“I grew up in Idaho, surrounded by everything that makes a kid’s heart race—horses, dirt bikes, cowboys, wide-open spaces. From the start, I knew I wasn’t meant to live an ordinary life. That restless energy pushed me to create, blending my love for the outdoors and western culture into a denim line that carried my name, the Lauren Sussi Collection. Inspired by icons like Ralph Lauren but determined to carve my own path, I leaned into authenticity and individuality as my compass.

My journey took an unexpected turn when I enlisted in the U.S. Army, joining the elite paratroopers of the 82nd Airborne Division. I spent years leaping out of airplanes and serving in Eastern Afghanistan—yet even there, creativity called me back. I bought my first industrial sewing machine while deployed and returned home stitching jeans and customizing uniforms for fellow paratroopers.

After the Army, I dove headfirst into fashion school and later joined a retail company in High Point, where I proudly dubbed myself Jeansmith. That’s where I met Austin Elliott, and from day one, we clicked. Around the same time, I launched L Sussi Denim, leaning fully into western-inspired design. That path led me to collaborate with Nashville’s top stylists and create custom pieces for artists like Jelly Roll, Miranda Lambert, Alan Jackson, and Chris Stapleton.

But the real adventure began when Austin and I teamed up to launch El Sussi. Together, we’re merging our experiences, our styles, and our love of storytelling into a brand that’s bold, authentic, and built for people who want something real. With El Sussi, we’re not just making clothes—we’re creating a lifestyle that celebrates freedom, adventure, and individuality.”