Meet Zayah of ARLEN

Today we’d like to introduce you to Zayah

Hi ZAYAH, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My story starts in Cleveland,Ohio. I was born to an ambitious black family that has also fought against the odds. I always have had connection to fashion. For as long as I can remember I have been obsessed with-patterns, styles, self expression through fashion and it carried me into my young adult life. After I graduated high school in 2021 I quickly moved to the fashion capital of America, New York City to expand my career in music & fashion. On my first day of being in New York I hit the ground in fashion model castings, interviews and high fashion brands, and trying to kick my way into the industry. I soon landed great opportunities to work with international brands such as Kendra Scott, Urban Outfitters, EDIKTED, Oak + Fort, Cider, and more. Either working in flagship stores in SOHO or heading the retail expansion and presence for these brands in the USA. That stint ended in 2023 when I made the scary decision to take my own brand ARLEN completely full time and embark on our first brick and mortar store. I went through a rigorous six months of creating a lengthy business plan, touring spaces, and sourcing and merchandising. We ended up choosing Beachwood Place Mall in Cleveland, Ohio. Our Flagship location reigns from the Nordstrom wing of the iconic mall. With our high ceilings and industry level lighting you can truly not ask for a better first store.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
To say it was a smooth ride would be a lie but it was never meant to be a smooth ride! As a young African American male we already face daily adversity but as a young African American CEO in fashion I am part of a less than 1% demographic. I mean I am the youngest store operator in Beachwood Mall history (signing his lease at 20 years old) and that is a great accomplishment but I knew it would come with a level of adversity.However, as people we are known to fight through adversity for what we want and I am the king of doing something that has never been done before. I also claim it as my duty to push through the struggles to be able to open the door for the young innovators coming after me to having a smoother ride. So with all the adversity I believe this brand is worth it. What I am creating is keeping me motivated day by day. Our collections keep me motivated day by day. Our team keeps me motivated day by day.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about ARLEN?
ARLEN is a multi label retailer bringing the most sought after brands and vintage designer items direct to the consumer simultaneously with placing a spotlight on new emerging brands. Making fashion retail more sustainable,obtainable, and sensational. Cultivating a in person & online retail experience like no other. Arlen is an oath to fashion. Currently ARLEN has 1 store in operation at Beachwood Place Mall in Cleveland,OH and our second store is opening at Grove City Outlets in Grove City,PA in September 2024 (The store is SO COOL honestly you have to check it out). Arlen is also shop-able online worldwide. ARLEN truly is a brand for the people and for the planet. We continue to expand our philanthropic and sustainability efforts daily.

Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
I think the most surprising thing people would know is that I am not a super geek of fashion and I never want to be considered a gate keeper of fashion. I have a passion for the art and world of fashion and I hold it very dear to my heart but I don’t take it too serious. I think we can sometimes make fashion too aggressive and serious and judge people for their fashion but I just am not like that. It’s just clothes. Everyone relax. Have fun. Get fly!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Arlenretail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arlenretail/