The Interview — Ali Mejia, Co-Founder & Creative Director of Eberjey
Born in El Salvador and raised in Florida, Ali Mejia developed a love of lingerie and sleepwear from her mother who had drawers full of exquisite European lingerie. She was mesmerized by the intricate details and vowed to someday make beautiful underpinnings. Exhibiting a strong entrepreneurial inclination from a young age, Mejia was a born “idea girl” always dreaming up ideas to bring to market. She was given the opportunity to bring one of her longtime visions to fruition upon meeting her now business partner, Mariela Rovito. Rovito complemented her in every way and together, the power team created Eberjey. Over twenty years later, the Miami-based intimates and swimwear brand is adored worldwide, an achievement far surpassing the duo’s wildest dreams. Don't forget to follow Ali on Instagram!
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If you weren’t [insert career], you’d be a [fill in the blank]:
If I weren't a lingerie designer, I'd be either a nutrition/food entrepreneur or a social entrepreneur working with artisans in Latin America.
What do you love most about your work:
What I love most about my work is that it doesn't feel like work. It encompasses everything from vision building and creating to marketing and strategy. At times, it can be daunting, but I appreciate the stimulation encompassing every aspect of my being that comes with being a creative entrepreneur.
Your most recent culinary discovery and obsession:
My recent culinary discovery is online cooking classes. I have an upcoming one with my cooking guru, Pamela Salzman, who specializes in holistic health.
On Sunday, we’ll find you wearing:
On Sundays, I laze around in my Eberjey PJs for as long as possible. After that, it's usually denim cutoffs and a cotton top or a pretty caftan over a swimsuit.
Your go-to power outfit:
My go-to power outfit is a midi skirt and white button-down with heels. I need to feel comfortable and always opt for a "power outfit" that doesn't feel restricting.
You decompress each day by:
I decompress each day by taking a long warm bath, dancing with my girls and meditating for fifteen minutes right before bed.
The trend you hope never goes out of style:
Sneakers with everything.
Nail color currently on your hands and feet:
My favorite polish for my toes is Zoya in Paz, a bright orange, and for my hands, I prefer to keep it very neutral and clean-looking, such as Zoya in Avery.
The skill or sport you’re dying to learn:
I would like to learn to speak fluent French and Italian and spend my summers practicing with the locals.
One piece of advice you would give your 18-year-old self:
Stay true to yourself, know yourself and listen to your own unique voice. You create the life you want. I love the quote by George Bernard Shaw, “Life isn't about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.”
