Jabez Jenkins and his little brother Christopher were living normal elementary students’ lives until a career day at Live Oak Elementary School disrupted their lives’ path. 

Jenkins, who was 9 years old at the time, saw bow ties on display at the career fair, and that birthed what came to be known as “Kings and Gents Accessories.” 

“My mama used to sew a lot, so I asked her if she could sew some bow ties and hair bows for girls,” Jenkins said. “I took them to school and, once they sold out within minutes, I felt like I could make some good money off of this.” 

Not only is Jenkins part owner of the company, but he also plays basketball at Newton High School as a junior. Both are in addition to his workload as a full-time high school student. 

Jenkins says it’s tough owning a business while playing basketball for a Class AAAAAAA program in Georgia. But he and his brother have made it work. 

“Once basketball season starts, you can’t do as much,” Jenkins said. “But my little brother and I have been doing it for so long that we’re used to putting everything in our calendar to make it a lot easier balancing it all.” 

Working with his brother is no different for Jenkins than playing basketball at Newton High School. 

“We’re a brotherhood, and we always play together on and off the court and in school. We always help each other no matter what,” Jenkins said.

Since its inception, “Kings and Gents Accessories” has taken off under Jenkins’ tutelage. Their company will be featured in an upcoming interview with Macy’s, and the brother business duo was recognized by state senator Tonya Anderson in late May. 

Jenkins was also recognized for his efforts in business by receiving the AllState Sugar Bowl Scholarship award for his community service. He received that through the Rams’ participation in the Sugar Bowl National Prep Classic held in Westlego, Louisiana in January.

A large sum of Jenkins’ community service involvement comes from monthly workshops he and his brother hosts. During each workshop, they give out three-piece suits to young children who dream of owning a business one day, too. 

Jenkins said that mission was important to him because of the people who have helped him throughout their business and basketball journey. 

“When I first started the business, I didn’t think all these people would be behind me and pushing me to do better things,” Jenkins said. 

“Once I figured out that I have a lot of people supporting me, that motivated me to do the same thing as others and help younger kids achieve their goals. 

“I hope they use their vision, whatever they have in their mind, and are able to move it to reality with whatever their hearts want to do.”