We had the good fortune of connecting with Elijah Stone and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Elijah, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I was painting one of one clothing items for my own music performances and wardrobe, and as I would wear them out to festivals, shows, and events, people would start to flock towards me and ask about the clothing. After constant questions and love and support from the community, I was strongly encouraged to create it into a clothing brand. So I found the right team and created my dream fashion brand.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
So first and foremost I am a music artist. However, I am a creative nonetheless. I never was very into painting much but always loved to do graphic design or design clothes whether it be for my own merch, streaming content or for fun. I began painting for fun to take my mind off the mental stress coming from working on my music production. One day when I came up with the concept of “thermal Bones” pants which I found out no one has ever made before, So I painted it. I felt so free painting on clothing, when traditionally, I was always told that’s a thing you’re not supposed to do. It was a very daunting and challenging task turning it into a full brand. Lots of people in my team and around me told me I just shouldn’t do it, and I should just focus on my music. However, owning my own clothing brand was always a dream of mine as a child, So I knew I had to pursue this regardless. My main and primary goal with both my brand and music is to inspire others to challenge their mindsets, pursue their own dreams, and realize they are capable of much more than they often realize.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I haven’t been in South Carolina long, as I am originally born and raised in Las Vegas, NV. Although I have been enjoying my time here lots and I take every opportunity I get to explore the lovely state of SC. I would definitely need to bring my friends to firebird wood fired grill as I am obsessed with their pasta, or to tupelo honey in the heart of downtown greenville. Obviously followed by a night on the town visiting some cool bars and spots with live music, such as the velo fellow, Smileys on the roxx, sip, connollys irish pub, Eden, or some of the other fun nightlife spots. Other than the active nightlife, I am super into nature and exploring, so I would have to take my friends to some of my favorite cliff jumping spots, some being at lake keowee, paradise falls, or some of my other secret cliff jump spots (or hoping to explore new ones with them). I love all the lakes and waterfalls here so we would absolutely have to visit more than one! Not to mention the hiking trails! I have also built a small music friend group here that I hope to expand which I would love to introduce more friends to. I have also made great friends at the parkour gym “Motive Movement” which I would love to take my friends to as well! The list of activities is endless, especially with how many exciting businesses you guys have, such as group therapy, craft axe throwing, or all the other exciting establishments in the state.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
The first piece I ever created was an *unreleased* item of pants titled “thermal bones”. It took me 4 days to make. I then made a denim shirt with my lyrics and original artwork all over it. After wearing the outfit to a rooftop show in Las Vegas, I then found myself at a bar getting drinks with my friends and band members. A man named KasWise, came up to me and was blown away by my art, so much so, he went on about how I don’t even understand what I am even wearing and that my outfit was worth more than $5k when I was only valuing my art at maybe a few hundred dollars. He continued to pour love and support into my art and told me I NEED to keep creating these items. He ignited a spark I almost didn’t even pay attention to. I then continued to create more new clothing. After creating a new outfit with my first ever concept of the name “WHERE IS UP?” on the back of the shirt, along with a custom jacket and pants, I wore it to a networking event in LA titled “Sunday Sounds”. People continued to flock all around me and grabbing at my clothes begging me to tell them where I found the items. As I told them how I just made these items myself, they were shocked. I then stumbled into the vendor area and was looking at the other brands. I received lots of love that day, but one brand vendor titled “CLOUD10” saw my clothing and was ecstatic, “2DA” the owner was one of the first people who really demanded that I create this into a full clothing brand. Since then I put my blood, sweat, and tears, into creating my dream into a reality.
Website: https://whereisup.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whereisup.co/ or my personal instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialelijahstone/
Twitter: https://x.com/OfElijahStone
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whereisup/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Elijahstonemusic
Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3h3mFh7lIFGyPM4wyczwk8?si=sTK6wskHSd6RTmBqXdpTOg
https://music.apple.com/us/artist/elijah-stone/1509652367
Image Credits
Noah Castro
Secchio Tazairoli
Elijah Stone
Bryant Hamilton