Meet Elyse who creates customisable jackets and tracksuits

It all started with a goal to chat to entrepreneurs over 60. Then out of curiosity we decided to talk to entrepreneurs under 30. We believe these two very vast generations can learn and grow from each other. 

This week we visit Sydney Australia and chat with Elyse Daniels who is founder of Exodus Wear.

Can you tell us a little about your business and what you do?

Exodus Wear make the most customisable jackets and tracksuits. We specialise in leavers wear for Year 12 students, tour jackets for dance schools and tracksuits for sporting groups. Whether it is a baseball shirt for your Roller Derby Team, a satin bomber for your Car Club or a tracksuit for your Chorus Group (yes we have done all those!) we can make it and customise them to your specifications inside and out. Our jackets have been worn by Justin Bieber, Justice Crew, Kylie Sandilands, Stan Walker, Israel Cruz plus many more celebrities.

What motivated you to start your own business?

I never really planned to start a business; it was kind of an accident. While working for my parents one of their employees told me that her cousin was responsible for organising the Year 12 jackets for her school. I thought ‘how hard can that be’ (turns out quite hard!) so I did my first order under my parents business and only once I had delivered it did I decide to make Exodus Wear a separate company. I actually think it was good that it happened this way because I see so many people get stuck in their planning phase of their business and are too afraid to launch.

What were some of the struggles you faced when you first started?

When I first started Exodus Wear I was still working for my parents business. I am sure a lot of people would actually think that is an advantage but anyone who has worked for a small family business knows it is a lot of work and long hours so it was actually really difficult to find time to work on Exodus Wear. I feel like if I had a more normal job where I could clock off at five pm I may have been able to go full-time in Exodus sooner. In the end the transition took nearly two years.

What do you like most about having your own business?

My two biggest values are freedom and flexibility. While I may work long hours I have the flexibility to work from anywhere in the World and control my diary. If I have an important family event I like being able to take the time off without having to ask permission from anyone.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

You are more resilient than you think. If I knew when I was 21 the challenges this business was going to put me through I would have said there was no way I would survive it. There is nothing that builds your confidence more than coming out of a tough situation and being able to mark that time in your life as a lesson learnt instead of a complete failure.

Who is an older person that you admire and why?

I really admire my parents. Not only as business mentors, but because they are also genuinely good people. They are really ethical, fair, selfless, kind and loving. I was lucky enough to learn first-hand from the type of people I want to become.

If you could jump into a time machine what era would you visit and why?

I have a fascination with the Regency era. Life was so different especially for women that I would love to see first-hand what it was like . I think it would give me a greater appreciation for life and I might complain less about all the difficult decisions I have to make on a daily basis. At least I get to make them and not have them made for me!

Anything else you would like to add?

If anyone would like to follow along on my entrepreneurial journey I post weekly vlogs on my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKQtlxPxMDDJSG5RycCTVsA