Prévu Founder Jake Hall: ‘I Have a New Lease of Life’
Prévu founder Jake Hall says surviving a heart attack six years ago has given him a “new lease of life” and a fresh perspective on success. In an exclusive interview, Hall discusses overcoming adversity, finding purpose and meaning, and empowering young designers.
Surviving a Heart Attack
In 2014, Hall suffered a severe heart attack at the age of 41. After a lengthy hospital stay and recovery, Hall realized the fragility of life and resolved to pursue purpose and meaningful work. “Surviving that heart attack gave me a new lease of life and a new perspective on success,” he says. “It made me ask myself what really matters.”
Finding Purpose and Meaning
Leaving a lucrative career in advertising, Hall launched Prévu, an online marketplace connecting emerging designers with opportunities to showcase their collections. He saw an opportunity to empower young talent and support their journey to build sustainable businesses. “I want to help provide a platform for young designers to be seen and build their career,” he says. “I want to show them that life isn’t plain sailing.”
Championing Emerging Designers
Prévu has provided a stage for thousands of emerging designers to promote their brands and collections. The platform aims to level the playing field, giving all designers an equal chance of success regardless of their reputation, resources, or connections. “The industry can be really tough to break into, so I wanted to provide a platform where young designers can be seen and build their reputation,” explains Hall.
Adversity and Persistence
Hall believes startup life often involves facing obstacles and persevering against the odds. He hopes sharing stories of overcoming adversity can inspire others moving through difficult times. “So many startups fail, but if you persevere, work hard, and never give up, you have a chance of building something meaningful,” he says. “That resilience and persistence can lead to success.”
Purpose and Meaning
For Hall, success now means using his platform and privilege to empower others and create positive impact. Prévu aims to support designers pursuing purpose and meaning in their work to build sustainable businesses and communities. “If you’re doing something meaningful that helps others in a positive way, that’s true success,” says Hall. “Money or prestige shouldn’t be the only measures of a good life.”
Overall, Hall’s story demonstrates finding purpose and perseverance after facing immense adversity. By championing emerging talent, empowering young designers, and pursuing meaningful work, Hall has built Prévu into a platform creating opportunities and positive impact in the fashion industry. His vision of success and purpose continues to shape Prévu’s mission and the futures of the designers it supports.
