- Can you briefly introduce yourself and share a bit about your journey and work?
Hello, I'm Elle Knight, the creative mind behind Elle Nine. My journey with art started way back when I was just a kid. Being a bit of an introvert, I found joy in doodling and sketching every chance I got. One funny memory from those days is getting accused of tracing my drawings, but looking back, it just showed how good I was at drawing to scale even at a young age.
In high school, I kicked off a YouTube channel called "NappyDanny," where I shared my natural hair journey and hair care tutorials. That's when I first dipped my toes into graphic art, design, and even a bit of animation. Always the creative soul, I also loved expressing myself through my fashion choices. It was during this time that I noticed a gap in the accessory market – cute phone cases and tote bags never quite represented people like me or my friends.
So, in 2020, Elle Nine was born. Starting with phone cases that told our stories through art, Elle Nine has grown into a platform showcasing all sorts of vibrant, culturally rich artwork celebrating Black women. From digital designs on phone cases to original paintings and prints, my goal is to spread love and highlight the true beauty of Black culture and Black Women through art.
- Looking back, was your journey relatively smooth or did you face significant obstacles?
Looking back, my journey has been exhilarating, but it certainly hasn't been without its challenges. Establishing a unique brand identity and gaining recognition has been an ongoing obstacle. Yet, they say that when you're doing what you love, it never feels like work, and I'm truly living that sentiment. My passion for my art and the people who inspire it keeps me going.
While I dream daily of reaching a point where I can financially sustain myself solely through my craft, I recognize the importance of patience. I wholeheartedly believe in divine timing, trusting that my work will find its way to those who need to see it. Everything will fall into place when it's meant to, and I'm committed to the journey.
- Can you highlight a few key milestones in your career that you consider pivotal moments? How did they shape your trajectory?
Two pivotal moments stand out in my career, each shaping the trajectory of Elle Nine. The first significant turning point was meeting my now-husband. At that time, while I loved art, the little income I did make from it came from commissioned work where clients dictated the subject and style. This took away the joy of creativity, making art feel more like a chore. It was my husband who encouraged me to envision a different path, leading to the birth of Elle Nine. His support and advice allowed me to set the boundaries of my art, offering commissions but within the freedom of my own style. This shift marked the starting line of the current journey I'm on, and I'm immensely thankful for him.
The second milestone, a more recent one in 2023, was the development of my authentic art style. This breakthrough not only deeply resonated with my audience but also solidified my artistic vision. Each piece created in this style feels like a genuine piece of my soul. As an artist, being able to say I craft unique pieces is one of the most fulfilling aspects of my journey. It's a testament to growth and self-discovery, and it has added a profound layer of meaning to my work.
- Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I specialize in creating expressive and abstract pieces that offer a distinctive voice and perspective, mirroring the diverse experiences of Black women. My art goes beyond mere visuals; it's a vibrant narrative of Black womanhood, infused with raw emotion and vividness. What sets me apart is authenticity. While there's a shared experience among Black women, I present it through my own lens. It's like watching the same movie but from the eyes of a different supporting actor. My angles, thoughts, and feelings are uniquely connected to my soul, making my art simultaneously familiar and nostalgic, yet different and new. This individuality is the hallmark of Elle Nine, setting it apart in the artistic landscape.
- Reflecting on your experiences, what important lessons have you learned along the way? How have they influenced your approach to your work?
A lesson that has greatly influenced my approach to work is the significance of consistency and an unwavering commitment to my passion. This acts as a guiding principle, emphasizing the value of persistence and an authentic connection to what I love. Consistency, for me, is about showing up every day for my business and craft, irrespective of challenges or external factors. This intentional commitment has proven to be a foundation of resilience, providing strength during both triumphs and trials. It underscores the understanding that building a sustainable creative enterprise requires steadfast dedication.
Staying true to my passion has been an anchor in the unpredictable waves of the artistic waters. Amid changing trends and external expectations, my genuine love for what I do has remained constant. This authenticity not only fortifies my artistic identity but also resonates with my audience, creating a deeper connection between my work and those who appreciate it.
Elle's Social Links:
Personal Brand Insta: @TheElleKnight
Business Insta: @ElleNineShop
Personal TikTok: @TheElleKnight
Business TikTok: @ElleNineShop
