Meet Edward Wallace: Actor, Model, Business Owner, Fashion Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Edward Wallace and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Edward, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
Hello my name is Edward Eliesya J Wallace and I am the owner of Eliesya J’s Boutique LLC. I am a part of the LGBTQIA Community and I am also a Fashion Designer, Actor, & Model. I have been a small business owner since 2005. Eliesya J’s was birthed from my need to be Independently Owned & Operated. I worked Eliesya J’s out of a corner of Uniforms Plus before reopening as a stand-alone storefront in 2011. So Eliesya J’s is LGBTQIAOWNED and I desire to inspire. I have gained some Celebrity clients through my fashion designing as well as a few magazines, newspapers, runway shows, photoshoots, and television as well as live radio. My Brand Eliesya J’s is All About Royalty and letting your inner strength and show triumph show through in your style. Its an attitude of gratitude and being humble while recognizing the struggle of Entrepreneurship and being A Gay Male is Real. Everybody is watching. I have gotten so many people that have told me on social media or in person how happy they are for me and how I have inspired them. And it has helped thousands know via Social Media that you are not your past. You can be successful after incarcerated, loss of family and loved ones, homelessness, substance and domestic abuse if you fight, pray, hustle, stay positive, be persistent, and believe in you and what your purpose is. I have a forming nonprofit that will be here in Fayetteville and already 3 partnered organizations. Named The LGBTQ Hearts Place. I hope by continuing to do great works in my business as it expands and always in life and my mon profit and open a Center of the LGBTQIA community here in Cumberland county. And offer services along with my partnered organizations like job placement, homelessness assistance, substance abuse counseling and courses, mental health, hiv and std clinics, entrepreneurship training, and to help them be successful and healthy. And always to show that no matter what you’ve been through. Never loose site of your dreams. I moved here out of prison 300 pds and homeless. I started a biz 7 days after my release. Found a shelter. Built a biz app and signed up 150 ppl on it by riding the public bus. Found employment at Chipotle. I lost weight because that was all I ate because I was poor. I went to a model call because an agency rep suggested. I aced that model call and my first Show was for Nikki Minaj’s hairstylist Terrence Davidson. I opened the show in a handmade suit singing “Here comes your Queen to Be” from Coming to America. I was introduced as Model and Designer and its been up since then. I show all my followers how the ride has been and talk about it in my podcast. The Evolution if Eliesya on Anchor. I am now an Actor on aTV Trueality Show Untold Sagas Carolina Chronicles, Celebrity Designer, Published Stylist, Runway Model (NYFW+++), Print Model, Stage Actor, Natural Hair Care Student, and Business Owner. All accomplished in 3 years. I spread the positive that came from the horror of a false incarceration and loosing my husband of 14 years and overcoming drugs, alcohol, and being raped and bullied. I never gave up and you dont either. There is hope but you gotta stay strong, Trust The Process. God Bless❤

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My Art is transformative for me. I make Custom Clothing. My Clients vary in Size, Shape, Age, Color, and Geographical Locations so they could be anyone. That is a beautiful thing because it allows me to be able to progress and master my craft of design and also it shows passion and progress in the piece. I think it also shows my fierce determination to represent my client in the best way where it is beautiful & flattering but still raw and edgy. Getting here hmmm..I have loved sewing since a youth. Once I had a Louie V outfit from my home in NY and my favorite jeans so I combined the 2 in 6th grade here in NC and it was a hit. I have loved fashion all my life. My mother a front page model from Hollis Queens NY. Fashion is in .my blood. It has definitely not been easy but I am always teachable so it works. I overcome challenges by refusing to give up. I’ve learned along the way that life is short. Do what you love and love life to the fullest. I want the world to know that Eliesya J’s Boutique LLC. The Brand is Your Online Destination for Fashion, Custom Clothing, Organic Skincare, CBD Skincare, African Attire & More at www.eliesyajs.com and we are Proudly LGBTQIA and Minority Owned and Operated.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Fayetteville NC is full of culture so… Monday – Airborne & Train Museums
Luch at NY Deli
Tuesday – Arts Council & Eliesya J’s Boutique
Lunch at Antonellas
Wednesday )- Take in a Indie film at Cameo & Hit the Cross Creek Mall
Dinner at Pierros Italian
Thursday – Creative Space Station & ZipLining on Ramsey St.
Lunch at Blue Moon
Friday – Cuts and Color at Marcus Doss Salon
Lunch at Temia Joys
Saturday – Dirt Bag Ales exploring
Lunch at Dirtbags
Party late night at Club Aqua
Sunday – Church
Homecooked dinner at my place and friends and family. Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Definitely. The false accusation led to me loosing my storefront that had become very successful. My reputation was crushed in my hometown and in the newspapers and it went on for 5 years. The Shoutout Id like to give is first to God for keeping me here and sane for better things to come, my mother Cassandra Vamper, my Best Friends William Martin, Amber Cain, The Inmates To Entrepreneurs Program by Brian Hamilton. This 8 week in person program helped me be a better business man, build life long connections, start a community charitable nonprofit, countless interviews, and most of all Start My Own Clothing Line, and to Operation InasMuch the shelter I was in an able to get on my feet, all of my followers, fans, supporters, and most if all my friends, family, and customers.

Website: wws.eliesyajs.com

Instagram: instagram.com/blaque_porcelain

Twitter: twitter.com/BlaqueOwned09

Facebook: www.facebook.com/EliesyaJsBoutique

Other: www.facebook.com/edwardwallace71876 instagram.com/EliesyaJsBoutique www.facebook.com/glamkingE

Image Credits
Images courtesy of Eliesya J’s Boutique LLC. I have the rights to display these images.