Alex O. Ellis

"We are always in a process of refinement, especially in the school of life." -Alex O. Ellis

Alex Ellis is redefining the meaning of style.  An author, speaker, custom clothier, mentor, and gentleman of integrity and distinction, Ellis is turning heads across the nation through his well-dressed stature and inspirational words.  He has been recently featured on CNN’s “Reclaiming the Dream”, Black Enterprise’s Our World Television Show, The 700 Club, BET and the Steve Harvey Morning Show.  Honored with the distinguished 40-Under-Forty award from the Network Journal, Ellis is heralding a powerful message on image from the inside out.

Nationally-recognized as an inspirational speaker, Ellis passionately delivers a fresh perspective that stimulates human potential; a lesson he shares from his own personal testimony of overcoming a battle with self esteem. In addition to his personal experience, several years of research and experience have distinguished him as an authority on image coaching from the inside out, which he hopes to inspire wholesome sophistication in others. He travels the extensively sharing this message of promise to anyone aspiring to defy mediocrity.

In every role of leadership, this native of New Jersey proves to be one of this era’s leading men.  A man of conviction, Ellis accepts his responsibility of social impartation, fervently taking a hands-on approach with his campaign, “Tied to Greatness”, a national outreach program targeting the image of inner city high school males. This 11-city tour is an innovative approach that is making headlines across the country, as Ellis has called men of color to join forces to take action by teaching young men the power of image, and how to convey their inner and outer personalities with a sense of strong character, pride and dignity.  He has emerged not only as a non-traditional role model for the next generation, but also a leader who calls men to action.  A voice for each generation, he also inspires men as Chaplain for the Police and Fire Department in the city of New Brunswick.

Ellis completed his formal education by receiving a Bachelor of Science Degree at North Carolina A & T State University and Masters Degree of Theological Studies at Rutgers University. A strong advocate for “maintaining the posture of a student”, Ellis fervently believes, “We are always in a process of refinement, especially in the school of life.”

Ellis shows no sign of slowing down, as it is apparent in his passionate drive to revive the impeccable fashion chic of the Renaissance man.  He also wears an entrepreneurial hat as CEO of Simply Ellis LLC, a custom clothing company that specializes in fine custom suits, shirts, Italian neckwear, and exquisite cuff links, while celebrating the unique style of every client he services.

Ellis aims to restore the pride of men in his African American Literary Award-winning book, Restoring the Male Image…A Look From the Inside Out. While exploring the blend of character, style, and sophistication in the image of a man, Ellis introduces the reader to a powerful acronym by exploring a series of qualities to help men identify and understand their I.M.A.G.E.: I=Integrity; M=Manhood; A=Authority; G=Generosity; E= Excellence.  This book provokes men to take a deeper look both inside and out to determine whether their expression is a reflection of their authentic self.  

Ellis is a member of The Berkeley College Fashion Advisory Board, The Custom Tailors and Designers Association of America (CTDA), 100 Black Men of America, and National Urban League Young Professionals (NULYP).