Today we’d like to introduce you to Danielle Summers.
Hi Danielle, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Even as a young child, I was very creative. From sketching to DIY and crafting – art has always been my go-to outlet. I also expressed a lot of myself through fashion. Thrifting clothes and finding the perfect accessories were daily hobbies – I was in love with the feeling of freedom it gave me. Phone cases specifically captured my interest because, like a lot of people, I never went anywhere without my phone. It was really an extension of me. So I viewed choosing a case as a chance to choose how I wanted to show the world who I am. Are you more of a simple and sleek black leather case, or is your case filled with characters or glitter? Our phone case can say a lot more about us than we think.
It was around my last year of college when I realized how few lifestyle accessory brands provided merchandise that represented who I am. A young, unapologetically black woman. So I decided to create one! I wanted to create a business where I could incorporate my love for art, skill in design, and passion for OUR culture. I started off by creating my designs and website. From there, I launched my online store ellenine.com and promoted my cases through social media and Boom – Elle Nine was born. My vision is for a black woman of any interest or style to be able to find an Elle Nine design that perfectly compliments them.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It was definitely not a smooth road and I am still learning every day. With Elle Nine being my first business, everything was new, from finding vendors for my cases and boxes to the legal aspects, I had some very rough days. Each day was a learning experience and from where I started to now, I have grown tremendously and I look forward to continuing to progress as I gain more knowledge and experience.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Elle Nine?
Elle Nine’s mission is to create space for the expression of black women and their art. We work hard to provide quality, one of a kind, diverse art for every black woman and that is what sets us apart. I feel like black women are not prioritized by enough companies. That is why we see one shade and one style. Black women are so diverse and cannot be lumped into one type and I want Elle Nine to show all types, from the natural sista’s to the ones who can slay a lace, we all matter and we all should be represented. Elle Nine is growing and a lot of amazing things will be happening in 2021, we will be dropping way more designs for our customers to choose from.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
There has been a lot of people that have encouraged me and pushed me to get to where I am today. For starters, I would not be where I am if it were not for my business coach Ariam Sium. She has guided me and taught me so much about staying organized and committed to my work. My mom and sister are my number one fans and help me whenever I need it. My boyfriend, Derek, has been the salesman every chance he gets, recommending every one he meets to check out my cases.
All my friends for their support, from purchasing a case to shamelessly promoting me on their social media accounts. The podcast that got me to get my life together and take a risk to start my business was The Millionaire Mindsets. Learning and hearing different ways to make money and grow it definitely put me in a mindset to grind. I also follow Dontez Akram (@DontezAkram) and Chris Johnson (@CJ_Johnson17th) on Twitter. I like to follow motivational accounts on my social media, so I am not constantly hit with gossip accounts. In order for me to stay focused on my goals, I have to surround myself with like-minded people, whether that is online or in person.
Pricing:
- All cases are $15
Contact Info:
- Email: ellenineshop@gmail.com
- Website: www.ellenine.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellenineshop/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ellenineshop
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/ellenineshop
Image Credits
Micah Mapp – IG: @whoisfitz
