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

Hi Elle, how has your balance changed over time? How do you think about balance?
Sometimes you can find light in the darkness & that was catalyst to my POE (Pieces of Elle) Athleisure product line.

In 2019 I had a nervous breakdown. This was a direct result of all work and no play. I was in an abusive relationship and became obsessed with success. Since work became my outlet and making money was my currency, I found no value in resting my body to reset my mind, spirit or focus on my future goals. I lost myself and didn’t know how I was going to turn my life around. I found myself isolated, self medicated, disconnected and jaded. I sought professional help to sort through the journey I had taken myself on. I began the road to what has been a long recovery of learning myself and renewing my perspective on life. I promised myself that I would never allow money to control my peace or dictate my value. I committed to changed behavior, starting with prioritizing self care. My mental health challenges changed me for the worse, then for the better. Seeking therapy changed the course of my life’s trajectory and revealed my purpose. Establishing balance has taught me to prioritize the things in life that pricelessly restore my inspiration. It has opened the door to healthy love and relationships and bred the gateway to my motivation. I encourage everyone to take time to take a break. Take a trip, get a massage, watch a sunset, have a picnic – create lasting memories that make you feel something. Balance is pivotal in success. It clears your mind and restores your spirit.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

As a professional tv/film and celebrity wardrobe stylist, I am also developing my POE Athleisure product line. In my free time, I partner with brands – working as an influencer and content contributor.

Being born and raised in a fashion capital like New York, cultural diversity was a normal way of life. After pivoting post pandemic, I noticed a large gap in representation in the active/comfortwear growing marketplace. This was the main catalyst that birthed POE Athleisure.

Many successful retailers are creating comfortable athleisure, without thinking about being sustainable or hiring minorities into leadership positions. This is translating to a market full of athleisure brands that don’t have the edge or style that may be drawn from a diversified staff and being mindful of our carbon footprint. It was important to me to be mindful of skin sensitivities, size inclusivity and represent social impact initiatives that eradicate disparities in a motivational way. Because we are in the minority, I believe our insights and ideas are not mobilized. As we venture into our own business arrangements, we begin to see products that represent us and have our own flavor. I hope to be a part of representation for people who identify with me and who wish to achieve ambitious goals.

Sometimes you need to use the momentum of circumstances to help embolden and strengthen you. In this case, the lack of black female leaders at the executive level translates to a large gap in the industry. I have an intersection of persistence and talent that has allowed me to own this opportunity and fill this gap with attractive designs, love, and powerful statements. POE is a statement athleisure brand designed to recapture a Positive self image, Optimistic mental well-being & Elevated level of health.

I have been blessed with powerful mentors in my life and since an early age, I have been exposed to culture, lifestyle and art.

I come from a legacy of creators, artists, entrepreneurs and successful professionals. Art is in my blood. My maternal grandmother – an Opera singer, paternal grandmother – a jazz singer, mother – journalist/artist and father – found fame in 1977 with legendary funk band Mass Production. Having over 4-decades in the music business and possessing a litany of writing credits and musical features, his music is still played and sampled in current day music.

I have taken risks that test boundaries and breed innovation. Most often with risk comes anxiety – fear of the unknown. Discomfort of the unknown is what propels me forward everyday. It showcases just how far one can push themselves to greatness. I have landed in rooms and tables with public figures that have inspired me. I’ve learned that with every level of achievement will come different risk factors. It has yielded me priceless opportunity that will forever be ingrained into the fabric of my journey.

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.

I am a foodie and love to explore. If my best-friend was in town, I’d take them to brunch at Saints + Council and a matinee at IPIC. We would stop in Little 5-points for some thrifting and jet off for dinner and oysters in West Midtown at the Optimist.

Day two: would begin with a bike-ride and playa bowl on the beltline, followed by a trip to Botanical Gardens. We would have a light lunch at the General Muir. After a nap, we would finish out the day at the Fox Theater for a live show!

Day three: Starbucks & Spa Day! The Four Seasons spa is a great place to unwind, enjoy brunch and reset. We can head to Trader Joes for some eucalyptus and healthy snacks then finish the evening with a Salmon Mediterranean salad and bottle of Chardonnay while binge-watching a Netflix top 10 pick.

Day four: Breakfast begins at home with Avocado toast & Pomegranate. We will take off to a mani/pedi and then enjoy lunch at Colony square. We would stop for a cocktail at Jojo’s Beloved before we leave and head up the block to the High Museum of Art for a souvenir and artistic inspiration. We can end our day with dinner and grooves at Rock Steady.

As the trip comes to a close, we can take a trip to the home of MLK Jr. and the African American Museum. Afterwards, we are headed over the grass to the GA Aquarium for a little sea-life action! After a long day of learning, we will stuff our faces with a D.B.A. Barbecue Archie Bunker sandwich!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I dedicate this shoutout to all art forms including drag, theater, performing arts, fashion and music – all of which heavily inspire me. I also want to shoutout the underdog. The “against all odds, school of the hard-knocks” life learners that have allowed their experiences to shape and mold them to reach greatness.

Website: www.piecesofelle.com

Instagram: @piecesofelle_

Facebook: Facebook.com/piecesofelle

Other: TikTok: @piecesofelle

Image Credits
photo credit: @thelilithcollectiveboudoir makeup: @ohshebangbang hair: @criistalclear nails: @nail.by.jen @therealkalenna & Tony Vick Getty Image: stylist: @piecesofelle_ & @thehatmonger

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.