Meet Ereiyal Cartwright | EreiyalJ |Creative Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ereiyal Cartwright and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ereiyal, how do you think about risk?
Every year since I’ve chased my dreams I’ve been faced with the stereotype “Sleeping your way to the top”. I received these messages from those close to me and some strangers. I tried to work it off, but a new stereotype is developed as I continue to elevate. How is it that Black women who take risks, and work their butts off still get mistreated as if they aren’t walking into their destiny? Up until the moment of me touring, I had been a full-time college student. Black students who take breaks from school are often labeled as drop-outs and calculated in low success rates. This is where you take lemons and make lemonade. Milan Harris stated “I was sharing the story all along” for that very reason.

I believe risk is a term that was created to be a distraction towards one’s destiny. I truly, don’t believe I’ve taken any risks in my lifetime. If I were to label my sacrifices, determination, and dedication as a risk then I feel as if I would be taken credit away from God’s work. I do acknowledge that I was in great fear of my parents supporting my new journey. In 2020, I was at the most fear I’ve ever been in where my life was headed. For 21 years I had been living to satisfy the thoughts of others. It was the thought on how to conquer self-sufficiency that led me to where I am today. I stopped attending school in-person at The University of Tennessee at Knoxville during Covid like every other college student. Instead of working a regular job, I decided to enter the industry amongst comedian Mario Bradley. Bradley had just announced a re-opening of his food truck and was in dire need of assistance. I instantly pursued the opportunity with the thought of expanding The Mermaid Brand through networking and hard work. It was when my father, who was determined to see me graduate as a nurse, approached the food truck when I realized I took what is called a “risk”. As he approached I thought about how in a short time span I went from working on cadavers at the top school in Tennessee, to fixing fish plates. Tears fell down my face, because I felt that I had disappointed him in the pursuit of my dreams. Here I am, staying back home for a semester while other college students went back to their regular in-person schedule. I stayed in Memphis to become exposed to the business world of entrepreneurship. Ultimately, I had no idea that I would be a part of several Paper Route Empire tours. Most people seem to believe that I’m family-related to the budding comedian. But I’m not, I had no prior friendship with Mario until 2020. I would broadcast his jokes amongst my close-friends while lounging after class before meeting him. Upon my return home I was working weekly, and built a bond as I depicted my work ethic in his popular food truck. If I hadn’t pondered everyday on how I could be self-sufficient then I would probably be a college graduate by now. I would be a nurse that was unsatisfied with saving lives. How could I settle on being a mediocre medical professional when I have a passion for fashion? Instead, I’ve transitioned from selling a $20 shirt to a $100 shirt in a 3 year time span.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’ve been creative since my childhood, like I often state about my journey “it’s already written”. Since a child, I’ve watched my mother be a full-time hair stylist and own her own salon. Therefore, I’ve had experiences of being molded into who I am today while my peers were playing at parks or outside with neighborhood friends, I was at my mother’s salon witnessing her hustle and craft day and night. I’m set apart from most designers because I was born into it. My choices to attend college at 18 and leave home to study at the top school in Tennessee helped me professionally. While a plethora of my peers remained in Memphis or in nearby cities I was amongst students at a PWI (Predominately White Institution) who had parents that were doctors, and other significant professionals. During my studies, I would type papers for other students all over the world for income. My hustle developed my critical-thinking skills as I learned about new topics everyday to help others earn above average grades on their assignments. Nothing worth having comes easy, so I’ve been through a lot. I’ve struggled with college, even the simplest thing of finding a ride to return back to school after taking a break for a weekend. I’ve struggled with family members doubting my process and journey. To overcome challenges, I stayed focused and developed a schedule that would help me achieve my goals. I also read books that basically discussed how to be more in tune with one’s destiny, strengths, and desires. Most importantly, I’ve stayed connected with God and put him 1st in everything that I do. I’ve learned that you must not take anything for granted because everything in my life is happening for a reason. God wants his children to admire the path he has set forth to earn more. Therefore, along the way I’ve learned to be patient and acknowledge that what I’m doing now isn’t average and what I’ll be doing in the future d*** sure won’t be either. The world needs to know that I’ve put grit and grind to be a student of the game. Everything that I’m doing now I’ve prayed for years ago. Being on the Forbes List, being a breadwinner in my family and showing my people that it’s possible is my prayer everyday, and I surely see it coming into fruition.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
First, I’d take my best friend to the PopUpShopLa to visit my friends Sahara and Steve. The PopUpShopLa is a unique place to shop, and I’d want my friend to be fly with me and dressed in a few of their rad pieces and The Mermaid Brand as we flaunt through the city. Shortly after, we’d visit Desto Dubb’s “Awful Lot of Cough Syrup” stores and “parlay” with him for a few hours. Dubb is a successful designer from California that shows hospitality whenever I’m in his presence. Lastly, on our first day we will visit Vurger Guyz, a black owned vegan food truck. Vurger Guyz is typically located on Melrose or DTLA. Their tacos are a must to consume while roaming through the city. Throughout the week we would probably visit members of Paper Route Empire, since a few of them reside there. The most significant part of the trip will probably be eating at LaLas Argentine Grill, my favorite restaurant in Los Angeles.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Young Dolph was one of the most cherished rappers that came out of Memphis, TN. He was most known for his independence in an industry where signing deals are significant. I was able to meet Young Dolph on several occasions while working amongst his empire. His presence and support of the team boosted my confidence as I was also conquering my own lane in the fashion and design industry. There were often times when he would share my creativity to his followers while simultaneously showing me that I could be an asset without a co-sign. After his passing, I began to realize that he left me with the best gift and that is a family and fan base that is loyal to anyone that is connected to him. His lyrics “self-made millionaire oh, what a feeling!” also keeps me motivated to never take “no” for an answer. I’m grateful for his outstanding personality that today allows me to maneuver around the United States and sell my clothing. Mario Bradley, on the other hand, has contributed to the major boost in my following on social media. In 2020, shortly after I met Mario he purchased me a car and told the world it was because “she has been working her a** off for me everyday”. Since that moment, many people over the U.S have become intrigued with my journey as I rise to be one of the most significant designers to be born and raised in Memphis. I admire Bradley’s passion to create opportunity for other individuals just like him. If he hadn’t gifted me that car at that moment, at that very time I would’ve struggled to believe I’m the chosen one amongst many designers that strive to make it out of my city.

Lastly, Milan Harris, a Black woman that has also independently built her brand to Forbes List levels, unconsciously took me under her wing in 2021. I use the term unconsciously because I don’t believe that Milan truly understands how much admiration I have for her, allowing me to be a part of her special moments in such a short period of time. Milan has shown me you will experience curve balls along your journey but you must put God first and go after what you desire. Her fierceness as being a fellow Taurus gives me the cockiness I need to raise my prices and add tax to it as well. I acknowledge Milan as my mentor because of my personal bond, conversation and goal to establish what she has accomplished with Milano Di Rouge.

Website: https://www.mermaidbrandsirene.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/1ereiyalj/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KznhQ7JvBV8

Image Credits
Cullen Burke