Jordan Edwards, the driving force of a thriving clothing business, did not set out to become a leader in the fashion industry. Yet today, he is spearheading Mixology Clothing Company, a scaling retail brand with 16 stores across several states and more slated to open its doors. Initially, Edwards joined Mixology as part of a family venture. His family were original co-founders and investors who seized the opportunity to fill a gap in the fashion market.

Edwards, alongside his sister, Gabrielle Edwards Schwadron, is now co-managing the company, blending his business understanding with her keen eye for style. This duo has fueled the growth of Mixology from a seedling idea to a flourishing chain. With store number 17 under construction and 18 in the planning phase, Mixology is gradually expanding, bringing a unique mix of accessible and stylish fashion to more communities.

Business Behind the Brand

Edwards credits much of his business knowledge to his partnership with his father, Glenn. Thanks to the family’s diversified firm, Chart Organization, which has interests spanning commercial real estate and other industries across North America, has backed Mixology during its initial phase. “It was one of our seed investments,” Edwards notes, “and has since grown into a mighty oak tree,” he added. This business foundation has helped Edwards develop the skills to steer Mixology’s expansion while maintaining its commitment to quality and community.

Mixology is focused on offering a curated collection of trend-driven styles that resonate with customers. The brand is also providing a shopping experience that feels personal and community-centered. The brand wants to make customers feel like they are picking clothes from their personal closet, guided by a friend who has a great sense of fashion. According to Edwards, the company aims to make fashion approachable to customers ranging from teenagers to grandmothers.

Balanced Leadership Approach

Without formal training in fashion, Edwards found his place in the company by focusing on the business side of operations while his sister devised winning fashion strategies. This division of roles allowed the siblings to play to their strengths. “She and I are very lucky to have each other,” Edwards acknowledges. Their collaborative leadership style blends Schwadron’s creative expertise with Edwards’ business insight, creating a balance between art and science that has fuelled Mixology’s growth.

Their retail strategy aims to stay ahead of rapidly shifting trends, which, for Edwards, is a challenge resulting from the fast pace of social media. The siblings often work together to anticipate future styles and prepare six months in advance, ensuring their offerings are timely and relevant.

Building Community, Not Just Stores

Mixology’s growth is not just about increasing its footprint but about strengthening its ties with the communities it serves. “At Mixology, we focus on hiring from the communities we serve, so our staff reflects the lives and interests of our customers,” Edwards explains. The introduction of “Mix Moms” reflects this approach. Mix Moms is a group of employees who provide warmth and familiarity to shoppers, creating a welcoming atmosphere that is rare in the world of fast fashion.

This focus on community extends beyond transactions. For Edwards, success isn’t just about making sales but about cultivating long-term relationships with customers. “We’re about building community,” he says, highlighting the importance of creating a welcoming environment that brings customers back to the stores.

A Philosophy based on Jiu-Jitsu

Edwards’ business approach has been influenced by his passion for Brazilian jiu-jitsu, a martial art form that taught him resilience, balance, and the importance of leveraging both strengths and weaknesses. This philosophy is reflected in his book, Business Jiu Jitsu, where he shared his insights on entrepreneurship, drawn from years of business experience and martial arts training. He also hosts a podcast by the same name where he interviews leaders in business and jiu-jitsu. Through his book and podcast, Edwards hopes to help aspiring entrepreneurs avoid the pitfalls he faced and succeed with the resources at hand.  

The Path Ahead

With Mixology’s continued growth, Edwards will focus on building a brand that connects deeply with its customers. His efforts to blend business principles and community-focused values have created a unique formula for success, making Mixology Clothing Company not just a fashion brand but a part of everyday life for its customers.