Today we’d like to introduce you to Ellena LeJeune Smith.
Hi Ellena LeJeune, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I was born in Birmingham, Alabama, raised in a 2-parent home, and have eight siblings. I started designing at the age of 12, creating fashions for my barbie dolls with a Sears and Roebuck girl’s sewing machine, a gift from my dad’s sister, my auntie Eula, I then developed a skill for designing, receiving a 30min sewing crash course from by best friend’s mother, Lydia, when 13.
This led to designing for myself, my five sisters, school friends and others. I have carried and exercised my passion for fashion throughout several decades now, recently launching professional memberships and a retail space for emerging talent and independent brands through the 11-year-old organization I founded, the Alabama Fashion Alliance (AFA). At the Alabama Fashion Alliance, I am the lead fashion designer and creator for North Alabama’s premier fashion industry annual events such as Fashion Week Alabama, Fashion Weekend Alabama, and StyleTank Fashion Design Competition.
My Clothing Lable is LeJeune Signature
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
The road has not been smooth. The biggest struggle is educating communities and individuals about the importance and advantages of having a thriving fashion industry in the state of Alabama. The second struggle is getting the financial support needed to assist the growth of fashion designers and artists in the successful launch and sustainability of their businesses. The third is getting the community as a whole to embrace and financially support the fashion designer and artist as they strive to make their brand a long-term success.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Alabama Fashion Alliance LLC?
As a fashion designer and lover of all things fashion, launching the Alabama Fashion Alliance (AFA) was a no-brainer. Just as I needed help and support in my personal fashion journey, I knew that others needed/would need the same. So, I launched AFA to do just that – – educate, create marketing platforms, provide resources, coaching and encouragement. Most recently, AFA launched professional memberships, networking opportunities, and a retail boutique and studio space for designers, makers and independent brands.
I love sharing the knowledge that I’ve learned with others to lend myself to being in their corner, their cheerleader. I didn’t have that. It’s important in anyone’s life journey.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
It makes me happy to see others benefit from the Alabama Fashion Alliance – – small or great. To find inspiration to move forward with dreams and aspirations. It’s very fulfilling. It’s a testament to my faith walk.
Pricing:
- $20/mo AFA Professional Membership
- $240/yr AFA Professional Membership
- $30 AFA Donor
Contact Info:
- Website: www.alabamafashionalliance.com
- Instagram: @alabamafashionalliance
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/alabamafashionalliance
- Twitter: @fwahsv
- Youtube: @alabamafashionalliance
- Other: issuu.com/alabamafashionalliance and tiktok @alabamafashionalliance
Image Credits
-Photo of new location for the AFA Office, Studio and Boutique Showroom Photo by Michael Jones -AFA Logo by Barbara Mayers Upshaw, Aura Graphics & Design -Canva Graphic Layout for AFA Membership by Ellena Smith -Beige/Cream 2 piece design by LeJeune Signature Model: Radeja Gulley Photographer: Giorgio the InterMuse -Purple Fleur De Lis & Black Lace skirt set by LeJeune Signature Model: Gillian Harding Photographer: Vic Vince Maverick Vergara -Plum Paisley Dress with Beaded Epaulettes by LeJeune Signature Model: Aubrey Jones Bibb Photographer: Vic Vince Maverick Vergara
