Meet Jayda Ellis of JAELL in West End

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jayda Ellis.

Jayda, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
When I was 6 or 7, the fashion world was introduced to me by my Aunt Melissa. Seeing her design outfits for her daughter and church inspired me to do the same thing. Some would say I went a little overboard because it got to the point where I was cutting up my big sister’s clothes to make outfits for my dolls lol. But once I got to middle school, I started getting into making and selling pieces like bleached, distressed and dyed denim! By the time I got to high school, I finally started to learn how to sew. My style evolved very quickly. I went from sewing shorts to blouses and fur coats. My senior year in high school, I designed my very first dress for homecoming and it was definitely a look! That dress led to me making my first prom dress later that year and that’s when I realized I had a love for high fashion. I moved to Atlanta from Houston, Texas to attend Clark Atlanta University and after a year of attending, I had to drop out because I no longer afford it. I knew I wasn’t going back to Texas so I had about a month to build me a prom clientele and raise money to get my own place, and as you can see it worked out! Since leaving school, I have dedicated my life to chasing after my dreams. Doing anything I can to grow my business and better my craft.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I feel like most of my life money has been a struggle. Even back, when I started taking the sewing classes, I couldn’t afford them. So I would sell candy at school so I could afford the classes. In my earlier adult life, right before I was supposed to leave for college, I found out that I would not be receiving financial support so I had to spend a semester at home and save up money to come to Atlanta. And as I mentioned before, not having enough money eventually became the reason I couldn’t stay at Clark. But instead of quitting, I Ubered almost everyday and went to different high schools every week to pass out prom flyers to create a new income for myself. Regardless of the situation, I never let any of that keep me from going after what I want to do. Whenever I run into a situation, the answer is never to give up but find a way to make things happen.

We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I’m a fashion designer that specializes in high-end formal wear. I absolutely love designing gowns. I currently do mostly prom gowns but the goal is to do more red carpet or gala style gowns. I think what sets my company is apart is not only my style of gown but also the experience I give my clients. I work with women all over the US and my main priority is to always make sure that their dress fits them perfectly and that they are in love with the outcome. That alone is something I am very proud of when it comes to my brand.

What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I once read a book titled “Think and Grow Rich: A Black Choice” and it said that success is the person who has something they want to do with their life and they do it. No matter the obstacles, they still get up over and over just to go after their dream. And I completely agree. I may not be a millionaire but I’m a 21 years old fashion designer who can create a couture gown and make it look like it came straight out of a designer store. I’m doing the thing I fell in love with as a child and not only that but I just started my only sewing company as well. So to me, that is success. I feel like it takes a lot of courage to do what you’re passionate about. Because life, fear, doubts, etc. can easily keep you from doing so.

Contact Info:

• Website: Jaelldesigns.com
• Phone: 2817875187
• Email: jaelldesigns@gmail.com
• Instagram: @JAELLofficial

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