Target Employee Takes a Chance on Fashion Design Dreams. Years Later, Her Collection Is Available in Stores (Exclusive)

• Jenee Naylor started sharing her fashion insights on her blog High Low Luxxe
• While creating fashion content and building her brand, Naylor worked at Target for over a decade
• On Sunday, May 19, Naylor saw her collection, part of Target’s Future Collective line, in stores for the first time, telling PEOPLE about the experience

Jenee Naylor is enjoying a “full circle moment” in a very special place.

Naylor, the content creator behind High Low Luxxa, is launching her first collection, part of Target’s Future Collective line. The newly minted designer saw her collection in store for the first time on Sunday, May 19, at the Alexandria, Virginia, Target location.

The moment was especially special for Naylor, who spent 11 years as a Target employee, working her way up to team manager before switching to fashion full-time. Speaking to PEOPLE about her journey to this moment, Naylor says the experience “means everything.”

“People keep asking me if I’m ever going to start my own clothing line, and I really think a partnership like this is the closest I’ll ever get,” she says. “However, to be partnered with a brand that I have such a deep connection with is truly something special and I’m still processing it all!”

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Jenee Naylor while working at Target.

Courtesy of Jenee Naylor

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Naylor has long had a “passion for fashion” and knew it was something she was passionate about, even before her days at Target.

“I was always sketching designs in school and eventually ended up with a degree in fashion merchandising. It wasn’t until I was working full-time at Target that I started posting my clothes on social media and really fell in love with the community I was developing,” explains the creator content.

Naylor went from associate to team leader during her time at Target. Despite her “super busy schedule,” she found time to create her fashion content.

Jenee Naylor and her team during her time at Target.

Courtesy of Jenee Naylor

“I would create group content on my days off so I would have enough interesting things to post during the week. Consistency on Instagram led to a full blog, which quickly turned into a YouTube channel during the pandemic,” she explains. “I’m so grateful to say that my community has been growing ever since!”

After meeting some fans of her content, Naylor realized the true impact of the community she was building.

“I had the opportunity to meet some of my online community in person, especially at my first DC blogger event I attended in 2019. It’s still one of my favorite parts of this ‘job’, meeting and interacting with the face of my audience – I especially enjoy talking with content creators because I know how important it is to stay inspired during this seemingly unconventional journey.”

Jenee Naylor checks out her collection at Target in Alexandria, Virginia.

Paul Morigi/Getty

Balancing the two was a learning experience for Naylor, who embraced the “uniqueness and individuality” she encountered through content creation.

“These things are embedded behind each person’s profile,” she notes. “While creators may gravitate toward similar fashions and trends, there’s always an opportunity to incorporate your own flare and tell a story from your own perspective.”

Naylor credits her time at Target with teaching her “how to become an effective leader” and how to “understand the art of project management.”

Jenee Naylor poses with former Target team members celebrating her collection.

Paul Morigi/Getty

“I also learned the importance of creating and implementing routines, which were a useful tool during my entrepreneurial journey. Because my schedule was so busy at the time, I had to become really intentional with my time, especially on my days off.”

The designer also shares her gratitude to her family for being her support system throughout her journey.

“My husband has been my biggest supporter! So much so that he changed his corporate career to join me full-time as a creative and photographer/videographer,” she praises. “It’s such a privilege to be able to do this kind of work together. My mom has also been my biggest rock and inspiration!”

Jenee Naylor shows pieces from her collection.

Paul Morigi/Getty

When that routine led to success and massive growth in her social media footprint, Naylor had to move on with Target.

“I decided to take a risk on my own and started taking my content creation journey even more seriously. The rest is history!”

Reuniting with the Target for the Future Collective was a fun and “really hands-on design process” for Naylor.

“Although there are a lot of basics in this collection, I’m really excited to see how people style everything in their own way. That’s why it’s so important to me to help my audience find their personal style, because it’s an integral part of who you are and how you choose to appear in the world,” she shares.

Jenee Naylor’s collection shown at Target.

Paul Morigi/Getty

“One thing I’m most proud of is the sheer level of detail, design and quality that went into each piece. While the inspiration was resort wear, I also love how versatile the collection is.”

Naylor hopes seeing how her journey has progressed will inspire others to chase their dreams. She shares her advice with other people who are pursuing a big dream while working their day job and figuring out what makes sense for them.

“Strategy and consistency is the ultimate formula; take it from me! If you can hold down both a full-time job and your creative endeavors without compromising your performance, do it as long as you can,” she shares.

“If it comes to a point where you have to choose, make sure you have a realistic plan to map out your next step. I’m all for chasing your dreams, but planning and preparation are key. All in all, don’t Never stop chasing your dreams until don’t come true!”

Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education