Black-Owned Plus-Size Brand Zelie For She Lands In Nordstrom

“Being a plus-size girl my entire life I never had options in fashion to express my individuality. So I took it into my own hands! I learned the craft of designing. I never stopped even when I wanted to give up. I found a way to keep going because that’s all I knew,” begins an Instagram post from the founder of Zelie for She, announcing that her plus-size collections will be available at Nordstrom. Elann Zelie calls her brand “my love,” and says it’s what gives her the most joy.

Zelie for She was founded in 2013 in Los Angeles, California. Zelie says that she created the company because there was a void in fashion for curvy women to express themselves. She describes her brand as an unapologetic expression of one’s authenticity and individuality. “The beauty of being authentic is that we are ever changing and growing,” she continues. “Every collection is a different story… of travel, friendship, womanhood, and empowerment.”

Zelie shares that Nordstrom approached her with hopes of partnering. “Bringing in indie designers is a new lane for them and I think that’s the way of the fashion industry nowadays. There are so many amazing indie designers who are now available at Nordstrom. It’s a beautiful thing to see.” She says that the Nordstrom offering is “filled with our customer favorites with a twist.”

When it comes to the significance of this news for Black women entrepreneurs in the plus-size space, Zelie shares, “I think it’s the beginning of real change when it comes to the fashion industry. We’re so used to knowing the top name brand companies and houses that it’s time for fresh names.”

Zelie says that she feels this is an opportunity that will help put her name out to a broader audience, and shares, “I hope this opportunity encourages other entrepreneurs.”