Elyon Co.
As a creative, one of the tough parts about embarking on this testy journey is making your vision stand out from the rest. This feature has executed that task with style and authenticity. Elyon Co.'s founder, Jeremiah Egbele is a creative force to be reckoned with. Elyon (The Most High) is a clothing line centered around spirituality, and breaking through the false barriers people have created around religion.
What made you want to incorporate scripture into your brand?
Faith has always been a huge part of who I am, and I love fashion. I'd always wanted to do a clothing line, but I didn't want to make shirts with cookie cutter phrases because there's enough of that out here. I wanted my clothings to have deeper/hidden meanings-designs that would make people stop and search for words to describe what they were seeing and feeling. I knew it was something I needed to do as far as maximizing my potential, plus I love double entendres. So, combining the two was a natural idea for me...like mixing medicine with the candy. People are more likely to digest things if you make it taste good...that's the rationale behind Elyon Co. I wanted to take the gospel to the streets, and at least spark conversation through a dope shirt.
How long have you been in business?
Since April of 2017, so I'm fairly new. I knew I wanted to do something new, something dope. So, I just began prepping and everything came to life. I got the name, Elyon, from a song that I'd listened to over a million times. I was brainstorming names and Elyon just jumped out at me while listening to the song. When I heard the term, I researched the translation, I knew it was no one but God.
What's the most difficult thing about being a creative?
The most difficult part is getting it out there to people outside of my circle. I'm trying to find the balance between not being too forceful and annoying while still trying to give my product it's proper due by promoting it. Narrowing my focus can also be tough because I have so many great ideas, and I get excited about all of them. However, lately, all of my ideas have been intersecting. So, I'm grateful for that. Another tough part is lack of support. I have a great group of friends, but it can sometimes be discouraging when I don't receive the support and push from others that I thought I would. But I know that just means I have to work harder.
What's the most fulfilling thing about being a creative?
Seeing people rock my shirts and seeing my ideas come to life. For example, aside from Elyon, my friend and I started a men's group called Two or More. I'd been wanting to host a worship night for people to come and fellowship without it feeling restrictive. My photographer told me about a record store that allows people to host events for free, and it just so happened to be across the street from where we were shooting. Long story short, we were able to book the venue and host an amazing worship night for locals of all walks of life. I was also able to set up a booth for Elyon Co. So, to see my ideas merge and come together so well was so fulfilling.
How do you practice time management while ensuring you dedicate enough time to your brand?
That's a good question. I'm still figuring that out, but I mainly use any free time away from my actual career and pour it into my brand. The main thing that I've been trying to practice is maintaining a set schedule.
What advice would you give to other creatives?
Be yourself. Don't worry about what everyone else is doing. Know that you have purpose with your own unique gifts and abilities. You have a story to tell that is solely yours. It's also not an overnight process. As millennials, we are used to everything happening so quickly, but if you aren't okay with your process possibly taking years, then don't do it. You should do it for the love of your craft. Be patient and go with your flow. Don't look to social media as a model for what you should be doing. Social media is just the highlight reel of a business's experience; you don't know the challenges people face to make their brands successful. Lastly, get out of your comfort zone by being willing to meet people from all walks of life because when God wants to bless you, He places people in your life. So, remain open and fluid.
To place your order and keep up with all things Elyon Co.:
Twitter: @ElyonCo
Instagram: elyon.co
