grown larger than this. The concept of AJL now is to form a members lifestyle platform and partnership for like-minded creatives, as well as being able to showcase my own personal journey, art and brand. I love and enjoy collaborating and supporting those that have a similar vision to myself. To cut the long story short the concept is to And Just Live.

What are the key features to being successful?
Never ever give up, know what you want, and learn from any mistakes made along the way.

Where do you get your inspiration from?
Everything I see. I am extremely visual and have a sensitive ear. It could be from brick work, the clouds, an exhibition, it could literally be from anything at all that my eyes and ears are drawn to.

Is there anything that kills your inspiration and creativity?
Yes! Stresses of daily life and negativity, but you just need to see through them and keep going, and also document everything you’ve found that has inspired you as you never know when you will need it.

What has been the biggest lesson of your life?
The biggest lesson is to make sure I focus on what I love and stay focused. Working hard towards my goals will make everything else fall into place.

The biggest adventure you’ve ever had or you’re looking forward to having.
There have been many adventures, though the ones that stand out are:

As an 8 year old climbing Dunn's River falls, it fell like the largest waterfall on earth for mini me. I have enjoyed huge drives like driving from London to Marbella travelling through Paris, Toulouse, the Pyrenees, Barcelona, and Valencia which was a stunning journey. I’ve also driven through Florida, driving from Orlando, to Kissimmee St Cloud, and Miami and then all the way to Charlotte County. This trip was such an eye opener!

When it comes to looking forward to adventures there are just so many! I’m planning a trip to Ghana, as well as my dream destinations of India and Japan which are very much overdue.

Do you think that life is worth of taking risks?
Take a risk! Otherwise you never know what may happen. Grab opportunities, and if they go wrong at least you can learn from them.

Who you know or what you know?
For me it is what you know. However times are very much changing which I think is disappointing.

The best advice anyone has given to you.
Since birth my parents have told me to do what I love and enjoy. You will never gain success if you don't enjoy what you do.

Name a tune that’s in your mind right now.
Funnily enough, Three Little Birds by Bob Marley and the Wailers! I listened to it earlier. It just makes me smile.

What is in your mind right now?
Working on my eZine, as I just spoke to one of my contributors about what content I need to post. As well as studying and traveling which are heavily on the brain at the moment.

Where are we going to meet in 5 years?
As we both have soft spots for them, I think probably Stockholm or Berlin! :)

"The biggest lesson is to make sure I focus on what I love and stay focused. Working hard towards my goals will make everything else fall into place."

"Since birth my parents have told me to do what I love and enjoy. You will never gain success if you don't enjoy what you do."

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