Alumni Business Spotlight: Ali Mejia '90

RE: What is your full name?
AM: Alejandrina Salaverria, but everyone knows me now as Ali Mejia.

 

AM: Eberjey is a sleepwear and lingerie brand I co-founded in the late '90s with the mission to create pieces that feel as beautiful as they look. We launched at a time when the lingerie market was dominated by overtly sexy, restrictive styles — and we wanted to create something softer, more authentic and comfort-driven. Eberjey celebrates the idea that feeling good in your skin and expressing your true self is the most beautiful thing of all. Our iconic Gisele Pajamas — often called “the world’s softest PJs” — have become a modern classic, worn and loved by women around the world.

 

AM: After graduating from Princeton, I worked briefly in New York as a financial analyst on Wall Street. I later moved back to Miami and worked at the direct marketing agency Wunderman Cato Johnson. These early jobs taught me a lot — but more than anything, they helped me realize that my heart was in something more creative, soulful and personal.

 

AM: We had brainstormed so many names, but most were already taken. Our trademark attorney encouraged us to choose something unique and obscure. That night, my co-founder Mariela Rovito and I attended an African dance recital, and during one of the dances, the performers chanted a hypnotic word: “ebberrjeyyy.” We looked at each other and instantly knew — that’s the name. It sounded French, had a melodic quality, and rhymed with “lingerie” and “negligee.” Later, we discovered that “Eberjey” meant “all-encompassing joy,” which we felt perfectly encapsulated the essence of the brand we envisioned.

 

AM: Ransom Everglades challenged me in all the best ways. It pushed me to think critically, express myself confidently and strive for excellence — both in and out of the classroom. The foundation I received there gave me the courage to trust my instincts, take risks and pursue a path that wasn’t necessarily linear. I also learned the value of community, collaboration and leadership — lessons that have stayed with me throughout my entrepreneurial journey.

 

AM: Winning the State Volleyball Championship was a defining high school moment — it taught me about teamwork, discipline and perseverance. Another special memory was organizing a Benetton fashion show fundraiser, which brought together students, parents and a beloved brand. I loved the thrill of bringing a creative idea to life and seeing people come together around a shared purpose. Looking back, that event was an early glimpse into the kind of creative work I’d later do with Eberjey.

 

AM: Sinead O’Connor’s “Nothing Compares 2 U” played on repeat and became the soundtrack to so many memories from that year.

 

AM: Don’t be afraid to take the road less traveled, especially if it leads you closer to your passion. Success isn’t just about ticking off milestones; it’s about finding purpose and joy in what you do. Stay open to reinvention. Trust your intuition. And never underestimate the power of combining creativity with heart.

 

AM: What started as a women’s lingerie brand has grown into a full sleepwear collection for women, men and children, and being able to outfit the whole family has been a dream come true. Some of my favorite moments are when friends send photos of their families wearing matching Eberjey pajamas — it continually reaffirms my why. Because for me, Eberjey has always been about more than just sleepwear. It’s about comfort, connection, intimacy and celebrating the everyday moments with the people we love most.