
Kwame Jackson is more than just his trademark white smile and impressive resume. He's a Southern-bred, style-conscious, supreme risk taker who injects inspirational quotes into everyday conversation as effortlessly as some might say, "nah mean?" But above all, he's a survivor.

"Once you get over something like that, everything else is gravy. I had this massive devastating experience, so not very much is truly disappointing or devastating to me."
Refusing to crumble under the weight of his loss, Kwame continued to strive for academic excellence, ultimately gaining entry into UNC Chapel Hill's Kenan-Flagler Business School, one of the nation's top undergraduate programs for Business.

"I'm very proud of that. I'm glad that I was able to be a part of something that redefined television. It was a great experience; it helped me to believe in myself and opened a lot of doors. I view it as a floor, not a ceiling. I knew I didn’t want to become a reality star, my goal was to brand myself as an entrepreneur."

"[Neckwear] is probably the last bastion of personal style and influence that a man can express in the workplace. You can go bright, solid, pattern... It's an expression of your personality and a mindset for what you want to accomplish that day. 'This is the day I’m getting it done, getting promoted, proposing to my girlfriend, closing on a mortgage.' When it’s important, it’s Krimson!, that’s our trademark and the brand’s essence."

"The goal is to build it into a global luxury lifestyle brand to rival Ralph Lauren. Phase I consists of owning the men’s accessories space where we will add pocket squares, fragrance and cuff links. I have a lot of requests from women for scarves, bathing suits in our distinctive paisley patterns, and even female neckwear. You never know where the brand will take you."

"You had Colin Powell in one corner of the room dancing with his people and Jay-Z in the other corner doing the same thing."

"My name is Kwame Toure Jackson, not Blake Smith. I don’t really have a choice. My parents put that in my head early on. So I know who I am and I’m confident in who I am." Even still, Kwame refuses to box Krimson in as an "urban" brand. "I don’t want it to be an urban brand
in any way shape or form. I want it to be a global brand. It's about a global mindset."

And Kwame knows a little something about being an aspiring professional. The consummate entrepreneur, Kwame believes success comes to those who are unafraid to step outside of their comfort zone and take big risks.
"It doesn't mean you'll be successful, it doesn't mean you'll be a failure, but it does mean you'll have a sense of fulfillment. You can say, 'I gave my life my best.'”

the journey, then 'Nice to meet you.' I have good days and I have empty pocket days. I’m definitely not about stability and comfort at this point in my life, I’ll pass on the picket fence and suburban house for now. I’m the guy willing to put it all on the table and give it my best shot."
Above all, Kwame is a gentleman. When asked about Omarosa, who famously sabotaged his efforts during the finale of The Apprentice, his answer is simple. "God bless her."
To shop Krimson by Kwame, visit http://www.krimsonbykwame.com/.
-Elle
Check out previous Inaword Fab Exclusives:
A Conversation with Plus Size Diva, Joanne Borgella
Up Close and Personal with Dominican supermodel, Miguel Perdomo