Today we’d like to introduce you to Elle Marie.
Elle, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Believe it or not, I started off thinking I wanted to be this big Pediatrician because I loved helping the youth and since my grandmother was this awesome nurse I figured the two combine was perfect for my life. Well, I was wrong! After entering nursing school at The Southern University and A&M College I soon realized that this wasn’t my true passion. I was living out someone else’s dreams and goals for my life. When I expressed my thoughts to my family, of course, it didn’t resonate too well how I wanted to go from Pediatrician to Fashion Stylist.
So now I’m two years in nursing school and I’m truly unhappy wishing I took that initial acceptance to The Art Institute in NYC. So, outside of the advice of my mom and grandmother, I changed my major. I wanted to go in Fashion Merchandising, but what I had left in financial aid; that’s wasn’t going to work either so I finished in psychology which, in my opinion, was good too because working with people you have to know how the mind functions especially when making sure him/her feel good with their image and/or style.
So after graduating, I didn’t initially start working in my passion. I went into a career with my degree I obtained. During my tenured at my job, I officially started my business in July 2012 with six shirts designed with the slogan “Keep breathing, keep loving fashion.” I went through countless ventures related to fashion due to my fear of standing on my passion of a Fashion Stylist. It was probably more so listening to others saying “You can’t make it as a stylist here in Baton Rouge” Now that I went through all of the necessary research, internships and schooling I dropped the fear and claimed the title as a Fashion Stylist.
After seven years of working with this agency, I was laid off. In my heart, I was happy because I figured this was a sign from God due to my heart been pulled away from this job. In my mind, I’m like okay now what am I going to do to financially sustain my life. So many thoughts were running through my mind, but I decided to put my faith in what I truly loved and just go for it! Sounds cliché, but this was a true form of my life. It was definitely a struggle; more downs than ups. However, keeping the faith a lot happened for me throughout that time. I obtained my certification as a Fashion Stylist, I gained loyal prominent clients, worked and still working as an Editorial Stylist and opened my styling studio.
Currently working as a fashion stylist, I was also giving a few opportunities to worked with and styled Grammy Award-winning artist P.J Morton, video shoot “I need your love”, “Sticking to my guns” and “Everything’s gonna be alright”. I been involved with Baton Rouge Fashion week as a model judge and also collaborated with GAP of Mall of Louisiana as their social media stylist, Editorial styling work seen in the pages of 225 Magazine, Stylist to our Mayor Sharon Weston Broome. On top of my other style creative roles, I was awarded NGP 2019 woman of the millennial award and honored at the Rouge Collection “Black Ball” as a mover and shaker for my contributions to the community.
Born and raised in Baton Rouge as LaKricha Marie Murray, I combined my middle name with the syllable of the first letter of my first name—“L”—to come up with Elle Marie Brand. In addition to my fashion experience, I have a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology and stayed in Los Angeles, Ca to obtain my certification from “School of Style” as a fashion Stylist where I also interned with style team, Dani and Emma.
I have a variety of teaching segments; an online instructor for Impeccable Style Academy teaching Editorial styling and Founder of “Recreating with Elle” a LIVE D.I.Y class for youth girls to develop interpersonal skills, enhance and gain fashion styling techniques and to be able to take items that may seem useless and recreate them into something wearable and useful. My goal is to expose these creative souls to the wonderful world of fashion, open them to useful life skills, such as. interpersonal and teamwork skills, how to multitask, as well as finding and building their own self-confidence through creative arts.
As I continue my journey as a Fashion Stylist, I plan to learn all I can daily to enhance my skills and eventually be in a position where I can help others who are interested in this career to build as well. I have a quote that keep me going “Don’t be afraid to stand on a mountain of no’s for one yes” so when times get hard and I get overwhelmed, I stand on prayer and this quote to keep persevering. I always tell myself to seek purpose and not popularity. Stay in your lane and focus on your focus for your life.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I would say some struggles along the way was getting people to truly believe in me as a stylist and my creativity with it all. When I say believe, I mean in the financial aspect of it all. I use to get people asking me question about a shirt or something then it turns into okay so what should I wear with that oh and do you think these shoes would go and I have these earrings and it just goes on an on. Now, at the beginning of my career, I was actually answering most of it thinking they would either give me credit via social media or come and actually utilize me as a stylist.
Well, I learned the hard way that was a NO! I didn’t have any training/knowledge as a whole at that time so I was just doing things as I thought I knew how and what would have worked best to grow in my career. On top of that, I didn’t have a stationary place to work with my clients and/or get deliveries delivered so I was using my grandmother’s, mom and sometimes my neighbors address just to make sure I get the items in on time. I know you probably thinking why not get a P.O. Box, but most of my carrier or those I ordered from wouldn’t deliver to a P.O box. Another struggle at the beginning was me doubting myself in my own gift.
There were times I would get discouraged because things are not just working out. On top of people not taking me seriously, I felt like people in my industry that I would see was moving and getting so many opportunities and I felt stuck and thinking maybe I should change things and do it this way. I soon realized that staying in my lane works for me. I know the type of stylist and creator I am so I will make that work for me and elevate as my season allows itself.
Tell us more about your work.
Born and raised in Louisiana, I am a Fashion Stylist and a Denim Creator. I specialize in Editorial styling; Iove to create and/or recreate themes and looks. With denim, I enjoy deconstructing them and recreating them into wearable art. I am considering a denim line of recreated jeans; I did a shoot with some denim pieces I recreated. It was a fun shoot, and what made it best is I had a few of my closest friends along for the ride. Outside of my duties as a stylist, I am committed to positive community impact. “Bowling in Style for Autism” in which I collaborate with Mcmains Children Developmental Center here in Baton Rouge, is a community fundraising event created to help raise awareness for Autism and the creative arts for our youth. It’s held once a year at our local Bowling alley, Circle Bowl where family, friends, executives, plus more gather as one and enjoy a night of bowling, galactics, music, food, giveaways and fun.
The thing I am most proud of as a company is the growth and change I made as an Entrepreneur. It took a lot for me to figure things out. Once I start fully investing in myself to learn more and perfect myself as a Fashion stylist opportunities opened up more. Also, I would say I am proud that I stepped up with how I handle my contracts and pay. There was a time I was so lenient and would get screwed over, once I started invested in myself both physically and financially that has now change! I never wanted anyone to just hand me anything. I wanted to learn all I could so I can know how to do what I need to do when it’s my turn to step into that role. I can’t really say what set me apart from others because as stylists we all work different and have different creative visions. Somethings I may not do, but that doesn’t mean it’s not a dope concept for that stylist. I just continue to keep God 1st and stay focused on my focus because I’m sure my level of success is very different from the next creative.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
This question always get me stuck because you never want to leave anyone out who played a role in your life so I give credit to ALL of the talented videographers, photographers, clients, family, and friends who either played a role and stuck with me in my growth, tears, ups and downs. There are a few specific people who I would like to mention.
My Mother (Alicia Thomas), Grandmother (Mary Murray) and Step-dad (Calvin Thomas; I really can remove the “step” but for clear references I will leave it) They have been there for me whether it’s mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually even when they didn’t agree and/or understand all of what I wanted to accomplish or work towards accomplishing they still remained supportive in my endeavors. My step-dad is like a jack of all trades. I can ask him for something I may need on set and if he couldn’t find it he will make time out of his already busy schedule to make it for me. Stepping up as my father figure has been a blessing in disguise for my life. The love I have for these three cannot be replaced.
Cekeisha Williams, licensed Cosmetologist and Esthetician she has been a backbone for me since we met, which was almost six maybe seven years ago. A lot of what I have accomplished she’s been so supportive; on top of the fact that we pray together before anything.
There’s one photographer out of all the greats I have worked with is Sasha Matthews, owner of green tangerine photography. There has never been a time when we were together and I asked her simple business advice and she gave me more to advance myself. She gave me the best advice or led me to the right people to make sure I succeed financially in my career. Jennifer Tormo, Editor of 225 Magazine. she gave me my first start as an Editorial stylist. She believed in my work and let me have the range to create.
Dejon Dunbar, CEO/Owner of Dunbar Construction of La. The support he gives me is unmatched. There’s never a doubt in my mind that he would not be there for me even when it maybe inconvenient. Couples and Entrepreneurship can be tough, especially when you are building and sacrificing; however, it works when you are building and sacrificing together.
Keyonna Jacobs, CEO/Owner of Diamond Bright Smiles best friend and my unpaid psychologist(kind of what friends do). We support each other, talk goals, speak life into each other’s visions and we hold each other accountable for what we say we are going to accomplish.
Marsha Thomas, Owner of BeYOUtiful Delights. We met as co-workers and ended up close friends. When I initially started my t-shirt line she was behind me 100% she asked to help me before I knew I need help with labeling, prepping the bags, marketing and promoting. It was always hard for me to ask for help, but she knew I needed it and was there for me. Keeping the right people in your everyday circle can make a difference in your everyday life. These are just some of my mentions, however, I am truly blessed with the family and friends in my life.
Cynthea Corfah, Founder and CEO of Brunch for the soul. Met her when she was young, fresh and hungry towards her passion. She came up to me at a fashion show telling me about her dreams and visions. I just knew I had to work with her bc she reminded me of myself. So instantly, we worked together for years as a team. When I needed a pick me up I knew exactly who to go to. When my direction was wavered she knew just when to step in and make things whole. Wouldn’t trade those moments together for nothing. Now with that same beautiful spirit, she is living out her dream as a fashion/lifestyle writer and CEO of her own company. The epitome of self perseverance all wrapped with her humble heart.
And I would like to just mention my clients because of them and their belief in me I wouldn’t be where I am today Seddy Sed CEO of Silly Rabbit Productions, Lisa Marshall, Realtor, Teralyn Turner, owner of Envogue Hair Studio, Terrica Matthews, owner of Premier property & Consulting group, Breonne Collins, Owner of B Jolie Hair Studio, Sharon Weston Broome, Mayor of Baton Rouge, LA, Courtney Monroe, Owner of Avenue Reaux, Pastor Ronaldo Hardy, Pastor of Love Alive Church, Candice Perrilloux, Director of the Printing Source, Aaron (AO), Comedian, Portia Thomas, Payroll Benefits Coordinator for Baker school board and Telissa Long, Entertainer.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ellemariebrand.com
- Email: elle@ellemariebrand.com
- Instagram: ellemariebrand
- Facebook: Elle Marie Murray
Image Credit:
Captured by Catrice, Green Tangerine Photography, Mosaicbymg, Collin Richie photo and Jordan Hefler photography
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