Actions speak louder than words. This commonly used phrase especially rings true to Forward Sebastian Elney, who in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic created his own clothing line called “Serendipity”. Ideas had been circulating for years, but with ample time to create his own brand from the ground up during the offseason, Elney went to work and achieved his goal of releasing a collection before his 24th birthday.
A new signee with the Athletic in February, Elney seeked to make an immediate impact on the field with his new teammates while making “business moves” outside of playing. He turned to fashion, an interest that sparked to new heights in the months leading up to his third season playing professionally.
“[Creating my own brand] is something that I've wanted to do for a while”, Elney said. “Even dating back to college, I was really passionate about creating my own clothing line and being able to have that creative outlet to lay out different designs, different meanings, and feedback from others. And so this year, in my third season of professional soccer, I had the opportunity to actually go about doing it. I just took that leap and I’ve really enjoyed the process.”
It wasn’t an easy task, but the former Maryland Terrapin impressively created his line by himself and with no other official collaborators. He was always infatuated with the fashion industry's hottest trends but until now never let his own imagination come to life.
Elney’s first collection was dropped on June 26, consisting of two t-shirts, a sweater, and a sweatshirt. He is seen modeling his clothing items on his brand’s website and Instagram page. While playing soccer is his top priority, balancing his entrepreneurship obligations hasn’t been an issue while also being in charge of promoting his products on multiple platforms.
“The creative process is just me believe it or not”, Elney said. “I'm outsourcing the different jobs I need all the time. Whether it be social media, or actual manufacturing, it's kind of all been outsourced. I’m the creative director behind everything.”
The name of his clothing line, “Serendipity” surprisingly came quite easily to Elney, and his message to all who come across his brand is spreading positivity to those who are struggling. “Serendipity to me, if I break down the definition, represents stumbling upon happiness,” Elney said. “I think you go upon doing that by taking things day by day and trying to get the most out of each day. Stay patient, and always be positive.”
The most popular design to buyers has been the acid wash black crewneck that has splotches of light brown and the word “Serendipity” printed in white across the middle. The sweater is handmade and hand bleached and is selling well on Elney’s website.
“The acid wash sweater has definitely been the fan favorite so far”, Elney said. “My family and friends love it as well.”
In addition to the crewneck, the Athletic’s forward has a black shirt, a white shirt, and a black hooded sweatshirt. His vision for the future is to design more collections and branch out to different clothing items that can be as successful as his first release.
“A second collection is coming out soon”, Elney said. “I’ve been expanding in terms of the different gear that's out there and trying to incorporate those items into the brand. I'm taking it day by day and enjoying the entrepreneurship process while learning from others.”
Elney notched one goal on the young season for Hartford Athletic, against his former team New York Red Bulls II, and has played like a poised veteran up top. He hopes to continue to thrive on the pitch and spread Serendipity’s message of discovering happiness, even in life’s most devastating hardships.
To see more of Elney’s Serendipity collection, visit https://serendipitysent.com/ or the brand’s Instagram page @serendipitysent.
Actions speak louder than words. This commonly used phrase especially rings true to Forward Sebastian Elney, who in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic created his own clothing line called “Serendipity”. Ideas had been circulating for years, but with ample time to create his own brand from the ground up during the offseason, Elney went to work and achieved his goal of releasing a collection before his 24th birthday.
A new signee with the Athletic in February, Elney seeked to make an immediate impact on the field with his new teammates while making “business moves” outside of playing. He turned to fashion, an interest that sparked to new heights in the months leading up to his third season playing professionally.Â
“[Creating my own brand] is something that I’ve wanted to do for a while”, Elney said. “Even dating back to college, I was really passionate about creating my own clothing line and being able to have that creative outlet to lay out different designs, different meanings, and feedback from others. And so this year, in my third season of professional soccer, I had the opportunity to actually go about doing it. I just took that leap and I’ve really enjoyed the process.”
It wasn’t an easy task, but the former Maryland Terrapin impressively created his line by himself and with no other official collaborators. He was always infatuated with the fashion industry’s hottest trends but until now never let his own imagination come to life.  Â
Elney’s first collection was dropped on June 26, consisting of two t-shirts, a sweater, and a sweatshirt. He is seen modeling his clothing items on his brand’s website and Instagram page. While playing soccer is his top priority, balancing his entrepreneurship obligations hasn’t been an issue while also being in charge of promoting his products on multiple platforms.
“The creative process is just me believe it or not”, Elney said. “I’m outsourcing the different jobs I need all the time. Whether it be social media, or actual manufacturing, it’s kind of all been outsourced. I’m the creative director behind everything.”
The name of his clothing line, “Serendipity” surprisingly came quite easily to Elney, and his message to all who come across his brand is spreading positivity to those who are struggling. “Serendipity to me, if I break down the definition, represents stumbling upon happiness,” Elney said. “I think you go upon doing that by taking things day by day and trying to get the most out of each day. Stay patient, and always be positive.”
The most popular design to buyers has been the acid wash black crewneck that has splotches of light brown and the word “Serendipity” printed in white across the middle. The sweater is handmade and hand bleached and is selling well on Elney’s website.
“The acid wash sweater has definitely been the fan favorite so far”, Elney said. “My family and friends love it as well.”
In addition to the crewneck, the Athletic’s forward has a black shirt, a white shirt, and a black hooded sweatshirt. His vision for the future is to design more collections and branch out to different clothing items that can be as successful as his first release.
“A second collection is coming out soon”, Elney said. “I’ve been expanding in terms of the different gear that’s out there and trying to incorporate those items into the brand. I’m taking it day by day and enjoying the entrepreneurship process while learning from others.”
Elney notched one goal on the young season for Hartford Athletic, against his former team New York Red Bulls II, and has played like a poised veteran up top. He hopes to continue to thrive on the pitch and spread Serendipity’s message of discovering happiness, even in life’s most devastating hardships. Â
To see more of Elney’s Serendipity collection, visit https://serendipitysent.com/ or the brand’s Instagram page @serendipitysent.
