Happy April! Welcome back to another #FirstFriday with Philly PR Girl! Last month we celebrated National Women’s History Month, but who says the celebration has to end?! This month, we’re highlighting a young entrepreneur, business owner, and total #GirlBoss.
Meet Alnika E. Lovello, a South Philly native and the founder of Lovello Elizabeth. Lovello Elizabeth is a popular Philadelphia-based clothing brand. This brand has changed the meaning of “high demand” with its high-quality athleisure and sporty-chic pieces selling out minutes after every release! It has absolutely become a symbol of Philadelphia’s fashion culture.
PPRG: Hi, Alnika! Thank you so much for taking time to participate in this. First, congratulations on the success of Lovello Elizabeth! When did you first know you wanted a career in fashion?
AL: Thank you for having me. To tell the truth, it started off all for fun. Once I realized that this became something I couldn’t give up on, I started to accept the fact that this is my career.
PPRG: When was Lovello Elizabeth founded and what inspired the brand’s name? What does your logo and name symbolize?
AL: Lovello Elizabeth was founded in 2014. The brand’s name is actually my middle name and last name! The name symbolizes family. The logo symbolizes the coming together of two things. Two circles, like a Venn diagram symbolizing my African American and Italian roots.
PPRG: Lovello has become a huge deal not only in Philadelphia but nationally! Have you considered expanding to multiple cities?
AL: Of course. We are looking into Atlanta, Los Angeles, and the DMV as they are the cities outside of Philadelphia that support us the most. Thank you to everyone from those locations! We love you.
PPRG: Every time Lovello drops a new collection, or even restocks older items, your pieces sell out in minutes! You obviously have so many supporters here in Philly, how important was staying local to you?
AL: Very important! The love started in my city and grew organically. They’ve played a huge role in the brand’s progress. I can never turn my back on Philly.
PPRG: Many businesses have experienced a negative impact while we are living through the Covid-19 pandemic, but some businesses have had a positive impact. How has the pandemic affected your brand? Was the impact positive or negative?
AL: COVID-19 was a blessing in disguise for me. It helped us reevaluate our brand and target our e-commerce sales. It really made us have to sit and think about what’s really important to us all. For something to be unforeseen like COVID-19, it highlighted the value of planning.
PPRG: What hardships have you had to endure as a young woman in business?
AL: Being as though I didn’t go to school for fashion or business there was a lot of trial and error. I had no blueprint. A lot of things were really “learn as you go” for me. I have my fair share of bruises, but it has all paid off in the long run. Don’t cheat the journey, it adds character.
PPRG: What advice do you have for aspiring fashion designers who oneday want a brand as successful as Lovello Elizabeth?
AL: I would say focus on quality and presentation, and details. Take your time! Do your research and don’t be afraid to fail. If something doesn’t work, just keep going.
PPRG: Lovello is known for its good quality athleisure and comfortability. Who would you say your targeted consumers are?
AL: I would say consumers with a laid back, chic personal style. Consumers who can cross over into two types of fashion because that’s what my clothes are made for.
PPRG: Where do you see Lovello Elizabeth in the next five years, and what’s your biggest goal for your brand?
AL: Officially brick and mortar! We are working on the build out for our headquarters now. In the next two years, we would like to have a store. Also more of a national presence. We would like to get creative with pop-up shops too.
PPRG: Who would be your dream celebrity to style in Lovello?
AL: Our dream celebrity to have in Lovello Elizabeth would be Jay-Z, J. Cole, Nicki Minaj, Drake, and Future. Those are all my favorite artists right there.
You heard it from the source! What another awesome #FirstFriday interview! If you love high quality and versatile athleisure, shop with Lovello Elizabeth. You can check out their Instagram and website for updates on new releases and restocks! Stay tuned for next month as we continue our First Friday Interview series! You can also read some of our past interviews here! Happy Friday Philadelphia!
