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What happens when you take a corporate fashion designer, mix in deep Jamaican and Puerto Rican roots, and add a massive dose of Jersey and New York hustle? You get Lisette Scott, the brilliant founder and creative force behind the vibrant jewelry brand Jam + Rico.
From launching national collections with Target and Claire's to being hand-selected by global giant H&M for their exclusive Style Shop Showcase and taking the stage at Essence Fest, Lisette is scaling a major empire. But she is also a North Jersey powerhouse—running local jewelry workshops in Harlem, hosting community events at Jones Road Beauty in Montclair, serving as co-president of the PTA at Park Street Academy, all while raising three kids and being an amazing wife.
On this episode of On The Block with The Scotts, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Lisette to talk entrepreneurship, brand-building, and local community connection.
Taking the Leap from Corporate Fashion
Every entrepreneur remembers the exact moment they decided to pave their own path. For Lisette, it came when corporate fashion ladder-climbing no longer ignited her passion.
"I started thinking about where I wanted to be in the fashion industry... Every time I got the application I thought, 'Hm, am I gonna work for another corporation for the next five years?' I wasn't excited anymore... A little voice kept saying in the back of my head, 'Start your own business. Try something new.' I always loved jewelry, and I took that leap."
— Lisette Scott
The scariest part? Wondering if real customers outside of friends and family would actually buy the product. That test came quickly during an Essence Fest pop-up under the Brooklyn Bridge. The product flew off the shelves, confirming Lisette had tapped into something truly special.
The Investor Mindset: Scaling for Big Opportunities
When asked what billboard-worthy advice she would give to aspiring business owners on Bloomfield Avenue, Lisette didn't hesitate: move away from purely bootstrapping and adopt an investor mindset.
"Instead of having that bootstrap mindset of 'I'm gonna get there, I'm gonna push,' always be like, 'I'm ready. I'm ready for whatever's gonna happen.' Have your business ready to present... because you only get that one shot most times, and you don't wanna miss the opportunity."
This exact philosophy of staying retail-ready paved the way for Jam & Rico's massive partnerships with Target, Claire's, and major retail showcases.
Going Viral & Navigating COVID-19
Like many business owners in Essex County and beyond, COVID-19 posed an existential threat to in-person pop-ups and retail. However, right when everything shut down, Lisette had just updated the Jam & Rico website and brought in new inventory.
The new look went viral online. Orders came pouring in day and night, transforming a period of global uncertainty into an incredible season of growth and reassurance for her business.
Where to Experience Jam & Rico Locally
Lisette’s stunning Caribbean and Latin-inspired designs bring vibrant culture and energy wherever they go. If you're looking to shop her collection locally or connect with her brand, here is where you can find Jam & Rico:
- In-Store in Montclair: Shop the full collection in person at Velvet Lush Boutique, located near the Walnut Street train station at 83 North Willow Street in Montclair, NJ.
- Online & Custom Work: Explore collections and inquire about custom jewelry pieces at jamandrico.com.
- Social Media: Follow the journey on Instagram and TikTok @jamandrico.
Supporting the Heart of Essex County
As local real estate professionals, we believe that thriving neighborhoods are built on the back of dynamic local leaders. Lisette Scott represents the best of Essex County—balancing family, community leadership, and global business ambitions right here in our backyard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I buy Jam + Rico jewelry in Montclair, NJ?
You can shop Jam + Rico jewelry locally inside Velvet Lush Boutique at 83 North Willow Street in Montclair, NJ.
What inspired the name and style of Jam + Rico?
Jam + Rico is inspired by founder Lisette Scott's Jamaican ("Jam") and Puerto Rican ("Rico") heritage, blending vibrant Caribbean colors, shapes, and culture into high-fashion jewelry pieces.
Where can I watch the full interview and connect with us?
You can watch our full interview with Lisette Scott embedded at the top of this page or visit our official YouTube channel at @OnTheBlockWithTheScotts.
For daily local real estate updates, community spotlights, and business features across Essex County, follow us on Instagram at @realtorjenscott and @jrsiii!
Thinking about moving to Montclair? One of the best ways to understand a town is to hear directly from the people who live and work there. We hope this interview gives you a glimpse into what makes Montclair special. If you’re considering buying or selling in Montclair or anywhere in Essex County, connect with The Scott Team NJ—we're happy to be a resource!