Meet Eileen Hayman | Entrepreneur and Biotech Research

We had the good fortune of connecting with Eileen Hayman and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Eileen, what role has risk played in your life or career?
For me, risk-taking has always been a signal of potential. I’ve come to embrace that feeling of being uncomfortable because, to me, it means I’m about to do something big-something that could lead to real innovation and growth. Risks have played a huge role in my life and career, especially in launching ELY the Label. Juggling a full-time job in biotech, where I was comfortable, and adding in a completely different industry felt like a huge leap. I had to accept that there were no guarantees and investing the money I earned from biotech into my business was a massive risk, but l believed in what I was building. There was a lot of uncertainty-whether ELY the Label would succeed, whether I could navigate the fashion industry without a formal background in it, and whether I could balance a full-time job with building a business from the ground up. I’ve learned that without risk, there’s no real reward, and I’d rather bet on myself than wonder “what if?”. The key is to weigh the risks carefully, plan as much as possible, and then trust yourself to handle whatever comes your way.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’ve always had a strong artistic and creative side from a young age, and my love for clothes and fashion has been a significant part of that. I find it fascinating that there are billions of people in the world, each drawn to different styles, colors, and patterns. This diversity allows individuals to express themselves uniquely and creatively through fashion, which is a really cool way to unite people. Just a simple compliment like, “I love your pants” or “I love your shirt” can create connections and spark conversations between people. It’s very exciting to play a role in that kind of unification with ELY the Label.

My art with ELY is all about combining street style with chic, aesthetic everyday pieces. What sets ELY the Label apart is the versatile designs that empower women to feel confident, stylish, and comfortable in any setting-from sports games to nights out. We’re committed to evolving the brand while staying true to our blend of edgy style and clean, minimalist sophistication.

Getting to where I am today
professionally has been a journey filled with challenges. Coming from a biotech background and entering the fashion industry was completely new territory for me. It hasn’t been easy, especially while still balancing a full-time job in biotech. It’s not just about designing clothes; there’s a lot of work involved in understanding legal restrictions, sourcing quality materials, managing production timelines, and navigating marketing challenges. That’s something many people don’t see when they think of the fashion industry-it’s a creative field, but it’s also heavily influenced by practical, technical, and legal considerations. I overcame these challenges by committing to continuous learning. l spent hours watching Youtube, researching business legalities, taking online courses, attending industry events, and networking with people in the fashion world. This commitment to education gave me the knowledge and skills I needed to successfully launch and manage ELY the Label.

The biggest lesson l’ve learned along the way is to embrace discomfort and avoid comparisons. When you’re pushing yourself to grow, there will always be moments of doubt or uncertainty, but those are the moments when you’re evolving. In industries like fashion, it’s easy to get caught up in comparing your company’s progress or success with others. Whenever I catch myself starting to measure my success against others, I shut the thought down and remind myself that someone else’s path isn’t meant for me. By avoiding comparison, I can celebrate my own progress, stay true to my vision, and not let outside pressures diminish my sense of achievement or joy.
What I want the world to know about ELY the Label is that it’s more than just clothes—it’s a brand rooted in empowerment, authenticity, and creativity. My brand is here to inspire women to express themselves confidently, to embrace their individuality, and to feel good in everything they wear. I’ve poured my heart and soul into building something that I hope will uplift women and foster a sense of community and belonging.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’m a total foodie who loves an aesthetic vibe and dressing up to go out. I’m not a big bar person; instead, I enjoy upscale happy hours and lounge bars, especially speakeasies. If my best friend visited, we’d definitely hop around Little Italy, starting at Barbusa for delicious drinks and food, then maybe head to Nolita Hall or Kettner Exchange. Maybe head to Altitude sky lounge overlooking Petco Park for a good view. Cesarina is another one of my favorites for Italian food in Point Loma! I also love the vibe and incredible food at Lillian’s in Rancho Santa Fe, which is closer to me now in North County. Walking around Coronado is a must-it’s such a beautiful, quiet town, perfect for strolling along the beach. If they haven’t been to San Diego before, l’d take them to Torrey Pines for coastal hiking around views, Sunset Cliffs for breathtaking sunsets, see the seals in La Jolla, or visit Cabrillo National Monument for stunning views of San Diego.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Authenticity and a strong support system are such powerful drivers of success. Staying true to your vision and surrounding yourself with people who uplift and believe in you really makes a difference. It creates a foundation that allows you to push through challenges and continue growing. My family-my mom, dad, sister, and brother-along with my friends, have been my biggest supporters. They are genuinely proud of me, and their support gives me the extra drive to pursue this new career path. My journey wouldn’t be the same without my amazing hype team by my side, and they deserve as much credit for my progress as I do!

Website: https://www.elythelabel.com

Instagram: @elythelabel

Facebook: ELY the Label