Business Spotlight: T31 Elena Carne

by Sabrina Hagler, Editor-In-Chief

T31 is a local women’s apparel business owned and started by Elena Carné. From leggings to work-out tanks, every article of clothing is hand-made in Americus by local workers. The inspiring story of becoming a fashion designer began when she was 15 and living in Venezuela by handcrafting her own bathing suits. Within six years of sewing her first bathing suit, Elena closed her businesses and started over in America. Since her move, Elena has transitioned her business from bathing suits to a women’s apparel line focusing on fostering hope. She donates a portion of all profit to the needy to help women and children create a better life for themselves and their families. With the goal of spreading faith-filled messages of love, hope, and unity through women’s clothing collections, Elena met with The Sou’Wester to talk about her company and how they have provided for our community.

What is T31?

“T31 is a women-owned company dedicated to encouraging others to reach for big dreams, as we reach for our own. T31 also aims to create jobs and opportunity for our community. About our name, T31™ is short for Tepuy31. The T stands for Tepuy, similar to Tepui, which is literally translated to, “House of God”. The number 31 comes from Proverbs 31, a description of a woman of noble character—she is a virtuous, hardworking, faithful, strong woman that we can aspire to be.”

How has T31 provided for the community?“

T31 has been involved with our community in many different ways since we relocated our business from Miami, Florida in 2015. We actually have been working proactively with the GSW marketing Club, and we are part of the GSW Experiential Learning program.

During the pandemic we donated more than 30,000 face masks to our community and different parts of the country, and before I met for this interview I packed 750 facemasks that are going to be donated and distributed to children in need in the Navajo Nation in Arizona.”

Do you have any advice for the students of GSW?

“I firmly believe that you must always be consistent with what you are doing and find joy in it. Be proud of yourself and your work. Through determination, setting goals, God given talents, and personal faith, you can fulfill your dreams.”

T31 is at 502 W Forsyth ST and is open on weekdays from 9-5.