Kree Willyumz and Keith Reed Jr.
While coming of age in nearby Woodbury, N.J., Keith Reed Jr. noticed that his teenage brother, Kree Willyumz, attracted a flurry of compliments and questions regarding his distinctive fashion sense whenever he stepped onto the street. On one occasion, a random woman even offered Willyumz the opportunity to personally style her husband. An idea arose, and Reed realized this could be more than a hobby. With the right resources and business strategy, his brother’s style could be applied to a large-scale personal styling service.
In 2014, the brothers launched The Journi (thejourni.com), a personal luxury wardrobe courier and concierge service complete with custom tailoring services based in Wynnefield Heights. “Our target audience is accustomed to bespoke service and convenience,” says Reed. “The Journi gives them the ability to shop locally and receive same-day delivery from their favorite fashion retailers,” which include Neiman Marcus, Gucci and Louis Vuitton. Their clientele broadly encompasses fashion-conscious individuals who are on the go, seeking convenience and same-day wardrobe delivery.
In the six years since their start, the brothers have accumulated an impressive coterie of clients. Along with dressing celebrities such as breakout star Brett Gray of the Netflix comedy series On My Block for magazine shoots, they regularly work with major production companies like 20th Century Studios and Netflix for wardrobe styling on press projects.
It’s no wonder that they are in such high demand, seeing as their delivery service starts at $15 with a radius spanning 25 miles. More so, the pandemic triggered a steep spike in business, since many clients prefer to remain indoors.
Eventually the pair plan to consult with venture capitalists for a large-scale fashion takeover. But until then, you can find them bustling about the city with garment racks in hand. “It’s more than just clothes to us,” says Reed. “We improve the mental health of society.”
Photography by: Mike Prince
