Jam’s Fashion Hub brings global trends to Saipan

What began as a personal passion for fashion has grown into a brick-and-mortar business in the heart of Garapan, as Jam’s Fashion Hub officially opens its doors to shoppers seeking the latest trends from across Asia.

Jimaela Ham, owner and chief executive officer of Jam’s Fashion Hub, said the business was born from a lifelong dream despite her professional background being far removed from the fashion industry.

“I am actually an accountant and a business ad major and I really wanted the trends to come out and I really love fashion,” she said during the ribbon-cutting ceremony last June 19.

She said her goal was to bring fashionable clothing and accessories from overseas markets to Saipan.

“It was my dream and passion to actually bring it here to Saipan and, you know, have the community have really nice trending clothes, shoes, and all about fashion,” she said.

Rather than designing her own clothing line, Ham personally travels abroad to source merchandise for local customers. She regularly visits Japan, South Korea, Thailand, and the Philippines, selecting items she believes will appeal to island shoppers.

“So, I personally go to the countries and I actually buy and curate the items on what to sell here on the island,” she said.

The shop is located in Garapan across Cha Cafe and OHAS Boulangerie & Café and beside Bourbon Street Cafe Bar Restaurant and Bravo Kitchen & Bar.

Ham said the physical storefront represents the next step for a business that previously operated primarily online through social media and live selling.

She credited her customers, family, and friends for helping turn the venture into reality.

“Without you guys as my clients, there would be no Jam’s Fashion Hub right now,” she said. “It's really my dream and passion to actually have a storefront already for all of you guys since we're just an online and a live seller before.”

The store recently celebrated its grand opening after plans were delayed by Super Typhoon Sinlaku. Ham said the shop was originally scheduled to open in May.

“It did get postponed due to the typhoon Sinlaku coming in,” she said. “There was no power, there was no water, but then, you know, I still pushed through today.”

Despite the economic challenges facing the island following the storm, Ham said she never viewed the timing as a reason to delay pursuing her goals.

“I don't think of it as a dark time to open any business. It's because it is my passion ever since and I really love and enjoy doing this,” she said.

Looking ahead, Ham said her immediate focus is building the newly opened storefront while continuing her popular “pasabuy” service. Long-term, she hopes to expand beyond the CNMI.

“Hopefully in the near future we could go global, maybe extend it over to Guam, Hawaii, and even more countries,” she said.

Jam’s Fashion Hub is open from 3pm to 7pm on weekdays, except Mondays, and from 1pm to 6pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Customers can contact the business through its Facebook and Instagram pages.