From Idea to Icon: How Elliot Sayles Built ‘Mane’ Into a Memphis Movement

 “Don’t be topic or event-driven — be thought and idea-driven.” — Elliott Sayles

In this inspiring episode of The Journey, host Larry Robinson sits down with Elliott Sayles, the visionary behind the Mane T-Shirt, a Memphis-born cultural brand celebrating identity, creativity, and local pride.

From East Cleveland to California to Memphis, Elliott’s story is a powerful reminder that creativity, faith, and authenticity can turn a single idea into a movement. A designer, thinker, and spiritual entrepreneur, Elliott shares how he transformed a simple Memphis slang word into a meaningful symbol of community and belonging.

In this episode, Elliott opens up about:

• How he discovered his gift as a creator and idea generator

• The journey from Cleveland to Memphis, and how the city “crashed” his world in the best way

• The prayer and inspiration behind Mane and how it became a brand

• What intellectual property means and why ownership matters

• His advice for dreamers: face what scares you and pursue your ideas fearlessly

• How being a “girl dad” changed his perspective on life and leadership

Elliott Sayles reminds us that success begins with identity and intention. When you create from who you are, not what’s trending.