Founder and Creative Director of Eli and Ella Rose Seeks to Expand Online
Congratulations are in order for Jehan Walker, the Founder and Creative Director of Eli and Ella Rose, a California-based clothing company carrying over 20 brands of women’s and children’s clothing. Walker was recently approved for a $15,000 CDFI loan.
Eli and Ella Rose currently operate at three storefronts in three different shopping centers in Los Angeles: The Bloc, Westfield Century City Mall, and The Beverly Center. Eli & Ella Rose specializes in sophisticated yet funky garments that customers can’t find at a typical children’s department store.
Walker said, “Our mission is to stick out. Our garments have to leave the final expression, “If I don’t buy this now, I won’t find it anywhere else.”
Walker was first introduced via referral to Vermont Slauson Economic Development Corporation (VSEDC) in 2019. Walker sought business assistance to help organize his first storefront and was introduced to Terry Gubatan, Senior Business Coach.
Against the odds, Walker was able to expand Eli and Ella Rose during the pandemic. Malls were experiencing a loss of income, and Walker took advantage of the lowered rental costs to debut several pop-up iterations of Eli and Ella Rose.
“Walker–and his brand–are resilient,” said Gubatan.
Over the years, Gubatan developed a working relationship with Walker which has continued to present-day loan preparation assistance.
“If Walker has learned anything [since the pandemic], it’s understanding who his customers are and going after them,” said Gubatan.
Now, Walker is focused on building Eli and Ella Rose as an online brand targeted to his customer base. Walker’s business plan includes revising his inventory, fostering new brand partnerships, and establishing Eli and Ella Rose’s online presence through revamped photoshoots. The $15,000 CDFI loan will go toward new inventory and online marketing.
Additionally, Walker is a creative force, even working on his own original designs for Eli and Ella Rose. We at VSEDC look forward to seeing even more in store from Eli and Ella Rose.
Check out the Eli and Ella Rose website here, and follow Eli and Ella Rose on Instagram.
If you are an emerging entrepreneur helming a small to medium-sized business, learn more about our Business Coaching services, including loan readiness, here.