Jones is an activist, actress, model, performance artist, creative, the first black trans producer to have a film at the Cannes Film Festival, and now one of nine dynamic changemakers who make up the adidas Always Original collective.
“For me this campaign is the truest form of community; the collective.” – Jari Jones
She knows that life could have been very different: no acting, no modelling, no such stage for originality. Because, whilst no-one achieves success alone, for a trans person of colour, sadly, it’s even more true. It takes support. It takes allies. It takes community.
That’s why Jari knows how important it is to find belonging and encouragement in communities like the one that flourishes around her favourite Brooklyn cafe – Hibiscus Brew – and owner Allison Dunn.
Jari wears the Always Original Strap Dress and Forum Low shoes. Allison wears the Always Original Laced Tee, High Waisted Leggings and Adilette slides.
Since 2020, Dunn has been feeding originality – and not just with healthy food from the ever-changing Jamaican-influenced menu. Her cafe is a vital community hub, serving up the kind of belonging that makes all the difference.
“Hibiscus Brew has offered me and folks like me an environment where we feel affirmed and seen.” – Jari Jones
Supporting the black community, the queer community, and those who meet at the intersection of both, Hibiscus Brew is where they all meet. Beyond simply being welcoming, Dunn’s cafe also commits to help uplift marginalised members of the community, specifically queer-identifying folks, by providing job opportunities.
“It’s the consistency and the willingness to use everything you got for a cause or a community.” – Jari Jones
For Jari, this level of commitment is what makes Hibiscus Brew and Allison a true ally. It’s this commitment that truly helps to grow communities. And Allison doesn’t stop there. She volunteers her time to do book readings. She rallies others to vote for community improvement initiatives, like getting trees planted around Flatbush Avenue. She even helps with street-sweeping initiatives – treating the sidewalks themselves as respectfully as she would one of her beloved customers.
“It doesn't matter who you are. You're going to come in and you're going to feel welcome. Everyone is welcome.” – Allison Dunn
Allison, if you’ll permit the understatement, is a positive person. She doesn’t just see the good – she sees what can be great. She says that Hibiscus Brew only exists because of the Covid pandemic. Her regular work took a hit and she needed alternative income. Seeing the vacant cafe space, she jumped on it.
“We love this community. Feeding it through this unprecedented time just made sense!” – Allison Dunn
For many, the pandemic is that unprecedented time. For others, simply being who they are is considered unprecedented – and navigating life can be as isolating as any lockdown. That’s why places like Hibiscus Brew are so crucial. Allison’s allyship literally and emotionally feeds a community. In turn, that community grows confident and welcomes even more of those who need encouragement to be themselves. That crucial sense of belonging is what feeds true originality.
“We have pure joy. We believe in no boundaries. We stand for the possibility of everything.” – Hibiscus Brew manifesto
And that’s why Jari knows exactly where to go when she needs her daily matcha latte. When she wants to strut with a new outfit or when she needs to be somewhere with people who just get her.
The new Always Original collection inside Hibiscious Brew.
“I know there will always be familiar smiles and new faces to bring your daily dose of joy.” – Jari Jones
At Hibiscus Brew, Allison Dunn puts her heart and soul into feeding originality, so that more people can be inspired to be unapologetically who they are. And in turn, find ways to inspire more people to do the same.
That’s exactly what Jari is doing as part of the adidas Always Original collective. She has helped to create an inclusive, inspiring and expressive new range of streetwear. And if you are ever in Brooklyn, make sure to check out Hibiscus Brew.