When Houston native Jaleska “J Mulan” Holman began sharing her modeling journey in the early days of social media, she had no idea she was helping to ignite the city’s creative renaissance. For years, Houston’s artistic energy was often overshadowed by its flashier coastal counterparts. The CEO of J Mulan Agency has since helped reframe the “spaceship city” not as a follower but as a cultural originator, a place where innovation meets influence. Her client roster is as diverse as the city she represents, spanning major brands like Nike’s own Jordan, emerging designers such as Torianna Breaux of Tordrobes, and entertainment icon Megan Thee Stallion.
After living in Delaware, within two hours of New York City’s fashion pulse, Mulan quickly identified a need upon returning to her native Houston. “I realized there wasn’t a modeling industry out here except [for] Paige Parks or Neil Hamill,” Mulan tells GU. “It just wasn’t the same energy as I was getting on the east coast.” After extensive research, she discovered Houston’s underground fashion scene and became a guiding light for models seeking work and artists searching for fresh talent. Mulan’s ability to curate genuine relationships and lean on her networking skills soon paved the way for her first major collaboration with Lil Wayne’s Truckfit and Nice Kicks for South by Southwest. The collaborations reassured Mulan’s mission, connecting Houston to mainstream media. With an awakened entrepreneurial spirit and encouragement from good friend A$ap Ferg, the J Mulan Agency was born.
Whether she’s hosting intimate networking experiences or consulting on campaigns that highlight local voices, Mulan has cultivated an ecosystem where collaboration is currency. This acute emphasis on connection has made J Mulan Agency a trusted figure amongst both artistic innovators and global brands like Courvoisier. When approached to partner with Courvoisier as a featured Tastemaker for their “Bring Your Own Courvoisier” (BYOCV) Dînatoires event, the decision was a no-brainer for the influencer. “I feel like everything that they stand for is the perfect synergy. You know, they’re all about culture. It’s more than just a drink. It’s about celebrating others. As soon as I realized their values matched mine, it was a match made in heaven,” she expressed. Mulan and Courvoisier successfully reintroduced the lost art of communing. With the world at your fingertips, it’s far too easy to miss the significance of a warm “Hello” or the pleasantries of a good conversation alongside a great cocktail.
Good vibes and high spirits poured out of Houston’s Cocody restaurant with sounds from DJ Brilliant and the honored voice of the evening, J. Mulan, setting the tone for a night where culture, celebration, and elegance intertwined. At a J Mulan event, you won’t find her hiding behind velvet ropes. Instead, she’s on the floor meeting, mingling, and making real connections with the people who bring her vision to life. This intimate approach compliments Courvoisier’s mission almost as seamlessly as Mulan’s dream pairing of fried snapper nuggets with the mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, and a Courvoisier lemonade from her favorite restaurant FRNDS.
Even as her agency’s rapid growth pulls her in countless directions, Mulan remains grounded in her Houston roots, committed to bringing the industry home to her community. She proved just that through a recent collaboration with Funny Mike for Streamer Prom, a project that captured the attention of audiences around the world. “I would have to say that was probably one of the most monumental events I’ve done only because that was, like, literally a global event. They were streaming that all around the world. It broke records and I had to pull that off in 12 hours,” Mulan detailed.
Grounded in her deep connection to the community, Mulan offers wisdom to young creators determined to forge their own way. “Make sure you’re passionate about it. Don’t do it for the glitz and glam that you see. It’s a lot of hard work balancing so many relationships.”
With her signature mantra, “If you don’t meet, you don’t eat,” Mulan reminds us that presence, persistence, and purpose are the real keys to longevity. Her journey is proof that when you lead with authenticity, the world will take notice.