Meet Elle Stovall | Fashion Designer and Creative Director

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

Hi Elle, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
For as long as I can remember I have been a creative person. As a child I was always cutting fabric, clothes paper, magazines or something, either making clothes, repurposing an outfit or creating some type of crafty or artistic piece. I remember one time in particular, I was in the 5th grade, I wanted to wear different styles of earrings, so I cut various pictures from magazines and pasted them together creating earrings, adding them to my studs; so, as I look back, it was inevitable that this was my path. I was always interested in fashion design; but in what was thought to be in my best interest, my family persuaded me to take a more traditional path, so I went into the legal field as a career, but fashion was something that I couldn’t get away from. Over time, caring for my family along with other priorities were my focus, so fashion didn’t take the forefront, but it kept a silent tug on my heart and would never let me forget that it was there. After my husband and I relocated from Chicago to Ann Arbor, MI, I decided to play around with the idea to establish my brand, but I still didn’t prioritize it. After we made our second relocation to Atlanta, GA, I knew that it was necessary to pursue this passion, because if I didn’t, I would live with the regret of never taking the first step of trying… well, here we are now, that creative little girl grew up and became a fashion designer, she bravely stepped out and established her brand, Elle Stovall.

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
Designing clothes has always been a form of expression for me; when I learned to sew, it became an outlet, my therapy. I actually have a mug that says “Sewing keeps me sane”. Designing is very personal to me, it has been a part of my growth and development; it has allowed me to see how I have matured over the years and has given me a voice. What’s so amazing is that fashion is a universal language that is understood across all barriers, and it is left to each individual’s personal interpretation but is understood by all. I am most proud of the fact that I actually stepped out and followed my dream; sometimes it’s still unbelievable to me that I am accomplishing my desire to become a fashion designer, I have pinch myself moments often. No dream comes without challenges, so this road definitely has not been easy. Some of my challenges were everyday life circumstances; some of my challenges were me… Yes, me. I was standing in my own way a lot of times due to my lack of belief in myself. I knew I had the ability, but I didn’t always believe that I could make it, but I knew that I had to change what I believed and what I thought about myself. Although I’m working daily to discipline and strengthen myself in several areas of my life, as well as create balance, I’d have to say that determination and focus has been a major key that has gotten me where I am today, I couldn’t be here without it. Secondly, it would be the constant support from my amazing support system; they are the anchors that keep me grounded and balanced; they strengthen me in my weak moments, and I can always count on them to challenge me when necessary but always speak life into me. I am humbled, honored and blessed to have such supportive people in my life. One major lesson I learned over time is how you see yourself is often executed in your work, so I knew that I had to see the value in myself and my brand, if I wanted others to see it. I want the world to know a story of perseverance and resilience. I want them to know about a woman who didn’t give up despite the obstacles and difficulties; but most of all through determination, a brand has been built that brings them quality and an experience.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Since I am currently in Tennessee, we would definitely enjoy this girls week in Nashville, checking out the sites and enjoying great food. We’d have to enjoy breakfast at the Pancake Pantry, Sun Diner and Big Bad Breakfast; these are definitely favorites around the city. We would take the Gray Line double decker tour of Downtown Nashville; it is a guided tour that highlights some great points of interest concerning the city. We’d enjoy walking down Broadway, or as it’s affectionately called, Honkey Tonk Row, listening to live music, as well as enjoying the street musicians.. No trip to Nashville can go without visiting the Ryman Auditorium, the National Museum of African American Music and the Country Music Hall of Fame. If we are in a shopping mood, we would definitely stop by Opry Mills, it’s a great mall with plenty of food and stores, it even has an aquarium inside. For lunch and dinner, we would visit places such as Monell’s, the Mockingbird, Prince’s Hot Chicken, Whiskey Kitchen, and some of the ethnic restaurants such as Korea House Restaurant and Gojo Ethiopian Cafe and Restaurant. There are so many exciting things to do in Nashville, I’m sure we will have a blast!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Absolutely! I couldn’t do any of this without an amazing support system, and I just can’t leave it to one person, because I have been blessed with a circle of tremendous armor bearers that hold and support me, even in those times that I feel I can’t. I’d have to definitely start with my husband, Leonard; he’s my biggest and loudest cheerleader, as well as the one who helps to make everything possible. I’m so thankful for not just his love and support, but for his belief in me and my abilities. There is my daughter Christianne, she’s always been a huge motivation for me to keep going and never give up, I’ve always wanted to be a visual example of no matter how long it takes, just do it. I have to acknowledge my long time friends Charity Rash and JoAnna Williams. I have been friends with both since the freshman year of high school (1989); at this point, both friendships have evolved into sisterhoods. They have been great encouragers and supporters. I can always count on them to be honest with me. I trust their opinions and feedback concerning my life, so I know I can trust them when it comes to my  designs, patterns, etc. and they are definitely my listening ear. I love them tremendously and am so grateful to have them both in my life. The third person I have to acknowledge is Dr. Courtney A. Hammonds; he is truly a gem in my life; he is my mentor and friend. Dr. Hammonds has an extensive background and expertise in fashion. He has given me such a wealth of knowledge, and has abundantly attributed to my skill by always keeping me in the loop of industry information, events, education and so much more. He has always made himself available to me in any capacity that I’ve needed him. I know that some of the strides and accomplishments that I have made have been as a result of his influence in my life, not just as my mentor, but also as a friend. This list could go on forever, like I said, I have a tremendous circle; but to finish this, I am forever grateful for all of those who support and contribute to me, my life, brand and success.

Website: www.ellestovall.com

Instagram: @ellestovall

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ellestovallco

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiLjnjpxVBpiVSe6r1btMVA

Other: TikTok: @ellestovall

Image Credits
Plitz NY Fashion Week