Ellysia was founded to honor women and remind them to never forget who to love first – themselves. Women are constantly torn down and expected to carry heavy burdens. These burdens cause mental and physical stress, making it hard for them to care for themselves.

Our mission is to honor women and empower them to live without any limitations. Women should be able to live life how they choose, regardless of society’s pressures. We strive to provide merch that will accentuate our customers' beauty, improve their confidence and relax their minds.

FOUR QUESTIONS WITH OUR FOUNDERS

The creator and curator, Shakiya

What is your chosen career path? How does it tie into your role at Ellysia? 

I’ve always wanted to be in the fashion industry. I found it exciting; I fell in love with the glamour of it all. I wasn’t sure which route to take, but I knew I had to find a way into the industry somehow. I studied fashion communication in college with hopes of someday being a designer. Today, I work in the Merchandising side of the industry but more on the marketing and promotional products side. For Ellysia, I do the same thing, except I get to enjoy the fashion and trend forecast side of the business.

What was a peak life experience that changed your life’s trajectory?

Going to an all girls school was a life changing experience for me. Before college, I had issues figuring out who I was and what I wanted out of my life. In college, I developed a strong meaning of sisterhood. I got to figure out what I liked and disliked. Living on my own, I made mistakes and learned from them. I made friends and adapted life lessons from them as well. 

How do you relax when you’re stressed?

You can find me on Pinterest making digital mood boards. I also enjoy exploring different parts of my the city. My favorite new way to relax is at a spa, specifically in a hot tub. 

How has being a daughter raised by a single mom shape you? 

Growing up, all I had was my mom. We had our own village of family and my moms close friends to pick us up, but in my eyes my mom was my everything. I watched her struggle to raise me, and at times I felt like I was her support system. I couldn't do much at a young age, but whenever she felt down, I was there to give her hugs and wipe her tears. I got to see my mom mature and make sacrifices for me. Did I fully understand what was happening at the time? No, but I knew my mom would figure things out eventually. I got to watch her achieve major milestones. I got to see her go through her GED process - I even had to sit in some of those classes myself. I saw her graduate from college and work her way up in her career field. Today, she continues to amaze me. She motivates me to continue pushing for better. 

Why is Ellysia important to you?

My life has been surrounded by women doing all they can to make a living. I have witnessed women struggle for their children, for love, and for their mental health. I want to make more efforts to build our community up. We should feel limitless in every situation. With Ellysia, my hope is to empower women to achieve more, no matter their circumstance.

The advisor and muse, Cashunda

What is your chosen career path? How does it tie into your role at Ellysia? 

I have always loved working in an office setting, working with money, figuring out budgets, and playing around with credit. So, I decided I would either get into banking or accounting. I went with accounting, and I currently work in that field. It was a no-brainer that I would join my daughter in making her dreams of building her brand and boutique come true. For Ellysia, I will be responsible for the financial side. I will work with her on building and growing the brand and expanding it to great heights.

What was a peak life experience that changed your life’s trajectory?

The thing that changed my life path was realizing that I was on the road to nowhere, and I had to do a serious self-evaluation of my life at the age of 32. I was looking in the mirror, and the person looking back at me was my daughter. She was growing up and I was the example she had to see. I made choices in life that I did not want her to repeat, so change was necessary! I stopped hanging out, I stopped drinking, and I started going to church a little more. I went back to school to get my GED, and went straight to college where I graduated with my degree in accounting.

How do you relax when you’re stressed?

I enjoy listening to inspirational videos or urban fiction audiobooks.

How has being a single mom shape you? 

Being a teen mother was a constant learning experience. You have this small child that you are responsible for; you have to feed, clothe, and care for the child 24/7. Being a mother has made me responsible, and it has taught me to think twice before making decisions. Kiya and I have grown up together; she makes me a better human being. We have unconditional love and an unbreakable bond. I am her mother, her protector, and the image she sees daily. It brings me so much joy to watch her grow into the woman she is becoming. I would not change it for the world.

Why is Ellysia important to you?

I believe that when you operate in your gift all things are possible. She [Shakiya] is operating in her gift of artistry, and I will believe in her vision and do everything I can to help see it to completion. We both believe in the same values; respect for women, nurturing the beauty inside to bring it out on the outside, boosting self-esteem, and increasing self-care and love and support of all women. This is why Ellysia is important to me.

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