Today we’d like to introduce you to Isaiah Shayle.
Isaiah, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
There are so many different routes and paths I’ve been in so far in my life. It’s hard to find a definite beginning. As far as the design aspect, I’ve always had a passion for creation. As long as I’ve been able to walk, I’ve been dressing myself and I’ve had a particular interest in shoes.
My real foundation came from playing baseball at the highest level in my entire life. From the time I was three, to the time I got to college, I had been told by many, including, Major League scouts and my agent, baseball was going to be my way to the top. I got a full-ride scholarship to a Division 1 school and unfortunately ended up having elbow and back surgery before I had to throw in the towel.
I pushed my body to its limit and found my edge.
I soon after stopped going to school. I had a few retail jobs and was selling sneakers and clothing successfully on the side.
Shortly after, I started working as a partner in a residential glazing firm where I was on par to own the company within five years.
After almost two years, I dreaded waking up and taking orders from a “boss.” I knew deep down if I just put my all into this fashion industry that I can be successful.
So, I did.
I quit my job where I was making a very substantial living. I bought a $99 singer sewing machine and a few designer bags and went to work. Practicing, failing, practicing again. I was infatuated, all I wanted to do was create. All-day long for months, I sat there and experimented with different designs and patterns.
I already had a platform for selling high-end fashion on my Instagram. So, I figured let’s give this a shot.
I released my first collection of lighter sleeves February 1st and it sold out in under an hour.
The type of work I put in every day has changed from then, but the amount of hustle and sacrifice will always remain the same for a successful business.
Today, I sew on a $2500 sewing machine, I’m in 7 retail boutiques across the Midwest and right now, I’m touring the United States putting my product in stores all over the nation.
The work is nothing different than I’ve been putting in my whole life, “first one there, last to leave”. Now it’s just being channeled in the right direction.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Whenever you start a business there’s always ebbs and flows. One thing I’ve learned though my various ventures is that you never want to get too high and you never want to be too low. If you can flow in the middle with an upward trajectory, you’ll be successful.
I grew up blessed with a family that loved me, but at times we struggled. I remember my mom telling my brother and I was having a house camp out when our lights would get shut off. I remember going to friends houses and admiring their pantry full of snacks. I remember seeing my mom pour water in the milk so that we had enough for our cereal in the morning before school. I watched my family grow from the dirt into now flourishing business partners and owners.
If you’ve never seen the dirt, you can’t admire the flowers. And for all of that, I’m grateful.
My personal struggles or lowest points in my life are the transitions from being a world-class athlete to an everyday joe trying to figure out his next passion in life.
When you’ve been so fixated on one thing your entire life and at the flick of a wrist, it’s all taken away, it puts you in a dark dark place and forces you to either get up on your horse or fall even deeper.
I’m not saying I just got back up the next day like it was nothing. It took over two years for me to pull myself up into what I am today. Somebody I can be proud of. Somebody, I can wake up and look myself in the mirror and smile.
Please tell us more about what you do, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I’m a high-end fashion custom artist and designer.
I work with New and Used designer bags/purses/suitcases and repurpose them into various works of art.
My pieces are in stores across the Midwest and will soon be all across the nation.
I offer what I do at an honest price so that everybody who truly wants can have a piece of Isaiah Shayle.
I want to affect the world, not just make a quick buck.
I want to have a lasting impact and continue growing in every facet of business and life.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
My career has taken me places and introduced me to people that I would have never experienced or met otherwise.
Anyone I desire to shake hands with or talk to are either in my contact list or they’re a quick phone call or text away from a meeting.
Artists I grew up listening to. Icons in the fashion industry, athletes, you name it.
My proudest moment isn’t defined by a single moment, but by every time I look back on who I was and what I was doing and then looking at who I am and where I am now.
I’m blessed and grateful every day for the progression of my life as a person and business owner.
Contact Info:
- Address: @isaiahshayle
- Website: Www.isaiahshayle.com
Image Credit:
Daksh Kapoor, @dkmoments17
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