Today we’d like to introduce you to Elysia Ganier.
Elysia, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I started sewing by hand as child in grade school. I made Barbie wedding gowns from old slips my mother had and was selling them to classmates. I later honed my gift in my freshman year of home economics. This is where the sewing bug bit me hard. I exceeded the minimum garments that was required to make in class. I then took that sewing skill and applied it to making clothes for my friends. Prom was my biggest season. I built my customer base through word of mouth. I became my own walking billboard receiving compliments on my designs. I attended the International Academy of Merchandising and Design once I graduated from high school. I truly fell in love with the process and knew I wanted my own business one day.
Life happened and while being a mom and wife, I still knew that one day, I would have my chance. By this time, I’m working, sewing and juggling life burning candles at both ends.
While working my 9-5 , a place where I interned at for many years referred me to the Steve Harvey Show. They were looking for moms whose life dream was to become a fashion designer. This was the perfect national platform that I needed to kick start my brand awareness. But little did I know, even though I won the competition and the fact that my design was mass produced in all K&G Stores with the Steve Harvey Women’s wear line, that was the end of the road. Now I’m left to pick back up where I left off. I returned to business as usual, sewing for others until I felt I had enough clients to leave my job.
After I decided to leave my job, it was only 3 months of bliss only to find out I would be paralyzed.
I felt my life was over. Everything I worked so hard for and gave up I felt it would never happen. But something inside of me would not give up. I began preparing myself to try to operate a business in my wheelchair. I had a lot of moments of doubt and depression and felt useless.
Through my faith in God, I began praying and trusting that God had a plan for my life and it was not going to happen in a wheelchair. Soon my nerves began firing back up. God had a hand in my recovery. But it would take faith in him to see me through.
Well its been 4 years since that dreadful day. I stand tall in my 4″ heels and God has been helping me balance my faith, work, and family life.
I had some great celebrity opportunities; Cynthia Bailey and Kenya Moore. I’ve also had a few well-known local other opportunities such as Sheree Lucket of Def Jam Comedy/BET Comic view, Miss Illinois, and the Miss Black Illinois Pageant. God has shown me great favor! I would not be here if it wasn’t for his grace and mercy. I may be starting over but I’m right where God wants me to be. I continue to create beautiful designs and had to restructure my business to fit my physical and creative needs. I am an overcomer and a walking miricale!!
Has it been a smooth road?
Being a fashion designer has not been a smooth road. There are clicks that are really leary of letting a newcomer in. You have to hobnob and socialize a lot to stay in the loop for support. My advice would be to stay true to who you are. Your gift will make room for you. Put your needs and wants in God’s hands and work with what He has given you.
While working, what is for you will appear before your very eyes. You won’t have to sell out or throw people under the bus to get it. Be very sure what you want and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Do your homework and have a good mentor that doesn’t have a hidden agenda. Partner with people who have the same goals. Learn to barter your talents with other creatives.
We’d love to hear more about Ganier Atelier, LLC.
I am the CEO of Ganier Atelier, LLC. I create unique limited pieces for women that have spunk and want to stand out in a room. I specialize in designing clothing that women imagine wearing but can never find in the stores. My vision is to have a specialty boutique online and in my studio. The Ganier women are always confident. She loves to dress and wear clothing that you would not expect the average woman to wear. It’s chic and flirty! At times, overly flirty with a hint of conservativeness. I am most proud of how confident my clientele is when leaving my studio. What sets me apart from others is the variety I offer from coats to gowns at limited quantities and varied sizes.
Which women have inspired you in your life?
The women that have inspired me are Barbara Bates, Marchesa, Donna Karen, and Carolina Hererra. All of these women bring a unique quality to the table from the silhouettes to the fabrics chosen. They understand the shape of a woman and what works.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ganieratelier.com
- Phone: 866-558-8006
- Email: contact@ganieratelier.com
- Instagram: https://www.Instagram.com/ganieratelier
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/ganieratelier
- Twitter: https://Twitter.com/ganieratelier
Image Credit:
Photography by the Michael J, Executive Image Group, David Shepherd
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