Justin Haynes wasn’t sure if quitting his safe and secure retail job in 2009 was the right decision. Starting up his own business and pursuing his childhood dream of becoming a fashion designer, he didn’t know if the world would care about designs from a guy coming out of Springfield, Massachusetts.

“I came close to quitting so many times, but my family told me to stick to it,” Haynes said.

Stuck to it he did. Nearly a decade and a half later, with no credentials or publicity in the fashion industry, Haynes’ JUS10H clothing line and ONYX luxury fashion label will become globally recognized, featuring in multiple Milan, Dubai, Paris, Los Angeles, New York and Miami fashion week showcase events.

JUS10H garments have even made their way to Times Square in a featured CoverGirl advertisement.

Haynes would go on to style red carpet-wear for celebrities attending award ceremonies such as the Grammys and BET Awards. His work would later attract attention from an international audience, aspiring designers from across the world have sought Haynes out for mentorship.

• Read More: Springfield Fashion Designer Justin Haynes announces collaboration with Hennessy Cognac ahead of New York Fashion Week show

And just this week, the Springfield-based designer was shocked to find out he was nominated for a spot on Ted Talk’s Tedx Magazine’s Top 1000 Influential People of 2022 list.