Innovation + Sustainability+ Fashion

Backstory (why should people care):  SoNeeded Journee was born of a passion that broke free from a heart that was held back, disregarded, and beat down. Amika Adams I, founder, CEO, and inventor of  SoNeeded Journee, knew she had a gift – an artist born from an artist. Even at her lowest, she knew she had greater purpose but struggled on her journey.

 

Until one night when she attended a ballroom dancing class. As she spun around, Amika felt the Cinderella-effect – she felt her own joy, self-worth, and beauty blossoming. As she attended more classes, she discovered other dancers carrying their dance heels in simple, flimsy bags, in addition to their purses and other bags. These bags didn’t offer protection for the expensive dance heels and carrying multiple bags was cumbersome. Inspiration hit! Amika started sewing bags with velvet lining and word of mouth had custom orders flowing. She knew the idea was feasible but needed to develop the concept into a viable business venture.

 

Amika put in the work meeting with mentors, participating in invention and accelerator programs, and even asking shoppers at her part time retail job (while working full time at a call center) for feedback. Her efforts moved the concept into prototype stage and a patent design. The  SoNeeded Journee event bag is more than a bag. It is the culmination of a winding journey, a battle-worn heart, and a ceaseless passion to succeed. This business personifies Amika’s passion and devotion to do more than survive, but to thrive.