We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Elayzea Clarke a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Elayzea, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

The story of 5Stars begins with a spark of passion that ignited back in high school, where I first immersed myself in the world of fashion. From the moment I picked up a sketchbook and started drawing designs in my classroom, I knew that my creative energy had found its outlet. During those high school years, I wasn’t just studying the theory of fashion, I was living and breathing it—experimenting with textures, colors, and shapes. My love for fashion grew even deeper when I started modeling as a teen. The runway became a place where I could express not just my look, but my vision. I realized that fashion isn’t just about clothes—it’s about identity, about owning your uniqueness and being unafraid to stand out.

With my foundation in fashion design and the real-world experience of modeling, 5Stars was born. The brand was created to do more than just clothe people; it was designed to help them find their own individuality, to wear their stories proudly. I wanted to give others a way to bring their inspirations to life, whether that’s through a bold jacket that makes a statement or a simple piece that exudes quiet confidence. 5Stars is about celebrating the diversity of people and the creativity that fuels fashion itself. Every stitch, every fabric, every design is meant to empower the wearer, turning their vision into reality and reminding them that they are the star of their own show.

Elayzea, 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 Lay The Designer, CEO of 5Stars, and my journey into the fashion world has been anything but ordinary. I didn’t start out designing right away; instead, I began as a stylist, working with celebrities and emerging artists to bring their visions to life. Styling gave me the unique opportunity to understand how clothes make people feel and how fashion can be a tool for self-expression. But deep down, I always knew I wanted to create—not just dress others, but craft my own pieces and showcase my ideas. That desire led me to New York Fashion Week, where I debuted eight pieces on the runway, marking the transition from stylist to designer. That show was a pivotal moment, and it was then I realized that 5Stars was not just a brand; it was my chance to create something truly meaningful.

5Stars is a celebration of fashion in all its forms—whether it’s streetwear, couture, ready-to-wear, or athleisure, we create pieces that cater to all walks of life. What sets 5Stars apart is our ability to help people feel authentically themselves through what they wear. We design each piece with versatility in mind, so that our customers can make it their own, mixing and matching to create a style that truly reflects who they are. At the heart of our brand is size inclusivity, which I’m incredibly proud of. I believe fashion should never be one-size-fits-all, and at 5Stars, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a custom piece or something off the rack, we’re here to help you express your individuality and feel empowered in your own skin.

When you shop with 5Stars, you’re not just buying clothes—you’re investing in your own self-expression. We’re all about creating pieces that allow you to bring your inspiration to life and wear it with confidence. Every design, every fabric, every detail is about making sure our clients feel seen, heard, and celebrated. Fashion is personal, and with 5Stars, you’re not just following trends—you’re creating your own.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

The best source of new clients for 5Stars has been a blend of strategic networking and collaboration within the creative community. Working with casting agencies has opened doors to exciting opportunities, where I’ve been able to connect with models, influencers, and artists who share the brand’s vision and amplify it through their own platforms. Attending fashion conferences and networking events has allowed me to stay plugged into the pulse of the industry, forging partnerships with like-minded creatives who share a commitment to pushing boundaries. But what really sets these connections apart is the authenticity behind them—working alongside other artists, stylists, and designers has been an ongoing exchange of inspiration and energy, bringing in clients who aren’t just looking for clothes, but a story and a purpose. This symbiotic relationship between collaboration and innovation has been the heart of 5Stars’ growth, helping us not only attract new clients but build lasting, meaningful relationships within the fashion ecosystem.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

When I launched my fashion brand, I had this deep belief that everything had to be flawless—the designs, the marketing, the packaging. I thought that if I could just get every detail “perfect,” success would follow. But the harder I pushed for perfection, the more overwhelmed I became. Every mistake felt like a failure, and no matter how much I polished, it never felt “done enough.” I was so fixated on control and avoiding imperfection that I lost sight of the bigger picture. The breakthrough came when I realized that striving for progress, not perfection, was the key. Every step forward, every tiny improvement, was worth celebrating. I had to unlearn the idea that nothing was good enough until it was perfect, and embrace the fact that growth happens through experimentation, setbacks, and evolving along the way. It was liberating to let go of the pressure and focus on building something real, step by step.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the5starroom/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elayzea
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/lay.billz/

Image Credits

Flixsbymo
TheeRebelAgency
Skvisualart
3crownphotography