I've always had a passion to create. As a child I was always involved in the performing or creative arts. As an adult it stuck with me and made me who I am today.

 Growing up I enjoyed styling myself and others. I initially talked about starting a clothing brand back in 2016. I kept putting it off mainly because I had so many ideas but didn't know where to  even start, not to mention my fear of starting a clothing line and it not being successful. in the fall of 2018 I started an idea of a athletic line based off me being a personal trainer and adding an apparel line in coordination with my personal training brand. That Idea never was necessarily chopped, however I shifted my idea and decided to design men's swimwear. 

Performing on a cruise ship I would often go to the beach and would see men and their limited options when it came to what they wore to the beach! I would then sit in my beach chair and sketch ideas that came to mind creating shorts and briefs that either I didn't have in my closet or have yet seen anyone else wear. Of course as a designer I got inspired by certain designs out there  but all the designs I created were original and I tried to stay away from looking online at different brands so that I had my own original creativity. Yes fashion repeats it's self, however mens swimwear had nothing to really offer but the traditional speedo, swim trunk or board shorts.

 During the beginning of the pandemic 2020 I told myself that I was going to finish 100% what I started, no matter how long it took. I started everything from scratch and did my own research. So much trial and error, periods of frustration and sometimes even doubt that I would get it right. I went through 3-5 rough draft samples of each of my design styles to make sure that the fit, cut and quality was just right! There is always room for improvement and I wanted to get it right the first time I launched anything with my name on it!

 I absolutely couldn't have done anything without the support of my friends, family and mentors in the fashion industry! So many people donated and passed the word of NEL APPAREL on their social media platforms and it created a buzz. it was very rewarding to see my vision and creativity come to fruition! When I see my customers post wearing their NEL APPAREL or go to the beach and see them wearing my brand, it makes me super happy to know that they love the product, quality, fit and design,all which I have invested in and worked very hard for.   

My message to any dreamer, creator of any sort or entrepreneur is to not be afraid to just start! search it, source it and don't stop until you reach your goal! Nothing in life thats worth it comes easy! just have the faith and keep thriving! your hard work will certainly pay off! 

ELEVATE | EVOLVE | EXCEL That's NEL APPAREL