Preppy Podcast
The Preppy Podcast features interviews every Tuesday with the brands, businesses and influencers who are keeping the modern preppy lifestyle alive.
Preppy Podcast
Elisamama
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Elisamama is a vibrant, women-led apparel brand known for joyful, easy-to-wear clothing featuring joyful colors and traditional African Ankara prints. Founded by Fisayo Che, all pieces are handmade by local artisans in Nigeria to support economic empowerment, and focus on functional, stylish silhouettes. Shop at https://elisamama.com/
You're listening to the Preppy Podcast, and I'm your host, Patricia May Olson. I'll be interviewing the brands, businesses, and influencers who are keeping the modern preppy lifestyle alive. Each Tuesday, I'll bring you a new episode, but if you're craving more preppy, then shop the merch and listen to past episodes at thepreppy podcast.com and be sure to follow at the preppy podcast and me, Patricia underscore May underscore Olsen on Instagram. She is supporting artisans in Nigeria, which I just love chatting about the why behind her brand with her in this episode. And I think you guys will really enjoy that as well. She shares the highs, the lows, um, everything in between in her journey to this brand. So I hope you guys enjoy that. But before we get into that, some housekeeping things. First is you should join Club Preppy. So that is our monthly membership group where we do at least one virtual activity a month. So think of things like wine tasting, bracelet making, um, even cocktail making classes, personal styling, all sorts of things. You also give um to be part of an active group chat where the ladies are always sharing their favorite finds um in terms of preppy clothing or just, you know, a great reel of a beautiful needlepoint project. Uh, things like that. It's a it's a great community uh to build friendships and relationships with. And then you also give an amazing little treat in the mail each month. So we've done things like Thule scarves, which are coming this month. Um, we also had a tote bag, just lots of little fun exclusives for our members. So join Club Preppy now at thepreppypodcast.com. Then finally, of course, there is Camp Preppy. So we have a few upcoming Camp Preppies, including one in Colorado in August with tickets still available. That one I'm so looking forward to you guys. I've been sharing so many of the amazing gifts that attendees are getting. We're getting like Lorna Moray hats. They're so chic, um, beautiful pratios. Uh, we're doing watercolors, mahjong, needle points. Just such a fun um time to get together with fellow preppsters, enjoy some of our favorite preppy hobbies and activities. Uh, so get your tickets for our Colorado edition that's happening in August at thepreppypodcast.com. And then we have one or two tickets left for Kenny Venport in October. Uh, it's just going to be a great time. Both of them are so different. I've um created different activities for each, leaning into different themes, of course, depending on the location. The ladies really enjoy them. So I hope to see you at either one of those and to join Club Preppy. But I have a fun idea today that I thought we would do. And I am going to give a ticket away to our Colorado Camp Preppy um to one lucky winner. So basically, to enter, all you have to do is make sure you're subscribed and following along on YouTube, and then also make sure you are following along on Instagram. On Instagram, we're at the Preppy Podcast, and then on YouTube it's Patricia May Olson. But if you also search the preppy podcast, we will come up. So basically, subscribe on YouTube, follow on Instagram, and then DM the Instagram account, letting me know your YouTube handle so that I can confirm that. And then you're entered, and I'm gonna pick one lucky winner to attend our camp preppy in Colorado in August. The only conditions are A, you have to make sure that you're available for that date, of course, to attend. B, you have to get yourself out there. You're responsible for your flight, um, drive, train, however, however you're getting there. And then three, you are responsible for your hotel. Um, so everyone has to stay at the Weston, our partner for that Camp Preppy. So you're responsible for all those things. But your Camp Preppy ticket um is free. You get the goodies, um, the gifts, the activities, all of that's the activities. Um, and your ticket is on me. So I'm gonna give that to one lucky winner, and we are going to run that giveaway. Let's say I'll pick a winner on the 24th, so a week from when this podcast comes out, essentially. And then I might even do it again. So you might have two opportunities to win. Um, but good luck. And I hope you all will enter and enjoy this episode of the Preppy Podcast. Okay, well, first let's start at the beginning. Tell everyone who you are, where you live, and what you do.
SPEAKER_00Hi, everyone. My name is Fisaya Che, founder of Elisumama, an artisan-made women's wear brand. Um, we work with Nigerian artisans using traditional dye techniques and Nigerian craftsmanship to make beautiful, feminine pieces, joyful, expressive, colorful designs for the modern women. Um, the brand started as really a little flea market exercise, and now we've grown into a brand that's carried by various retailers. Um, beyond the clothing, honestly, the the mission behind Athle Mama is really more is kind of where my heart lies. It's really about making an impact and also telling a full story about you know where we're from, which where I'm from, which is which is Nigeria, and um also just just yeah, making an impact. And so I'm grateful to do this work and I'm excited to be here.
SPEAKER_02Excellent. Well, I am thrilled to learn more about you and your brand today. And I'm actually wearing one of your beautiful dresses for those who are watching on YouTube. Um, it's so gorgeous. And I was saying offline before we started recording that it's super flattering, like this thicker band right here is just super flattering on a female's body. So I'm so excited to have you on um and learn more about it. So let's start at your early life. Like, tell me a little bit about you as a kid. Were you someone that was into, you know, fashion, maybe making clothes for dolls, or were you someone that had like a little entrepreneurial spirit? Um, or was there someone in your life, you know, as a kid that sort of inspired you? Like what was your childhood like? Tell me a little bit about that.
SPEAKER_00You know, it's very funny because I just recently ran into a binder that I had when I was 14 and I was reading my words, and it was just so interesting. Um, no, I was not a creative kid. I was never one that, you know, I was not really sewing making anything. I made nothing. I couldn't even draw a straight line, to be quite honest. I thought I would maybe be a lawyer, or I for sure thought I would end up in like in a corporate setting. Okay. That was my vision for myself. Um, and I did go down that path, and that's sort of what I, you know, because like that's what I thought I would do. And um eventually I obvious obviously left that journey. But regards to entrepreneurship, I do come from a long line of entrepreneurs. My parents were always tinkering with something or the other. Um, I can I mean, I can think of at least five businesses that my parents between both of them had, you know, had stood up and it was just normal. It was normal to always have something that kept you busy. And so even as a kid, I remember I would I would like make things and sell. Well, not really make, but I would maybe my if my parent brought me something and my friends are like it, I'm like, Dad, buy me more. I can sell it to my friends in school. And so I guess that was my first foray into entrepreneurship. But it really wasn't from a creative perspective. It was just more of like, I see an opportunity here, I can take advantage of that opportunity. And so I was always somebody who would think like that, whether it was doing hair, I'm like, I can learn it and just you know, I think there's something here, I'll do it and I can make some money out of it. So I think I've always always someone that was eager to find opportunities and to stay busy. Yes. But not not really from a creative, true creative sense.
SPEAKER_02That makes total sense. I feel like a lot of the people I have on this podcast, they're inspired by um entrepreneurs and their family. And maybe when they're younger, they don't necessarily want to be an entrepreneur after watching it, but later they come back to it. And I think it goes back to what you were saying about like staying busy and like tinkering, like that's how I am too. I'm my brain's always turning, and I'm like, oh, this is a great idea. I can turn something out of this.
SPEAKER_00Listen, all the ideas in my head, like I'm I'm the ultimate tinkerer. Like, I'm just time is my biggest obstacle. Like, I just need time. I want to do so many things.
SPEAKER_02A thousand percent. Okay, so then tell me a little bit. Um, you mentioned that you went in a more traditional route. So I'm curious, like when it came time for college, if you went, like, where and what did you study? Was it, you know, something with law or business instead?
SPEAKER_00It ended up not being law. I actually was on the path towards going to medical school to be a doctor. And so I got my degree from UCLA, got it in biology, went on to Berkeley, and you know, did some more health-related um degrees. But um, yeah, I was never, and then along the line I realized that yeah, this medicine isn't really not for me. And I started my career in project management actually. I did sort of healthcare adjacent, but more in the um corporate sense. So I yeah, worked as uh project manager in health companies, um, but definitely didn't go down the medical doctor path. And I and I did, I worked in project management for several years until you know the things came to a head were having to make a decision between the business and continue the corporate journey.
SPEAKER_02Okay, interesting. So then tell me about where you got this bug for entrepreneurship. Like where and when did you decide to be an entrepreneur, start something on your own, and kind of um the you know, get out of corporate world.
SPEAKER_00So I didn't uh okay, so the journey to Elisa Mama was really more, I say it's it's a common, honestly, more than like uh something that I went in with intention. You know, it was a point in my life where after I had my third child, where I felt like I was going to like a maybe an early midlife awakening where I wanted to, I sort of think about what impact am I l you know leaving in the in this world and what what would my legacy be? And how can I how can I be a part of the difference, uh part of making a difference, not just for myself, but for others. And about that time I took a trip to Nigeria and I had a chance to connect with women artisans and just really, you know, I've gone to Nigeria several times over you know, over my life. But uh during that trip in particular, I always say that I feel like the scales fell out of my eyes where I was able to really see women, these women who I realized that outside of geography, we're the same. We you know, we're we're people who have children, who are trying to make ends meet, take care of our family, take care of our you know, our children and you know, our own passions. And but for them, they had limitations which were really tied to you know economy. It wasn't about whether they were talented or anything like that. It wasn't that they were very well talented, and I thought perhaps I could maybe come alongside of these women, we can maybe make a couple of dresses, I guess maybe when I come back to the US and listen to the flea market, and then that'll that'll be more money than they would have had. And so it was really as simple as that. It was never intended to be anything significant. It started as a kid's brand because I just had my daughter after two boys, so I was a little excited. And so I thought this will be fun, you know, make some little girls' clothing, take some flea markets, gonna have time, like I have time, I can do little flea marketing on the weekend. And that's how it started. And here we are today.
SPEAKER_02I love that. You know, it's interesting because when I interview people on the podcast, I feel like they get to entrepreneurship a few different ways. It's either they have this idea, a very specific business idea that they want to do, or they have someone that they know they want to go into business with, but they don't know exactly what the product is or what that business looks like. Or it starts with like that passion of doing something and the purpose, and then it leads back to like, okay, well, what's the product or the business from this idea, this passion, this purpose? Um, so I I love hearing that and kind of the the why behind everyone's business and brand. And it sounds like you had a strong one there.
SPEAKER_00Yes, yes. And you know, it's it's I I always tell people that because the why is so strong, that's been my biggest gift in entrepreneurship because you know, entrepreneurship is hard. There are days where just like, what the heck is this? I'm quitting, I'm going to get a job and forget about this. But honestly, the passion and the mission is such a gift because it gives me the energy like no other. I I will figure something out. I would because I'm like, I'm not going back to these women and telling them that this is over. So we're gonna figure it out. And so it's been a real gift to me over the years. Like when things go up and down, it's like we're gonna, we're gonna, we're gonna, we're gonna hang in there. We're gonna, you know, we're gonna make this work.
SPEAKER_02So totally okay. So you have the idea you're starting with um children's clothing, you're gonna sell it at flea markets. Like, what did that look like? How many pieces were you starting with and bringing over here to the States? Like, did you uh just go to some of these flea markets that you already had relationships with? Like, I'd love to hear those beginning steps.
SPEAKER_00Listen, it was it was scrappy, it was just it was crazy, it was a mess. Let's just call it that. I would just, you said how many, like we would say maybe even like just 20 pieces or 30 pieces. And and in terms of the flear markets, I would just whatever was happening that I could get into, anything, anything I can get into, my whole thing was like you have to stay in motion. So I would just figure out what's happening in the neighborhood, who would take me, and I would just apply and I would just go. And then at that time, because I didn't I hadn't fully assembled a team, and so it was just even the production part was was a mess because I was just like, I'm like, I know I want to work with women and I don't quite know who like who, because the other aspect for me too is the truth is while there's a big mission behind this work, I knew that the only way for this to work is if the products can stand by themselves. If the quality was something that was solid, and you know, I didn't want the story, I didn't want the story to get ahead of the product. I wanted the product to stand by themselves. And so it was really important to me to find uh you know artisans that really could meet the quality standards that I was looking for. But let's just say in those early stages, as someone who doesn't even have a background in fashion, it was a struggle. I mean, I knew I'm the kind of person that I knew when I see it, I know it, but I'm not I cannot, I'm not full of ideas. That's just the truth. And so it was challenging during that time, sort of trying to assemble our team and figure out who are we even gonna work with, and and like I said, because I knew that the the mission cannot be bigger than the product, like the product needs to also hold its own. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Yeah, it needs to hold its own. And so um that was very challenging in the beginning, and we were just it like I say it was just a mess, but we were just I figured we'll learn. We just we'll learn as we go, and yeah, we just start, you know, we get the garments, take it to the flea markets, and I look at it as market research. Some days I would go just stand there all day, wouldn't sell anything, but I'm like, at least I'm seeing what people are reacting to. So that must be a good one. Okay, cool. You know, I'll make a note of that. So that's how those, that's how those early days were.
SPEAKER_02I think so many businesses should start with that market research, like getting out there, you as the designer, you as the business owner, and getting in front of people. And like you said, you might not sell anything, but at least you're narrowing down the product assortment and figuring out what people are reacting to, whether it's a color, a pattern, a silhouette, like you get that, and then that helps you build the brand and grow it, right?
SPEAKER_00Yes, absolutely, absolutely. It was very important during those days. I mean, I had nothing else to do, so it's like, might as well get outside. So at least I can gather.
SPEAKER_02Yeah. Okay. So then at what point do you think uh really things changed? Like you narrowed down on the focus, or like you had this one break um with an order. Like, what what do you think changed and started to put the brand in motion um and sort of elevate it?
SPEAKER_00So I would say, you know, it COVID was kind of like this period where we kind of got our big break. Yeah. Because um, you know, we the the website launched on January 2020, and um shortly after that, everybody obviously was home from COVID. And as we all know, kind of all all the social things that were going on during that time of during that time, you know, we did get a lot of like really amazing uh influencers and supporters who amplify the brand and got us in front of people that we would otherwise not have gotten in front of. And so um, somewhere in that mix, one of the people who knew the brand and had interacted with me, you know, I guess dropped our name to the buyers at Sax Fifth Avenue. Wow. And um so and to me, like that was definitely not on the radar for me. It was not part of I was just trying to sell a couple of dresses, even at that time, you know. That's all that I aspired to do. Um, and so, you know, they reached out, you know, Sax Fifth reached out, and I just thought, oh my god, what is this? Like this is not this is not the plan, this is not what I'm trying to do, you know. And I I freaked out major, like super anxiety. I couldn't sleep. I'm like, this is just too much, I cannot take this, you know. Because I'm like, we're not ready for this. We're not this is we're not we're not prepared. And but you know, they worked with us and we were able to launch with them by the fall 2020. And so that really I would say was when things got really real. It's like okay, this is this is real now. This is no longer playing same stress and playing business owner, like we get we have to get serious here.
SPEAKER_02Yes. Okay, so then Dora, at that point, did you have women's added to it as well?
SPEAKER_00Because I know you said you started with just children, so yeah, we m you know, we might have done like I think we had like one silhouette in women's, but it was still very, very early on. Because the challenge that we had, honestly, is the fact that we didn't have a large enough audience to really test out anything. So, you know, yes, we have all these ideas and we have these uh, you know, these silhouettes, even from the even the kids' silhouettes too, but because our audience is so small, we couldn't quite tell if we really had anything. You know, and so it was after we launched with SACS, where obviously they have like a bigger platform and more people and more eyes, we realized that wow, okay, people kind of like these the the women's, you know, like we we started, we asked, we included a couple of women um designs into the into their assortment with them, and we realized that we're doing really well. And I proposed that how about we fully lean into this and do like a larger women's collection, and that eclipsed the kids significantly, and we realized okay, we really have something here with the women's, and we really need to lean into this, and that's sort of how the women's line started.
SPEAKER_02Wow, okay, so it sounded like it was super organic then, it just made sense to add women's, and then it ended up doing really well. I'm curious because I hear so many brands um that this happened to, but like a quick growth like that by getting sacks and then reaching all these new customers by having all these large orders, like from going, you know, let's say 20% to like 90% so quickly. Was that a struggle for you to sort of uh try to manage um and scale that quickly?
SPEAKER_00No, it really was a struggle. I think it was more of a maybe part of like uh, you know, everyone talks about imposter syndrome. I think I was feeling like hell imposter. Like, what the heck are you doing? Like, you know, so I think there's a lot of uh emotional, the emotional weight of that. And the truth is, um, you know, not many, I don't know many brands or many people in business who or even in fashion, at least people in my world that get to work with a large retailer like that. So it felt like a lot of newness, a lot of firsts. And I it was really important to me that we did well with them because I didn't want, you know, for you know, a similar artism type brand like ourselves to not have this opportunity in the future. And so I think the weight of that was heavy on me. And obviously the you know, the operational weight was also pretty significant. It was like rapid fire learning. I mean, for anyone who's worked with any large retailer, like they have these thick manual that you have to consume, you know, the routing guides, the shipping standards and this and that. And it's like, oh my god, it's like going back to school. Um, and so that was a lot of pressure, and obviously the important piece was also the products, making sure that we were actually able to deliver good quality products that will do well. Because it's you know, when you work with these retailers, it's not only about getting in there, the work starts after you're in there, you know, really making sure that you're able to deliver and really delight the customers. That's really what the work is. And so really ensuring that we're like, you know, meeting all these different markers, it it was a lot. It was it was definitely a lot.
SPEAKER_02Yes, no, that makes total sense. Um, you know, looking at your website and your social media, one thing that stuck out to me that I really like is you say farm to fashion. So can you explain that a little bit more? Because, you know, I I love this story, and I love how even on your website you have pictures of the women who are making each part of the garment and really telling their story. Like it's not, it's not all focused on you, which I think a lot of brands don't do, and that's really special. So I'd love for you to to talk a little bit more about that and the importance of that to you.
SPEAKER_00Yeah, it's always been important to me to, I think maybe because of how I got into this business, it was always about the people behind, you know, the the the scenes. They're they're the ones really there's that, they're the heart really of this of this work and also just the fact that just where these garments are from as well. You know, like I said earlier, this journey is not just about the clothing, but about telling a different story of Nigeria. Because I think when people think about Nigeria, it's like that you know, single story, and we only we we think uh we Draw certain conclusions very quickly. But it was important to me to use at least a mom as a way to sort of tell a broader, more robust story. There's a whole lot more than people typically get a chance to experience. And I'm sure for many people, our brand is probably the first time they've ever experienced a made-in-Nigeria garment. You know, and beyond even just the garments, we also leverage as much as we can Nigerian-grown cotton. You know, and this is something that even those in Nigeria don't even know that we grow cotton. That we use for our garments. And so for us at the Lisa Mama, you know, we like to leverage as much as we can uh material sourced from Nigeria. So from the cotton, the cotton and into the fabric, and then the fabric is then hand-dyed by women in Nigeria, and then it's assembled by our team in Nigeria. And so from that, the farm, you know, really from the cotton all the way up to the completed garment, trying to maximize all that we're doing in locally in Nigeria to show that Nigeria is a place where you can have beautiful, feminine, you know, well-received garments. And, you know, and through that, we hope to tell a better story or a more a more comprehensive story of what it is to be Nigerian or to be made in Nigeria.
SPEAKER_02I think you do such a great job with storytelling with your brand. Um, like I said, I loved reading about the why, about the women behind the garments, about the process. Um, it it was very fascinating, and I learned so much. Um I'm curious too, you know, going with the storytelling, I think you have beautiful imagery. Um, the models, the way you style them, like it's very almost high fashion and just really well done. Um, can you explain a little bit about that? Like maybe your thought process, how you come up with um what those photo shoots look like, the models, um, or even more like designing a collection, like what that inspiration looks like for you. I'd love to hear more of like the creative side.
SPEAKER_00Okay, so it's two part here. So I'm gonna talk about the the content aspect first, and then we can go into the creative direction of production of the collections. So when it comes to the content piece, you know, for me, because this is a obviously it's it's like you know, made in Nigeria and it's using Nigerian materials, right from the start, it was very important to for me to disarm our audience. We're to almost like to see yourselves in in these garments, to not feel like, oh my god, this is something that is like it's foreign to me. I can't access it, it's not made for me. It was very important for me and for us at Alisa Mama to for every woman to feel included in the Elisa Mama story. You know, we we call our our audience, we call them mamas, and everyone's part of the mama family. And so when we are creating our content, it's sort of multi-purpose. One is to ensure that everyone can see themselves in in in in Elisa Mama pieces, you know, and not feel like, oh my god, I can't, I can't, you know, mess with it. Like, no, it was really, it's really important to us. And also even the bit of just like sometimes the intentional effort of making our shoots elevated um is also part of that storytelling because I think people have a certain maybe stereotype in their mind when they think about we know made in Africa, made in Nigeria, and to show that there's there's there's all pack, there's the story is is robust, the story is comprehensive, it's not just one, you know, it's not it's not singular, the story is comprehensive. Um, and so um it's a lot of work, but then even beyond that, we also are also committed as part of the whole storytelling and education, which is why I think many br many of our mamas come to us because they love to see about to see Lagos, they love to see Nigeria, they love to see it take them to a world that they would otherwise not have a chance to experience. And so for them to get insights into our world in such a in a very like normalized way where it's not super just just making it just the educational bit is also fun for our audience, and so we try to do that too through our content, showcase like showing me in the markets, showing the team, and just showing the human aspect of of who we are and what the brand is about. So it's kind of like multifaceted.
SPEAKER_02Yeah, no, I love that though.
SPEAKER_00Education and just you know, just showing the beauty of the garments, too. Um, so that's the bit on the content. Now, when it comes to the design, so like I've said, I'm not I'm not your typical, you know, designer, I'm not like drawing, you know, sketching with my neck notepad. That's not me. One thing that I am and that informs a lot of what we do at Elizabeth is I'm a very practical person. I'm very practical. I like I my clothes have to serve me, not the other way around. You know, I don't look at garments as something that should become a burden on me. My garments need to feel good on my body, they need to feel good for my lifestyle, they need to feel good, you know, like regardless of where I'm at in my life, it's very important for me. And so, at the Lisa Mama, we make clothes that are easy to wear. Like that's our goal. Like our goal from the start has never been to create costumes or clothes that sit in the back of the closet. That's not the idea. The goal is to bring to make garments that become part of your everyday, like day, your everyday life. And so that's largely what informs how we design. And obviously, we're designing for the modern women, and the modern woman is complex. You know, she might be a mother who's running from her job to maybe dinner or running, you know, having to go grab coffee or go go here and go there. And so keeping that in mind, you know, is really key for us as we design our collections. And so, you know, like making sure the clothes have pockets. And we also know that, like, yeah, because I mean, oh my god, like who wants to wear clothes that don't have pockets? Like, that is just that is such a it's so rude, you know. And so making sure as much as we can to ensure that our clothes have pockets, um, and then we also know that women's bodies changing, like, you know, you as much as we try to deny it, our bodies change. And so making sure these garments are garments that kind of have room to grow with you. Hopefully, we're not growing too much, but you know, whatever, you know, you know, have room to grow with you and not make you feel so self-conscious. And so, you know, so yeah, the whole idea is for and to really offer value. We we we know that, you know, yes, like I said, the mission is really important to us, but in order for us to fulfill our mission, we have to create great quality garments, great quality products. And people have to be able to love the product even without knowing the story, and that's our goal. And so anything that will help us get there, that is sort of what we do and we're leaning to when we're thinking about our designs. Yeah.
SPEAKER_02And then yeah, no, that was great. I think hearing it, it sounds like you know, I think a story makes someone interested at first and makes them want to buy it, but having a great product makes them a repeat customer and come back, right? Absolutely.
SPEAKER_00And those and repeat customers are everything, and that's such huge validation for us when we see the customers when they come back. We're like, yes, we're doing something right. Yes.
SPEAKER_02So I'd love to hear a little bit about the name. How did you come up with that? Like, uh, tell me, and I love how then you said we call our customers the mamas. Like, I so it sounds like that was intentional then.
SPEAKER_00Yeah, honestly, there wasn't any like deep market research. Because remember, this came at a time where I was just tinkering, didn't think anything of this. I didn't know that I would eventually be sitting here with Patricia one day having to defend this name. Um, but um, the names actually inspired my daughter's Elisa. My my youngest is Elisa. And but then her nickname is Elisa Mama, actually. We used to call her Elisa Mama. And so when I was thinking about this this fun little project that I had, I thought I'll just name it after Elisa Mama, you know, because obviously it was inspired by the fact that I just had a girl and you know, remember with the little kids bit about who knew? I guess now it's a mama brand, right? See, these have a roundabout way of working out, but um, yeah, it was really just inspired by my daughter, Elisa.
SPEAKER_02That's so sweet. I she's probably gonna be so proud that she has a little bit.
SPEAKER_00She tells everybody I have a business. She's like, Do you have a business? I have a business.
SPEAKER_02Does she hold that against your sons?
SPEAKER_00Oh, yeah. Oh, they're so jealous. And like, how did she get to the you know, calls? How do you get to name it after her and all that? But yeah, she's so proud.
SPEAKER_02That's so funny. What and I think I know the answer to this question, but what brings you the most joy, or what's been the best part about having this business? And then what do you think is the greatest challenge or the hardest part?
SPEAKER_00The most joy is when I go to Nigeria and I'm with my team, and you know, just seeing them, seeing the joy on their faces, you know, and seeing how proud they are of this work that we're doing, that for me is like top, you know gives makes my heart so, so full. Nothing makes me happier than that. And obviously, too, when I see women, you know, women, you know, shape, size, walks of life, you know, who wear our garments. And to think that, oh my God, this came from a random little idea that I had, and you know, this is something that we make from our little town in Lagos, where, you know, things like this don't typically aren't typically made. We don't really manufacture a lot in Nigeria. And so to be a part of like this almost part of nation-building effort where we're able to give people jobs back and then see these amazing women of you know different walks of life who are wearing these garments, like all of that just makes me so happy and makes my heart just really so full.
SPEAKER_02Yes, it sounds very fulfilling in that aspect. Um, and then the flip side, what's the hard part?
SPEAKER_00The hard part, which one, which one? Um I think the ch the for me, the greatest challenge is I'm always chasing my tail. Like I just feel like I'm always chasing my tail. And I yeah, that's that's one of the hardest parts for me. It's just all the balls that I'm juggling. And I and I'm not, I mean, part of it is also my limitation because I need to bring in more people, but I don't even have the time or the patience, quite honestly, to deal with people. Yeah, but like I so I'm constantly and I'm flying between Lagos to like California, which is where I live, and balancing that, you know, so like almost every other month I'm I'm on a flight to Nigeria with a team. And so having to manage a team that, you know, manage a team while I'm so far away is a significant challenge. But I think the biggest bit is just really the all the balls that I have to to hold on to. And also to be quite honest with you, because one might say, well, why don't you know, hire, grow up, you know, expand your team and do all the things. We will do those things. But the truth is for me, because I think I have a bit of trauma because I'm so committed to this working, and I'm so committed to being being able to ensure that my team, they're always supportive, they have jobs, they their income is steady and never compromised, it makes me a little bit anxious. And so I'm always a little bit worried. Like, how do we invest? We have to invest smart. It's like investing smart is critical for me because I have lives who are dependent on this work, and I I can't take it lightly. If it was just me, like I if it was just me, I might have quit. I'm just like, you know, whatever, I'm going back to work. But because I have people in real lives who rely on this work and then the outcome of this business, it puts it puts, you know, additional layer of pressure on me, to be quite honest. And so I have to move with more intention and more, you know, sense. Um, so all of those things all together might my challenges.
SPEAKER_02That makes total sense. I mean, uh they're they're your priority, so you want to make sure you're intentional then. Now, obviously, getting sacks was a huge pinch me moment for you um to get that order. Any other pinch me moments or um things with the business that really surprised you and made you happy, and you're like, I can't believe we're here doing this.
SPEAKER_00Um, I think, yes, definitely the sax bit was, you know, pinch me moment. I think at some point in our in our journey, Ryan Secrets, the radio show reached out. And that was always before the saxpin, I want to have you on the radio. I'm like, what? Me, Ryan Secrets. So this is like way back when, but I was very excited. Um, but honestly, every we every retail account we get is always a significant moment for us because you know, that's like, all right, we get to live another day, you know, because running businesses is tough, you know, especially in the last year. Look, several businesses who launched around when we did that are no no longer, you know, here. And so the fact that we're still here and you know, we're still, you know, being loved on and we're still getting opportunities, um, every day is a patry moment. And so, yeah, it's when we got into our first showroom, that was significant for us too. And so, yeah, they're lots, there are lots of moments. There are lots of moments.
SPEAKER_02Yeah, for sure. What about a dream customer? If you could pick anyone to wear one of your garments, who would it be?
SPEAKER_00If I could pick anyone to wear one of our garments, I think the the very easy answer and probably like someone like maybe Oprah or maybe maybe Michelle Obama or there's several. I think there's several women that I would that would I would think to wear our garments. Think of like Reese with a spoon if if Reese could wear one of our dresses. Yeah. That'd be that would be fun.
SPEAKER_02Yeah. Um, yeah. I think those are great answers. And I think Oprah would be so great too, because like you mentioned, she uh you said the garments are great, like for women, we go through different sizes and different phases in our lives, right? And I feel like Oprah's been really open about that, like all along her journey. Um and that's something all of us women relate to, so she'd be great in that aspect, right?
SPEAKER_00Yes, for sure, for sure.
SPEAKER_02And Reese Witherspoon, she loves a color and loves it.
SPEAKER_00Yeah, she's so fun. Yes. She'd be very speaking.
SPEAKER_02Reese, if you're listening, totally to wear listening. Call me. What about a resource for listeners? Like, is there a newsletter, a group, a book, something that's helped you along the way that you could recommend to listeners?
SPEAKER_00You know, I I have several resources, but I would say the most useful resource are other businesses, especially other business owners, especially those at the same level that I'm at, because you know, a lot of times we we tend to want to aspire to connect with those who perhaps have have had greater success than we have. Yeah. But missing the fact that those are peers are also a wealth of resource and they're more accessible. And so um I I found a lot of you know value in the friends and the business friends that I've made because in those days, those moments were I'm just like burning this up, I'm tired, I don't know what to do. They've been there to encourage me, they've been there to give me resources and tips that have met me exactly, you know, where I was at. And um, you know, so I would say for sure, it's the other women in this journey with me have been my greatest assets, greatest resource, and have kept me going um more than anything else. I mean, yeah, we all have the podcasts and the books and things like that. Um, but definitely I would say the relationship that I've made and this journey have been really wonderful. I would also say, you know, sh I'm gonna plug the Southern Sea. Um, you know, joined the Southern Sea um late last year, went to their summit, and that was also such a treat and such a delight to be in the company of so many women, but same deal. It still comes down to the women that you get to interact with and to meet in forums like that. And it's just really incredible to have that sort of kindred support. I couldn't I couldn't emphasize it enough.
SPEAKER_02It's all about the community, right? Whether it's a formal community like the Southern Sea or friends that have businesses that can give you advice and or commiserate with you. I always say that. Commiserate with you because I love when you're like, you know, when you're ready to burn it all down. And I I've been there. I think every entrepreneur has been there at one point.
SPEAKER_00Absolutely, absolutely. Those relationships are key, they're crucial.
SPEAKER_02What is your favorite piece on your website right now? Would you say? Like which piece are you just absolutely loving? Is it what you're wearing, maybe, or something different?
SPEAKER_00So I think so. You know, I love this dress. This is it's like a caftan style. It's uh on Natchez dress, N-A-J, and I just love how like I just love how easy it is. I love ease. I love how easy it is. It's just like, and it's so flattering, and it's so like, yeah, it just feels nice. And I really love it.
SPEAKER_02The color is great. Yeah, the color.
SPEAKER_00Yeah, so I I just I really love this dress. It's just it's just very easy. It feels really nice. And if it's very, you know, our mama's though favorite dresses are our shirt dresses. We have our Faye dress, it's like our number one bestseller. It's also very flattering. Everyone like loves that silhouette. It's our shirt it's a shirt dress, button down. Uh, and it's top-down fan favorite piece within the assortment. But for me personally, this is my favorite dress.
SPEAKER_02Okay, we'll have to check that um silhouette out then. For anyone listening who's new to the brand, maybe start there.
SPEAKER_00I always suggest, like, if you're looking for a good place to start, that's the one place you want to start. And you would get a lot of use out of that dress because as you said, that's important to us. We want you to get dresses that you would reach for, it would be top of mind for you, not like sitting in the back of the closet.
SPEAKER_02So yeah, a thousand percent. Now, since this is the preppy podcast, I always ask everyone, what does preppy mean to you? So, how would you describe preppy?
SPEAKER_00Yeah, you know, I was thinking about that question from an at least amount of perspective and even from a personal perspective. You know, for me, um, preppy isn't just about like a specific look or a specific um aesthetic. For me, it's it's more like a feeling, you know, it's like it's a feeling, it's like it's like ease, it's like it's intention, and in whatever whatever that means for you, you know, and so for us, you know, that feeling is you know, joy with colorful designs and and just bold, expressive designs that make you feel happy and just put a prep in your step?
SPEAKER_02That's perfect.
SPEAKER_00So that's that's that's how I would describe it. Yes.
SPEAKER_02I love that answer. Now I'm curious, any sneak peeks, any things you're working on that you can share with listeners? Um, whether it's a collection that's gonna be coming out in a few months, or um, you know, a new store that you'll be carried in, anything you want to share?
SPEAKER_00Um, we do have some exciting things that are sort of bubbling up too soon to share though. Uh to soon to share, but um, but hopefully, you know, I don't know when this will launch, and you know, maybe by then we'll share that in the notes. But um we have, we just went to market with our fall collection, and I'm so excited about it. We we have, you know, we continue to challenge ourselves and thinking like, how else can we incorporate more of the the Nigerian element into this, into, into our collection. And we tested our hands on different on some alternative materials um this for our fall collection. And we're just excited to, you know, the truth is there's there's a lot of fashion brands out there, there are a lot of you know, dress brands, but we're so excited that we through at least a lemma we're able to bring a different point of view and really introduce women to design techniques and and styles that they would otherwise not have access to. I mean, I know many brands produce like in China or in India or Asia or wherever else, but like we are just proud that we're able to bring something new and fresh to women, you know, across the US. And so um, we have some really amazing things coming up in our in our fall collection. So I cannot wait for it to um to launch.
SPEAKER_02I'm so excited for that. I love how you brought up, you know, bringing something unique and different because one of the peppers of mine is showing up to an event and like there's five girls wearing the same dress, you know.
SPEAKER_00When you have that problem with the Lisa Mama, yes, I can hear you.
SPEAKER_02So, final question is where can people find you? Let them know your website, social media handles. That way they can shop, they can follow along, and they can support you and your brand.
SPEAKER_00Yeah, so you can find Elisa Mama at Lisa Mama.com. That's where you can shop from us directly. Um, and then we on Instagram, we're Elisa Mama Official, Lisa Mama Official on Instagram. And then you can also find us at um you can find us on other retailers. If you search Elisa Mama, you see where we pop up. Um, we're in several other retailers. And um, yeah, I think those are the key places where you can you can find Elisa Mama, Nordstrom, whistle sacks as well, um and a few other boutiques across the US.
SPEAKER_02I love that. Well, thank you so much for joining me on the Preppy Podcast today. I really enjoyed myself and love learning more about your brand.
SPEAKER_00I'm so honored to be here. I think like being on the Preppy Podcast is a rite of passage, and I feel like now I'm part of the cool girls. So thank you for having me.
SPEAKER_02Thank you so much for listening to the Preppy Podcast. I hope this put a little prep in your step for the day. Please subscribe, rate, and review on wherever you listen to your podcast, and follow along with at the preppy podcast on social media.