Crafting an E.L.I.T.E. Collection
If you’ve visited the website recently, you’ve likely noticed that the products are organized as a collection. I love this term because it evokes the essence of a museum. Two of my most memorable museum experiences were at the King Center in Atlanta, GA, and the Brooklyn Museum of Natural History.
At the MLK Center, I was deeply moved by an exhibit featuring Paul Robeson, a towering figure whose remarkable achievements left me in awe. I remember thinking, "Is there anyone more deserving of this recognition?" Although Robeson may not be as widely known as some historical figures, his significant contributions clearly earned him a place of honor in that museum.
The Brooklyn Museum of Natural History is equally breathtaking, with its grand architecture and diverse, striking buildings lining the street outside. Inside, I was captivated by a piece of art featuring five busts of a woman wearing a crown, each representing a different skin tone—starting with pale white, transitioning through creamy white, caramel, rich brown, and culminating in deep black. Though modest in size, the artwork's message resonated throughout the room: despite our different shades, we are united in our humanity—we are all royalty with hopes, dreams, and goals. It was a powerful reminder of our shared existence.
While the offerings of E.L.I.T.E. may not rival the grandeur of these exhibits, I approach each product and concept with the same level of care and respect, as if E.L.I.T.E. were a museum of its own. Each item has been thoughtfully selected to embody the values we stand for.
The busts of those women resonate deeply with me, symbolizing that for those who connect with E.L.I.T.E., we are all on this journey together. Just as Paul Robeson dedicated his life to advocating for social justice and equality, E.L.I.T.E. strives to inspire everyone to pursue their dreams and goals, fostering a supportive community of individuals committed to becoming their best selves. Robeson’s legacy serves as a reminder that our collective efforts can create lasting change and uplift one another, echoing the values of unity and empowerment that E.L.I.T.E. embodies.
My hope is that this curated collection will resonate with you and that you’ll discover a meaningful artifact from E.L.I.T.E. to represent your connection to our shared journey. Although the cultural significance may not be on the same scale, as the curator of E.L.I.T.E., I assure you that each piece has been chosen with utmost care and intention. As I continue to refine the collection, I hope it brings you joy, encouragement, and motivation on your journey to E.L.I.T.E.
Quote of the Blog: “It’s not a museum. It’s not a place of artifacts; it’s a place of ideas “
– Jeanie Kahnke