We recently connected with Eileen Hayman and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Eileen, thanks for joining us today. Let’s start on the operational side – do you spend more of your time/focus/energy on growing revenue or cutting costs?

I believe in growing revenue is 100% the key to long term success. While cutting costs can help improve short-term cash flow, it doesn’t lead to increased earnings. Reducing expenses only keeps you in the same income pool with just a bit more money to work with. For me, the real focus is on revenue growth and finding ways to expand, whether that’s through new ideas, product launches, or strategic investments.

I apply the same mindset to my personal finances—I spend more time looking for ways to earn more and make investments that will bring higher returns rather than constantly cutting costs. Of course, I’ll occasionally reevaluate things like subscriptions or recurring payments to ensure they’re necessary, but canceling things just to save a small amount isn’t something I consider a true profit. It’s simply a shift of money already earned.

I look to exponentially increase my earnings and profit. With ELY the Label, for instance, launching new collections that resonate with customers and bring in fresh revenue streams is the primary focus. That’s where the real growth happens—finding new ways to generate more income and scale the business.

Eileen, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m Eileen Hayman, the founder of ELY the Label, a women’s streetwear brand that combines chic, flattering basics with edgy, sporty pieces. By day, I work full-time in biotech, and by night, I pour my creativity into ELY—a passion project that’s been years in the making. Fashion has been a love of mine since I was in fifth grade and dreamed of being a fashion designer. For me, fashion is a powerful form of self-expression, and starting my own brand felt like the perfect way to share that with others.

Our collections redefine game day fits and offer essentials like sculpting bodysuits, cozy loungewear, and street chic styles. ELY stands out for its high-quality, flattering designs that blend style and comfort. Hearing how amazing women feel in our pieces—like my friend Kat, who always texts me about the compliments she gets—keeps me inspired.

I noticed a gap in the market for flattering women’s sportswear. Instead of the usual oversized jerseys, I created the Here for the Tailgate Collection, offering pieces that combine a sporty game day aesthetic with chic, form-fitting designs. Alongside game day fits, ELY also features versatile basics—like sculpting bodysuits—that pair perfectly with your favorite team gear. I love creating flattering basics that make you feel confident and cute at games instead of settling for oversized jerseys typically designed for men.

At ELY, we’re all about helping women look and feel their best, no matter where life takes them.

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

Funding ELY the Label came from my full-time job in biotech research. I’ve been fortunate to work in an industry that not only challenges me intellectually but also provides the financial stability to fund my passion project. Every paycheck I earn has been reinvested into building ELY—from designing collections and sourcing high-quality fabrics to creating a brand that empowers women.

It’s definitely a balancing act—juggling my biotech career with launching a fashion brand—but I’ve learned that taking risks and stepping out of my comfort zone is part of the process. While it’s a big financial commitment, the excitement of seeing ELY come to life makes it all worth it. Knowing that I’ve built this brand from the ground up, using my own resources, has made the journey even more rewarding.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

Social media and influencer marketing are essential in today’s business landscape. To survive and thrive, you need a consistent social media presence. We live in a time where everything is online, and leveraging these platforms is critical for reaching new audiences.

Influencer marketing, in particular, is incredibly effective for expanding your reach. While it might cut into profits by sending free items to influencers, the exposure and engagement it generates are well worth the investment. The key is to carefully select influencers whose audience aligns closely with your target market to ensure your efforts are impactful.

Beyond influencer partnerships, building your own strong social media presence is just as important. Consistency in posting and creating engaging, interactive content helps connect with your audience and build a loyal community. While navigating this new age of marketing can be challenging, the rewards of connecting with your audience and expanding your brand’s reach make it essential for success.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.elythelabel.com
• Instagram: @elythelabel