Meet Nathaniel Ellis | Fashion designer and life coach

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

Hi Nathaniel, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I was working a job then I realized that I didn’t believe in the structure of working for another person. So I decided to start something on my own where I can manage my schedule, my money, and my energy, as well as, have something I can build.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
First off, I started my fashion label as a 17 year-old, senior in high-school. I would sell handmade, tie dye hoodies from my school locker. After graduation, I went off to the military for 8 months, Upon my return back home, I rebranded my label to what is now EnigmaticLiving. I am a self taught, fashion designer that use my own experiences to help others with their own authentic self-expression. What sets me apart is my unconventional style and thought provoking pieces that forces the consumer to question why they wear the clothes they currently wear. I am most proud of the ability to use my art and creativity to access deep parts of myself. Just recently, I was proud of a piece that I designed and made (sewn) from scratch which allowed me to see what I can really do with my creativity. In the last five years of being in business, I have been through so many ups and downs but had to continue to persevere. I have had to find new and creative avenues to penetrate the fashion industry without sacrificing my morals, values, and standards to get to where I am today. When I quit both my jobs in 2023 and solely focused on my business/brand, that is when the opportunity to breakthrough in the industry came. I had my very first fashion show invite. It wasn’t easy but one thing i knew, internally, was that all the sacrifices I made up until that point wasn’t for nothing. I overcame everything and I’m still overcoming by having faith in myself and God. The lessons I learned were not just for business but for life. The life lesson that has stuck with me the most is “when you choose yourself, your future, your business, and most of all your well-being, the people you thought would be on that journey with you won’t ( you will lose them along the way) but ultimately find yourself. I want the world to know “it is ok to be yourself and embrace all the parts of yourself, even the parts of yourself the world deems socially unacceptable”. My clothing label is the epitome of what it means to be authentic.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would first take them to Waffle House for a good breakfast. Then I would take them on a cruise around the city without getting out the car and sight see the architecture of Atlanta and the art/murals around the city. Then I would take them to the High Museum in Atlanta to view the art and sculptures there. The next day, we can do brunch at Milk and Honey, then take a walk at Westside Park. Lastly I would take them to Capitol Grille for a luxury dinner.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My mother. My mother has helped me process my trauma which has helped me find my true fortitude to continue striving for my goals in my business. In addition, there has been immediate family members who has played a role in shaping who I am and is becoming. Their life journey influenced my traits, habits, desires, and interest that has manifested in me to fully pursue all of my dreams. My own life plus theirs has given me all I needed to be successful in all my endeavors.

Website: https://enigmaticliving.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/enigmaticliving/

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@enigmaticlivingthelabel?si=323Vsjh1BiDMn58a

Image Credits
Daniel M Photography