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

Elijah , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you walk us through some of the key steps that allowed you move beyond an idea and actually launch?

Creating my brand wasn’t a quick decision—it took a year and a half of experimenting with names, themes, and figuring out where I wanted to go. I’m big on letting things happen naturally, not rushing into things without a clear plan. After all the thinking, I realized that no single name could capture all the different things I wanted to make. So, I settled on Elijah’s Collection, because that’s all it really is. I’m all about letting my creative side do its thing, going where my mind takes me without overthinking it. Research helped me figure out what really clicked with me, leading me to the idea of a collection.

I found inspiration in the cover art and overall designs used by rock bands. Their wild and impulsive style matched how I view life. I also stand on the simple pillar of its not what clothes you have on, its how you wear it and how confident in self you are. so some of my pieces are meant to be a compliment of the wearer, not the other way around. Adopting this mentality has helped me to expand my horizons of thought greatly.

Being a college student, finding time to get materials and work on my pieces is a challenge, especially with other creative projects going on. But I try to make progress every day. I firmly believe that doing a little bit consistently is the key to being excellent. My brand, Elijah’s Collection, isn’t just about making stuff—its about confidence in your personal expression. it’s a way to show that cool things happen when you let your creativity flow, and you stick with it, even when it’s tough.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m Elijah Flythe, a student in Information Technology with a passion for creativity that knows no bounds. Alongside my studies, I’ve found a unique journey through skateboarding, a world that has not only become a lifestyle but a catalyst for my diverse endeavors.

Since picking up the skateboard in 2020, I’ve traveled an unexpected path. Fast forward three years, and I’ve carved out my space with Elijahscollection, a clothing brand where every piece is a handmade, one of a kind creation. It’s a testament to the fusion of my skate-inspired roots and my commitment to crafting individualized expressions.

My creative journey doesn’t stop there. I’m a co-founder of the dynamic creative collective, Blknificent, where collaboration is at the core of our pursuit to inspire and have a lasting impact on the culture. As a model coordinator for Embro creative industries, I play a pivotal role in bringing creative visions to life. And on the modeling front, I’ve stepped into the realm of fashion, signed with Booked Management NYC, adding another layer to my multifaceted pursuits.

Skateboarding has been more than a hobby for me—it’s a culture that has opened doors to diverse perspectives, shaping who I am today. From the wheels of a skateboard to the threads of Elijahscollection, and the collaborative endeavors with Blknificent and Embro creative industries, each facet of my journey speaks to my commitment to creativity, individuality, and embracing the unexpected.

One of my proudest moment was in early 2023, Blknificent achieved a significant milestone by hosting the first-ever HBCU skate competition. Sponsored by Red Bull Skate and covered by Fox8, the event brought together skaters from HBCUs across the country, transcending ethnic boundaries and showcasing a shared love for skating. This initiative reflects Blknificent’s core mission to challenge stereotypes and emphasize the integral role black individuals play in shaping skate culture.

The competition was more than a showcase of skills; it was a statement challenging the misconception that skateboarding isn’t inclusive. By providing a platform for HBCU skaters, we celebrated diversity and demonstrated that skating is a universal passion that unites individuals beyond racial distinctions. This moment marked a pivotal achievement for Blknificent, reinforcing our commitment to breaking barriers, fostering unity, and reshaping the narrative surrounding diversity in skate culture.

In my role as the head model coordinator at Embro Industries, my emphasis has been on uncovering new talent rather than relying on familiar faces. This approach provides opportunities for individuals with gifts who may not have the confidence to step forward and engage. My primary goal is to foster growth for everyone involved, enabling them to reach their fullest potential.

For Elijahscollection, I am currently in the process of making my first ever fashion show come to life, expect great things in 2024!

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My mission is clear: to construct a platform that serves as a powerful source of inspiration, urging people to embrace daring, venture into uncharted territories, and exude confidence in their unique selves. It’s about encouraging individuals to love the way they walk, to overcome apprehensions, and to dive into new hobbies they might be hesitant to explore.

The essence of my message revolves around the idea that there’s no better time than now to pursue your desires. Waiting for the “right moment” is a gamble, and the future isn’t promised. I want everyone to grasp the urgency of living in the present and seizing opportunities without hesitation.

Above all, I aim to demonstrate that self-love and trust in one’s abilities are the catalysts for achieving the seemingly impossible. I want to convey that the world is a canvas waiting for your unique imprint, and when you genuinely believe in yourself, the possibilities become boundless. It’s a reminder that the power to shape your world lies within your hands, waiting to be unleashed.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Building a presence on Instagram and TikTok was a straightforward process for me. I identified a consistent theme in what I wanted to share and committed to regularly posting content as I evolved in that direction. This consistency triggered algorithms to push my content to individuals with similar interests. Being interactive further played a crucial role in establishing a community using these platforms.

Understanding the mechanics of social media algorithms was pivotal. Knowing how content is distributed based on user behaviors and tailoring my approach to capture attention spans became integral to my strategy. This knowledge, coupled with a commitment to consistency, not only attracted like-minded individuals but also fostered a dynamic and engaged community on these platforms.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: elijahsarchiive, elijahscollectiion, and blknificent
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/emflythe03