Black Orthodox fashion designer Elisheva Rishon launched her company Eli7 Designs on February 9, 2019.  

Raised in Brooklyn by an Orthodox family, Rishon grew up lacking recognition for her full self. Facing considerable ostracization and isolation as a Black Jew, she gravitated towards the arts to cope with feelings of shame. She originally used fashion to draw attention to her style instead of her skin color, but today she embraces both and views fashion as a form of self-expression.  

As a child, Rishon was unquestioningly religious; today, her practice is more relaxed and personal. She believes being Jewish means “building your own special connection with Hashem [God], connecting with Jewish culture on your own terms, and being a light to the world.” 

Not finding art expressing her passions and personal story, Rishon began to formulate her own brand. She launched Eli7 Designs at a low point in her life, wanting something positive to emerge from her struggle. Her sweatshop-free apparel encourages customers to embrace their identities; she uses meaningful sayings, unique art, and color theory to evoke particular emotions. Many sayings are in Hebrew, which Rishon views as essential to her Jewish identity.  

As a content creator and designer, Rishon is dedicated to an approach that celebrates joy while acknowledging trauma. She believes that her brand has created space to combat antiblackness and antisemitism, build Black/Jewish unity, and encourage healing. She enjoys connecting with customers about their various journeys.  

Eli7 Designs has also faced challenges. Rishon tried to protect the brand when it first launched, using non-Black models and excluding an “about me” on the website. When she revealed herself—a Black woman—as the owner, people canceled orders and collaborations, accused her of appropriating Judaism, and unfollowed the brand’s Instagram. She almost closed Eli7 Designs many times as she dealt with this hatred, but reminders of the project’s meaning kept her determined.  

Sources:

Abel, Alex. “Turning Pain Into Activism and Style with Elisheva Rishon.” Chai on Life, May 31, 2021. https://chaionlifemag.com/turning-pain-into-activism-and-style-with-elisheva-rishon-of-eli7-designs/. 

“About The Brand.” Eli7Designs. Accessed November 11, 2023. https://eli7designs.com/pages/all-about-our-brand. 

Albert, Maddy. “Meet the Black Modern Orthodox Woman Selling Empowering Jewish Apparel.” Hey Alma, June 23, 2020. https://www.heyalma.com/meet-the-black-modern-orthodox-woman-selling-empowering-jewish-apparel/. 

“Conversations with Elisheva Rishon.” Voyage LA, December 21, 2022. https://voyagela.com/interview/conversations-with-elisheva-rishon/. 

“Meet Elisheva Rishon | A Creative: An Artist, Writer, Speaker, Activist & Designer.” Shoutout LA, June 12, 2023. https://shoutoutla.com/meet-elisheva-rison-a-creative-an-artist-writer-speaker-activist-designer/. 

Rubinstein, Tobi. “Black, Jewish and Fabulous.” Queens Jewish Link, July 15, 2020. https://www.queensjewishlink.com/index.php/style-living/60-the-house-of-faith-n-fashion/2901-black-jewish-and-fabulous.