We were lucky to catch up with Elle Clarke recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Elle thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

There are so many people who have something to say but not enough platforms giving them the opportunity to say it. ECM Global was created to give these people a place where they can showcase their brilliance.

Elle , 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 remember when I was in the 5th grade there were three things I said I wanted to do: Write a bestselling book about my life, design clothing, and create a magazine. I didn’t realize that my Amazon Bestselling Book would be based on a sexual assault I experienced at 20 years old. I didn’t know that I AM QUEEN Magazine would have been birthed because I wanted the love and support we presently give to others. Or that those ‘candy wrapper’ designs, as my mother would call them, would actually become wearable pieces. My company ECM Global was created to help entrepreneurs amplify their message to the masses, through design and media. ECM Global is the parent company for I AM QUEEN Magazine and Passionrose The Brand. I AM QUEEN Magazine was created to give everyday women a platform to showcase their brilliance. Passionrose The Brand is our BESPOKE clothing line. One thing I’d like for people to glean from me is the importance of keeping the dream alive. Sometimes life can through some curve balls at you but it’s the dream in your heart that will preserve you through those times. I love making people feel special, seen, and heard. This is one of the things I’m most proud of. When women see their names on our pages or on our website with a positive byline, their reactions bring me great joy. In a world where negativity thrives, we try to tell stories that refresh the soul and touch the heart.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

As a child, I was molested. It was hard for me to understand why it happened to me. What did I do to deserve this? I vowed to myself that I would never allow anyone to hurt me or anyone like this. When I turned 18 years old I joined the Police Force. This was how I would give back, to serve and protect and I did that. Then, one night as I was tucked away in my home and a man broke into my home and raped me. I was a Police Officer how did I allow this to happen? These were the questions I asked myself over and over. I almost committed suicide but God used my 5-month-old daughter to pull me through. Since I couldn’t kill myself I got myself into debt by buying designer bags and jewelry in an attempt to buy back the dignity that was stolen from me. That didn’t work. One day I realized that I could no longer allow the man that raped me to rape me anymore so I decided to live again. After years of acknowledgment and counseling, I was able to transform my pain into beauty by writing a book that has helped so many women overcome the hurt of the past. Life is not just about you, your life is fulfilled when you can use your story to help others. If you have walked through molestation and rape, know this, you can and will overcome!

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

When I started my business the only thing I had was a laptop and a dream. I didn’t have a website or a camera. I used what I had to get started. I utilized all the free resources that were available to me. I remember when I applied for my magazine to cover the DOVE Awards, I had hardly any followers on Instagram and Facebook. I had no website and they said no. That no didn’t stop me from applying for the Stellar Awards, Jazz in the Gardens, BET Awards, Essence Fest, the Superbowl, and so many others. Even with my limited followers and no website I was able to secure coverage at those events and interview some of today’s top names. My advice to you is….Just do it!

Contact Info:

• Website: iamqueenmagazine.com
• Instagram: @iamqueenmagazineus
• Facebook: iamqueenmagazine
• Youtube: Lynelle Clarke

Image Credits
ECM Global