This year has taught me so much—especially in these last few months.
“…I’ve learned something vital: being overly protective of my energy was stunting my growth.“
August always marks another year around the sun for me. But wisdom doesn’t wait for birthdays. It arrives by the day. By the hour. By the minute.
In September, Checkmate Anywear made its in-store debut at 167 Mott Street. We always knew this moment would come. Unwavering faith is essential when navigating adversity—financial, emotional, relational. Life itself can feel overwhelming, like everything is happening all at once. And yet, somehow, circumstances continue to bend in my favor.
I give it up to the universe—because what we ask for with intention, we receive in fruition. Sometimes quietly. Sometimes all at once. Sometimes when we least expect it. Small steps. Big results.
I am Delvon Jae, founder and designer of Checkmate Anywear. As I continue downloading more human experiences, I’ve learned something vital: being overly protective of my energy was stunting my growth. So I made a personal vow—to step outside my comfort zone, to be more social, and to speak more openly about the brand.
The social experiment is ongoing. But one thing, in particular, has reignited me.
My trained eye for color, fit, and personality has deepened my confidence in ways I didn’t anticipate. Getting dressed became a ritual—a reminder that I was still moving forward, even when progress felt quiet.
Who says flattery doesn’t get you anywhere? Discovering what one—or all three—elements truly flatter me gave my stride new purpose. As they say, when you look good, you feel even better.
I’ve always seen outfits as puzzles. The body is the board. Each piece has its position, and when everything aligns, the full look reveals itself. Checkmate—the game is over.
Scent plays its part, too. Smell boosts endorphins, spreads light from within, and
Delvon Jae wearing Checkmate Anywear Varsity Jacket and baseball cap.
grounds the nervous system. I call it peace. Along with clarity.
Delvon Jae wearing Checkmate Anywear Varsity Jacket
After spending a long time in solitude, I began to gently retrain my surroundings—and myself—to step into the habit of being the star rather than playing the back. Truthfully, it was never in the cards for me to play small, honey.
With that realization, organization became non-negotiable. A clear space is a clear mind.
This clicked while reflecting on my time as a Sample Coordinator. The volume of clothing was massive—far more than I’d ever want to own myself. Even as fashion-forward as I am, excess never felt aligned. Hence, my sustainable practices.
My role required organizing 75% of the sample library. My WebMD-diagnosed OCD found joy in the process. Creating systems, refining order—it was oddly therapeutic.
Though the role was temporary, the lesson stayed. Onward and upward.
I poured deeper into Checkmate, and along the way, closet curation revealed itself as something precious. Dear, even. Because learning to let go of what no longer serves us is often the first step toward receiving what will.
Since changing my wardrobe, I’ve changed my life—and my perspective. I now curate with intention: building collections where each piece works with 25–50% of the rest. Wardrobes that align with the era I’m in and the person I’m becoming.
I’ve learned to romanticize clothing—to honor how it adores my frame. And I cherish every moment spent with those who trust me to curate their closets, to help them rediscover that same love and light.
Closet curation isn’t about more.
It’s about meaning.
It’s about alignment.
It’s about space.
Spark your world through intention.
Change your wardrobe.
Change your life.
xo,
DJae ✨