Today we’d like to introduce you to Andy Elizaire.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Well, this story really starts back in 2016. I was a recent graduate of the University of Florida and preparing to work my first corporate job. Excited and thrilled to start, I had to make sure that my attire was up to par. I then begin shopping for new shirts, pants, ties, socks in order to have a versatile wardrobe. I shopped at my local stores like Macys and even did some online shopping on Asos and mens warehouse. As my corporate journey began, I realized that I needed more accessories and I lacked the time to buy them due to me constantly traveling for work. I began to browse online and found these men’s accessories subscription box companies. I started to use Sprezza box. It was easy, simple, and cost-efficient. On a monthly basis, I would get a box full of men’s accessories. I did some more research and found more companies that have similar platforms for the common user. I tried a few others as well and they were amazing at the time. Every month, I was surprised with new items, hassle-free.
However, I noticed a problem. Although these boxes were amazing, they did not cater to the African American culture. These boxes were not made with us in mind, our styles, our history. I myself am of Haitian American decent. Our culture and style is very vibrant and rich.
After years two years of research and planning, Suave Lajan was created in 2019. Suave Lajan by definition, means “Smooth Money” in Haitian Creole (French). Our goal and mission is to provide Luxury men accessories with a taste of Afro-Caribbean culture. We provide 4-5 luxury pieces to our subscribers on a monthly basis. We also partner with other small business owners and place their products within our box as well.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
We were founded in November of 2019 and officially launched in February 2020. Now as you can imagine, that was the beginning of Covid19. In doing so, we faced many challenges early on. People were not traveling for work. Everyone turned into remote workers so the need to dress up for work drastically changed. Thus, we started off slower than expected but as things turned around we picked it up.
As you know, we’re big fans of Suave Lajan. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Suave Lajan is an Afro-Caribbean-inspired men’s accessories subscription box. We provide hand-picked luxury items that elevate your swag while informing you about the Afro-Caribbean culture. One month you may get a box with tropical colored accessories and a cigar to educate you on the origin of cigars while getting you ready for your upcoming guys trip.
Each month you can expect to receive 4-5 luxury items. Two items will be major fashion pieces such as a fly tie or a cool pair of socks. The other 2-3 will be items that complement the month’s theme and caters to cultural men (for example, beard oils).
What matters most to you? Why?
The biggest thing that we pride ourselves on is embracing Kings in society. We want our accessories/items to make you feel like the king that you truly are. Whether it is for work, casual, wedding, birthday outings, gala, any type of event, we want you to stand out from the people. So much time in society, Black men are not shown in a positive light. We have a negative connotation associated with our color and race. Our goal is to change that perception, change the narrative and uplift all black men in society.
Pricing:
- $33
- $175.02
- $356.40
Contact Info:
- Email: suavelajan@gmail.com
- Website: www.suavelajan.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suavelajanbox/
Image Credits
@SylveravisionPhotography
