Inspire Sustainability, Express Yourself with Elle Litiatco
In this episode of Good Enough for Now, we hear from Elle Litiatco, a Filipino American designer and founder of ELLERALI, a fashion brand with a mission to reduce textile waste by upcycling fabric into one-of-a-kind pieces that inspire self-expression through fashion.
As an inspired small business owner, Elle understands that things take time. She trusts that being intentional, celebrating the wins of others, and practicing daily mindfulness is the slow but sure process to bearing the fruits of her labor. She has been featured on episode 3 of Fuse TV show Upcycled Nation, and has partnered with mentors like Allbirds and Serenity who uplift small businesses focusing on sustainability and fashion.
Tune in to hear Elle share how to live in alignment with your purpose to make a positive impact on the planet and your life, and how she stays present and energized in the whirlwind of being a solopreneur.
LISTEN NOW
what we cover in this episode:
How your orientation to the world around you makes your intentions for life.
When we lift others up and cheer them on, we ultimately lift ourselves up. There is room for everyone at the table.
Staying true to your mission and intention even when it might be easier to sell out.
How an article of clothing can change someone's day for the better.
Bringing sentimentality to your closet by upcycling the things you already own and making them better.
Not allowing our to-do list to own us mindlessly. Awareness takes intention.
Resources
Visit - ELLERALI
Follow - Elle on Instagram
Watch- Elle on Episode 3 of Fuse TV’s Upcycle Nation
What Good Enough For Now means to ELLE:
Perfectionism is draining. If we are constantly debilitating ourselves or not letting things happen because we're not ready, we're uncomfortable, we're fearful, then we're never going to realize the amazingness of what's to come forward in that if we don't ever try. So I think good enough for now, is so important because it allows us to move forward in spaces that maybe we wouldn't feel comfortable in. I don't want anyone to ever feel like they can't move forward in their life because they're not ready. We'll figure that out when that time comes, but at least you're taking that step forward and you get to see some sort of light, you get to see some sort of progress, you get to taste a little bit of your fruit. But if we're constantly holding back and never moving forward, then we're missing out on amazing opportunities. So it's good enough for now. And I think that's so important to remember.
ABOUT
Elle Litiatco is a Filipino American Designer, and Founder of ELLERALI, a fashion brand with a mission to Recreate The Created by upcycling fabric to reduce textile waste. With a degree in Marine Biology, Elle grew a deep connection with the ocean and the environment, and how our daily actions affect it. The Fashion Industry is a leading contributor to pollution in our environment where the average person throws out at least 72 lbs of textile waste a year in the United States. Elle wants to show that fashion can be comfortable, functional, and environmentally responsible. Upcycling never looked so Fly.
-
SStephanie Kruse (00:05):
Welcome to Good Enough for now a podcast aimed at dismantling perfectionism. One conversation at a time. I'm Stephanie Kruse and along with my guests on the show, we share stories of false starts, unexpected U-turns, and moments of reinvention that happen as we move through life. Thanks for joining me. My hope is that our conversations will help you stay grounded, feel a little less alone, and a little bit more together.
(00:41)
Hey everybody, I'm excited to introduce this episode to you. I spoke with Elle Latiatco a few months ago and I'm finally getting to share her amazing creativity where she's taken a passion and an interest in sustainability and makes something new, um, apparel and fashion for other people. One of the aspects that she loves the most is when she gets community feedback at markets where she sells her clothing or she makes custom items for clients. And it reminded me of a conversation I just had about this podcast with a friend of mine who was asking me sort of how this happens. What are the logistics of making a podcast? Am I making money doing this? And it is an investment. I could be maybe donating money to charities and other pursuits. However, I feel like this work of sharing ideas broadly with you, the listeners, is something that's really fulfilling and it helps me to think differently about my life and hopefully it does for you as well.
(01:46)
So I have a favor in the interest of getting community feedback, please leave a rating or review in Apple Podcast or Spotify or Stitcher or wherever you listen to this podcast and let me know what you think. I would love to find out or you can DM me on Instagram at underscore s skr U S e and tell me what you're loving, what you wish you could hear more of and how I can do a better job of sharing this broadly. Thanks in advance and enjoy the episode. Welcome Elle. So happy to have you here.
Elle Litiatco (02:23):
Good morning. Hi everyone. I'm so excited to be here today.
Stephanie Kruse (02:27):
Yay. So Elle is a Filipino American designer and founder of ELLERALI. It's a fashion brand with mission to recreate the created by upcycling fabric to reduce textile waste with a degree in marine biology. Elle grew a deep connection with the ocean and environment. Our daily actions affect contributor textile states. Elle wants to show that fashion can be comfortable, functional and environmentally responsible. Upcycling never looks so fly. I love that tagline. <laugh>. As someone who has worked for retailers, worked in the fashion industry, I know the particular challenge of all the production cycles, supply chain issues and transportation logistics that make clothing and textile waste such an issue before we even see it come to the store. So wanna hear how does one go from marine text textile waste?
Elle Litiatco (03:40):
Oh gosh, what a journey it's been. My mom used to sew when I was younger and so just kinda watching her make our clothes I thought was really cool. And you know, working in marine biology, just talking to people and telling them what was happening into our environment, it was just so crazy to me how unaware we were of the amount of trash we were producing every single day. And I got a sewing machine my mom sent me and I was living in Hawaii at that time and I started sewing curtains, and bed sheets, and pretty much anything that I found around the house. And one day I was walking around with some pants I had made from curtains and someone asked, what are you wearing? Do you make more? And I was like, oh, you know, I never thought about that <laugh>. I became a hoarder of other people's clothes, which I thought was really crazy.
(04:27)
And I fell love with the coolest graphics. Like I was getting these really cool shirts that had these amazing graphics and I was like, I can't believe these are going to get thrown out. I can't believe it's gonna be in the landfill. How can I make something that's, you know, multifunctional, reversible, has pockets, is unique, all the things, zero waste. And that's kinda how the fly dress came about. And I fell in love with having conversation through what I was wearing and I wasn't seeing anything like that happening. The fashion industry at when I would Google up, it was so brand and it looked very DIY and not anything I would wear. And so, you know, I've been in this for about five years now and to just see how the industry has totally pivoted into sustainability is so amazing and I'm so happy to be in this space right now.
Stephanie Kruse (05:17):
So speaking of right now, years into this, this, where are you in your life right now in the bigger picture?
Elle Litiatco (05:27):
You know, like I said, entrepreneurship and the fashion industry is a wild journey. Uh, <laugh> hitting my five years, you know, I'm really seeing the fruit of this business come into life. And it's really crazy cuz when you think about planting a tree like an avocado tree or a mango tree takes five years for to produce fruit. And so the exciting thing is now tomorrow I will be on a TV show. Oh yeah. So it's called upcycle and that's very exciting. So we'll see how that comes out. So that's really big being part of that upcycle show. And then I also received this amazing opportunity working with this company called Serenity. It's a mentorship program. They are really giving us the amazingness of being connected to so many mentors in the fashion industry, teaching us in sustainability, production, manufacturing, finances. Mm-hmm <affirmative>. This really was something that I really was seeking and praying about because a lot of the times, you know, I get the opportunities to work with other mentors in the fashion industry, but to have one that's specifically focused on sustainable fashion is really what I was looking for. So to have that align and come into place and then having these other opportunities with the show, I really do feel like this year or like within the next few months I am going to soar. And so it's definitely been a lot of labor of love since then and I'm really looking to spreading the mission even more. This is really an exciting time and then I get to be here with you and share my story. So thank you so much for having me. So I really seeing it happen,
Stephanie Kruse (07:08):
I'm so glad to have you and the fruits of your labor literally coming out this year, which is gotta be so fulfilling. You know, you recounted the story of how people saw what you were wearing, what you had made and said, oh that's super cool where you know, do you sell that? And we hear a lot of these kinda stories, this like sort of accidental entrepreneur story, but I don't think it's any that passion your own and ended up expressing yourself through that at the same time. It's very different in actually running a business based on that. So when you think about, oh my gosh, this is a huge goal, right, to attack this problem, are there times that you get overwhelmed by that? And how do you move forward? What drives you to kinda keep going if you have those moments?
Elle Litiatco (08:02):
Yeah, Stephanie, every single day I go through that
Stephanie Kruse (08:05):
<laugh>,
Elle Litiatco (08:06):
I'm like, girl, you're crazy. What are you doing? You know, it's a constant battle. It's been a long journey for me to one, just figure out how to be present. I think so often we think about the future and the past and we're multitasking a thousand things at the same time. And for a moment there I thought like, well this is just me. Like I am just an anxious person. I just like to be always thriving and hitting goals and you know, just feeling this way. And I started really honing into like meditation and spirituality books in packing my car or brushing my teeth or sewing this item. I realized that I was still gonna get shit done at the end of the day, you know, everything is gonna still fall into play. So that was lifechanging for me to realize that I at peace and still get things done instead of like, I had to always be anxious and in a rush to get things done because that became, that pattern for a while was meeting.
(09:19)
Like I had to feel this way in order for me to be the bitch boss that I was, but what if we just still were the big boss we were, but we're at peace at the same time. Mm-hmm. <affirmative>. And so there was a lot of mindfulness and practice that came into that. And I still will continue to tell myself that when I'm brushing my teeth and thinking about the hundred things that I have to be doing, I'm like, what you doing? And I'm like, oh, I'm brushing my teeth. Ok, let's brush, you know, schedule time and my calendar to think about that meeting tomorrow or that I have to. It's just being super aware and just snapping yourself back to reality or the present when you see your mind focus into other things that might give you anxiety or make you feel less of a person or whatever you feel at that moment that's uncomfortable.
Stephanie Kruse (10:11):
Yeah, I think, you know, our to-do can own us, right? Mindlessly, as you just pointed out, you know, it can just be all about the next goal. You know, the shirt you're making, the meeting you're gonna, as you said, and that awareness actually takes a lot of intention and it sounds like something you learned, right? That it wasn't something you always knew. Was there an inflection point where you had to kinda figure this out for yourself? What led you to wanna get to a new understanding of how to be ambitious and peaceful?
Elle Litiatco (10:47):
I was just tired of myself. I was tired of, you know, feeling this way, feeling uncomfortable, doubting myself because I definitely knew that was the path I was meant to be. I think, you know, the universe has definitely put me in positions and given me so many blessings through this that I know that I'm on the right path. But you know, there are definitely moments where I'm like, girl, you need to stop or do something else. And I didn't like it. And so I was really seeking how can I finish this collection and not have my heart beating a thousand miles per hour. And you know, being a solopreneur pretty much me being in studio a lot, you have a lot of time to just listen to things, watch things. And so I really just started putting motivational, speaking into my ears, listening to a lot of different people and just having their words and their affirmations just kind be in me as I'm sewing.
(11:42)
And I realized how calming that was and how I can make a shirt now and not even worry about the time and still get it and listen to something that was peaceful. So it was more of like seeking it first. Like I knew that something wasn't ok. Mm-hmm. <affirmative> and two, just really trying something different and practicing it. So yeah, I think you're right. When you think about where you are in your life, like what's your intention? Like how do you want to feel? How do you wanna live and really figure out these little pieces in our lives that can move us there. And of course it doesn't happen over time. I think it took me about two years to finally be like, oh this is it. Like this is now part of me and not something that I'm trying to force myself into or push myself towards. There is something that I do wanna share. I have a bunch of vision, as you can see in my background. I have a bunch of vision boards, a bunch of quotes. Okay. It says first it is an intention, then a behavior, then a habit, then a practice, then it's second nature, then it is simply who you are.
Stephanie Kruse (12:51):
Yes.
Elle Litiatco (12:52):
So it, it first comes with intention and then just building yourself up to then after just it being who youre, and so I wanna be this calm, peaceful person but still be a boss bitch on the side. You know what I mean?!
Stephanie Kruse (13:07):
Sounds like one thing you're talking about too, like you brought up that word boss bitch, which you know, that word has gotten some blow back lately, right?
Elle Litiatco (13:16):
Mm-hmm.
Stephanie Kruse (13:16):
<affirmative>. But I think the intention of it is, you know, owning your confidence, right? Right. And owning your leadership. But I think one of the things that you mentioned was not just performing that role that yes we all, you know, the fake it till you make it idea is sort of one way to do it, but the fake it part is still there. And what you're talking about is how to integrate all these ways of thinking and practicing and being to where it's core to who you are. Right. With respect to your business. Does that translate into how you operate ELLERALI as well?
Elle Litiatco (13:59):
So everything in ELLERALI, I try my best to be zero waste. And I think especially in the fashion industry, I had told myself and I was scared in the beginning that like I was gonna sell out in a way. You know, I was like, I feel like when I talk to other mentors or like, well you know, if you do it this way, this would save you so much more time. Or if you just used regular fabric or bought it like this way, it would be so much easier. And there were so many times where I felt like, ugh, that would be easier. But is that going towards my values as a sustainable fashion designer or an upcycle designer.
Elle Litiatco (14:36):
And before even getting into that upcycle competition that I did prior to that, I was interviewed to be in another competition show and I remember thinking like, oh man, is this going towards my values? Like even though this would be really, really great to do, I'd be using new fabric. What's gonna happen to this fabric once it's done? And really what am I showcasing? You know, what's my intention in this? And it was so hard for me to say no to that because that was the first interview that I had. And then I said, you know, if you guys ever decide to have an upcycled show, like hit me up. I'm your girl. And a few months later another broadcast did the upcycled show.
Stephanie Kruse (15:18):
Oh, interesting.
Elle Litiatco (15:19):
Right. It's like really sticking to who you are and what you believe in and really watching it enter your space. And I think that was so important is even through, you know, again, I've been doing this for five years, I've been put in positions where I do want to just give in and work for that company or maybe like not have it as sustainable as I would like it to be. But I've definitely stuck through my vision and I think marine biology really helped me do that. You know, having that as my foundation and realizing that's why I started in the first place, uh, really keeps me grounded in sustainability, which I absolutely love
Stephanie Kruse (16:00):
In my corporate life. A lot of times we would wanna know what customers who were purchasing clothing thought right, about social responsibility and how important was it that the pieces of clothing that they were buying were made from recycled materials, right. Or that they were made in factories where worker conditions were fair and equitable. And there was always this question of yes, that may be important to them, but does it actually change their behavior?
Elle Litiatco (16:33):
Mm.
Stephanie Kruse (16:34):
This is, you know, probably more like 10 years ago now and now we're at five years of your journey and certainly the information we're getting about what's happening to our climate, the pace of it accelerating is and accept we're all getting. So what have you seen happen from sort of where you started and how people were responding to you to the interest level? I mean obviously you're going on television and showcasing your work, so that's paying, but even personally in your life or your relationships, how has it changed?
Elle Litiatco (17:14):
It's changed dramatically. I feel like when I was first starting, nobody was like, I wouldn't buy clothes. They thought it was like gross or why would I do that? And then they really didn't. I think that was when the whole straw stuff was happening, when people were like, you know, don't use straw.
Stephanie Kruse (17:30):
Yes.
Elle Litiatco (17:31):
That was when all that was happening. And so it was there but nobody really cared so much about it or it definitely didn't spark a lot of attention. And I think what's changed, it really is it's everywhere now.
(17:47)
Everyone's talking about it. Like even the fashion, fashion industries, we talk about greenwashing a lot where you, they're starting to have like a conscious collection. Um, you know, social media has really grown so much when it talks about TikTok and people like upcycling and changing their clothes or you know, even the pandemic feel like the, we actually had time to like learn and watch things mm-hmm. <affirmative> and then take up hobbies and start new businesses. And so I've really seen one people more open and wanting to make more conscious decisions. And of course with climate change being around people really want to make a difference but they just don't know how. And you know, is upcycling going to change the world in the way that we probably want? Probably not, you know, when you think about everything that's happening. But I think a step forward is definitely what it's doing and to raise consciousness.
(18:40)
And I used to say like, upcycling probably isn't gonna change the world, but if I can inspire someone to invent the next thing that's gonna do that than I did my purpose. And so I think it's more of just the inspiration that comes from it and really getting the younger generation or even like anybody to really just think how can we make this world a better place? And so that's kinda what I just hope to do is just to inspire someone to really become conscious and really think about things and, and if they're the ones that can start something that can be lifechanging, hey I'm all about it. You know,
Stephanie Kruse (19:19):
One of the things that I hear of or you know, see entrepreneurship journey or journey sometimes is that it's just me all by myself trying to do this work. Right. How do you congregate a group of people that are your support system? Who do you use? How do you do that to help you feel a little less alone in your purpose and in your work?
Elle Litiatco (19:48):
Well, not only am I part of different communities of people, if they're like, you know, the sustainable community, the upcycling community, small business community, women community, bipo community, you know, like it's so great to kinda have that community to support you in whatever way you need. But what I've also really enjoyed is doing markets. I think me putting myself out there and coming into the community and doing these local markets has really given me the authenticity and the conversation to just speak one-on-one with people and hear their story and share my story. And you know, a lot of people will come to me and they don't really know what upcycling is, but maybe you know, they're attracted to the, or maybe they're attracted because it's upcycling. There's so many different ways that people will come into my booth. But I think what's really great is I specialize in custom, so I kinda use my clothes or my space to be like, I'm gonna attract you, but really what I want you do in your own, find the t-shirts that have a or a stain or maybe it doesn't fit you right.
(20:51)
And let's recreate them into something. Mm-hmm. <affirmative>. And so I to do those custom what's, and then I'm able to create a piece outta it and then they'll have it and they'll love it so much more. And so it's really being able one to like just talk to people about what's happening and then to have them more conscious of it. So that's a community that I really like. I really enjoy the market community because it's people that are just randomly walking and then they're like, oh, what are you doing? And then you're really able to have that conversation. Um, another company, which is also one of my fruits that I've been able to pull or to grab is Im part of the All good collective of All Birds, which is a shoe company and I've been with them for about two months now. And what's amazing about that is they're really giving small businesses a platform to showcase their work and it's all sustainable brands.
(21:54)
So they're working with all sustainable small businesses. So what I think about that is like, gosh, how amazing it is to kind show more of a circular community when it's not just shoes but it's clothes, fitness, it's food. And to be using a platform as big as Allbirds to pretty much showcase your stuff. So I've been popping up in Allbirds, you know, in San Francisco, in la, I'm gonna Seattle next week and having like a rack of just my stuff where I can just, you know, use their platform and their audience to also showcase my stuff. So when I think about examples of companies really uplifting small business, like is doing a great job of on in showcase our stuff,
Stephanie Kruse (22:35):
That's amazing. I love not only that they're entrepreneurs like yourself. One of the things that you said too, which struck me cause professionally always been into kinda market research and customer feedback for clients and it's always really difficult when companies get large to stay in touch with their customers and what you were describing at the market that you're getting realtime feedback and input and understanding what potential customers for L will need, what they want, what they like, what they don't like, what else they might have tried. And the other thing that was interesting was that idea of sentimentality, that if there's something they love, they can keep it. And so I like other areas in your life where you naturally done yourself. I, how do you think about that with fashion and how we express ourselves? What have you learned doing this?
Elle Litiatco (23:53):
I think one, you're gonna meet so many people with so many different styles and aesthetics and I feel like every piece I make is made for someone obviously. And I think what's really special about doing the markets is when they try on the clothes, oh my gosh, like I'm gonna miss this moment in time of like watching someone put on an outfit and like, oh my God, that was made for you. And they are just, so I do this thing where I film them and I'm like, I'm like ready work it and then they dance and then they around in it and I just, you know, highlighting that exact moment in where they go from like, I dunno, that's to like, oh my God, I love this so much I have to it. And just kind also seeing how people style the clothes. You know, some people will wear it in heel, some people will wear it in sneakers, some people will put jeans on it.
(24:49)
So it's just so great to be at that moment in time where I'm actually able, like you said, to get realtime feedback. Mm-hmm. Experience expression. You're right. When I get, I'm not gonna have moments where I'm gonna see when somebody gets their first purchase or join the ELLERALI gang. You know, I say all the time like, welcome to the ELLERALI Gang. And you know, now I have customers who have a freaking collection of ELLERALI in their closet and I'm just floored to know that somebody has like 10 pieces. I just did a photo shoot on Thursday and one of the models I asked her to be a model because she has like about 10 pieces and I'm like, girl, I made this brand for you. Like let's do a shoot. You're the epitome of the brand. And so I think, you know, style is so different and it's different for so many people.
(25:37)
And I think, you know, clothes really one, change your mood. You know, you can have a bad day, but wear the baddest outfit, all of a sudden you'll get all these compliments and you're gonna feel like on top of the world, you know? And mm-hmm <affirmative>, it really does something to an individual. It's crazy. It's crazy how what you wear can really change how you feel about yourself, your mood change, somebody else's mood. Somebody you can wear something and someone all of a sudden be like, wow, I love what you're wearing, I want that. And it can change. Then they'll have conversation with you and then you might brighten up their day. And so it's so crazy how like things can alter you completely by just, you know, what you wear or what you say or a smile on your face. Like we really reflect towards other people and I think that's so interesting when I talk about it out loud,
Stephanie Kruse (26:31):
<laugh>. Yeah, it's true. I mean, and there's some of those cliches of like for the job want or those kinda ideas but do into not only a reflection of each other but a reflection of our inner selves that we're able express by what we wear. And in particular when customers are working with you, your brand and they're reimagining items of clothing into something express themselves, that's like such a wonderful journey in and of itself. So I hope you get big enough where <laugh>, you might miss some those, but you'll find a way to them I'm sure. So just a sort of slightly different question as you were talking popped into my mind about comparison, a lot of times maybe we're working on a goal, we feel really authentic and we look out in the world and we see other people either wearing a better outfit than we have on or killing it in their business in a way that we wanna, or you know, maybe it's that day we're not feeling so great inside. How do you deal with that and what perspective do you put on the idea of how to maybe not let comparison get you or sometimes maybe it does?
Elle Litiatco (27:50):
Stephanie, that's a great question. Well, first comparison is the thief of joy. I say that to myself all of the time because I have that issue for sure. Like when I see other upcycle designers where we started together and now they're at this level and I'm just watching them blow up and I'm like waiting, like when's my turn? You know, I feel like social media and social media is a very love and hate relationship. I understand why it's important for the business, but I can't, I can't do it. I know where stands and I know my gifts and my talents, but once I go on social media and I see everything that's happening, I can't help but feel like I'm behind. Like I need to do more. I reach out person or product doing all over everybody else's success or what they're doing versus focusing on mine.
(28:45)
And so again, I just have to continue. Journal writing is really helpful for me. Also, my boards and my vision boards are really important to me. And it's again, just being grateful for where you are. And also I'm really trying to be happy for people in their growth and their success because I can do that for other people. But once it comes into like the same people that are in the same business as me, that's when I'm like, ah, like where am I? You know? Yeah. Yeah. So I have to remember that there's so much space for all of us to succeed. There's so much space for all of us to be in a higher level and if we just continue to compare ourselves or make ourselves feel lower, what are we reflecting? What kinda energy is that bringing into you? And so yeah, I definitely think one of the things in this life that we really need to work on is like perspective.
(29:35)
And they always talk about like changing your mindset. Ooh, that is so real. Like every morning I'll do my intentions and I'll literally listen to every single motivational speaker, you know, like <laugh>, just to help me feel like everything's okay, I know what I'm doing. Or you know, character is super important, all these things. But it's so hard to not compare yourself. And so when you do see yourself comparing yourself, like again snap yourself back and be like, I'm so happy for them. I wish them the best. You know, I hope they succeed more. And also I'm preparing myself for that level that I receive when the time is right. And that's what I think, like I think I'm preparing myself, the universe or God gave me the fruits of ELLERALI in day one. You know, like in year one, I probably would've succumbed to horrible things in the business.
(30:29)
It probably wouldn't have been sustainable. And so I have to remember that my goal in this is longevity is sustainability in the long term is peace, is character development, is to be a boss leader, you know, to do all these things. But you can't do that from day one. That all takes time. And if I'm not seeing the fruit yet, maybe it's because I'm not ready yet and that's ok. I still got a lot more to learn. But when that time comes, oh boy will I be ready? And so I think right now, year five, as I'm getting this TV show, as I'm getting all birds, as I got this gra, I really do feel like the universe is all like, ok girl, you ready? Like you ready to soar here? It's take it, you know?
Stephanie Kruse (31:11):
Mm-hmm. <affirmative> to understand how aligned you can be with your purpose and live in that and how that feels in your body. Yeah. You know, is a gift in and of itself. Whatever you do in your life, you're taking that practice everywhere. And I think one other thing you said, which I loved was we can plant more trees. It's not like there's bear plant, the can squeeze in, we can make room. It doesn't have to just be, it's either me or you. Right.
Elle Litiatco (31:46):
Right.
Stephanie Kruse (31:47):
And so that's what me, as you were talking, I was like, oh yes, we all is. So especially women's scarcity, opportunity for and Right, right.
Elle Litiatco (32:03):
Yeah. It's just the energy. Like if we cheer people off, they're just gonna cheer for us.
Stephanie Kruse (32:08):
It's
Elle Litiatco (32:08):
Totally a collective thing.
Stephanie Kruse (32:10):
Oh my god. I can talk about this forever, but I think we're gonna come to last question, which is actually my favorite because its my purpose and good for now podcast and why I'm here, which is when you hear the phrase it's good enough for now, what does that evoke for you?
Elle Litiatco (32:31):
I feel like everything is temporary. You know, I think when you think about anxiousness and uncomfortable and being put in positions that might either be exciting or be the opposite or fearful, I think we should just be in that moment and allow that to happen. And I think, you know, when you think about it's good enough for now, we get so stuck, like possibility of like, no, I want it to be better. And you never get things done. Cause this perfectionist thing of it, of like, gosh, I have to have it perfect and this is something that I'm facing right now. I'm this reel. I'm
(33:10)
Like's constantly my don't wanna post it. So then it's a con like every day I don't do it, it's draining on me even more. But really I think we have to realize like it's good enough for now and just let it happen. And then as next opportunity comes, you know, it's get better, but post it still and then you, you learn from it, right? Constantly are uh, debilitating ourselves or not letting things happen because we're not ready, we're uncomfortable, we're fearful, then we're never gonna realize the amazingness of what's to come forward in that if we don't ever try. Yeah. So I think it's good enough for now is so important because it allows us to move forward and spaces that maybe we wouldn't feel comfortable in. And I love that. I feel like I need to write that on my board. It's good enough for now. I don't want anyone to ever feel like they can't move forward in their life because they're not ready. Like we'll figure that out when that time comes, but at least you're taking that step forward and you get to see some sort of light, you know, you get to see some sort of progress, you get to taste a little bit of your fruit, but if we're constantly just holding back and never moving forward, then we're missing out on amazing opportunities. So it's good enough for now. And I think that's so important to remember.
Stephanie Kruse (34:35):
Thank you for that. I cannot wait to cheer you on and can't so is so exciting. So tell listeners where they can find you.
Elle Litiatco (34:44):
Yeah, you can find me. My name is ELLERALI on all social media platforms. Instagram is pretty much the one that I use, so it's ELLERALI, you can find my clothes on my website and you can catch me on Fuse TV, Upcycle Nation, ahhhh!
Stephanie Kruse (35:02):
<laugh>, thank you so much for joining me. Please share the show with your friends by word of mouth, send them a text and baby leave a rating and review. It really helps people find good enough. For now, don't forget to also follow on your favorite podcast player like Apple or Spotify so you can get new shows automatically each time they're released. You'll find show notes at good enough for now, pod.com and you can connect on Instagram at good enough for now pod. See you next time.
