Ovando Leslie, founder of Limelite, is redefining wearable technology with smart backpacks that serve as digital billboards. Initially created to help small businesses gain visibility, Limelite has grown into a platform for personal expression and income generation. In this interview, Leslie discusses innovating during the pandemic, the challenges of blending fashion with technology, and his vision for everyday accessories as communication tools.
What inspired you to create Limelite LCD backpacks, and what problem were you aiming to solve?
Oh wow, that’s a great way to start. Limelite actually began as the Pixlr Bag about five years ago, back in January 2020, during COVID. I had recently been laid off from work and was trying to figure out how to get back on track. That’s when I realized I needed something I could have full control over—something that could also help people or at least bring them joy. When we launched the first version of our advertising backpacks, I thought it would be a fun product for people to enjoy. However, we quickly noticed that small business owners and entrepreneurs were drawn to it. That’s when I realized its true value: helping small business owners, especially those in the Black and Brown communities, gain exposure despite limited resources for traditional advertising.
How does Limelite distinguish itself from competing smart accessories?
Our current model, the Limelite X1, is unique because it’s essentially a walking billboard. It puts the user at the center of attention wherever they go. The bag offers a wide variety of content options—it displays 1080p videos, has a built-in speaker, and delivers crisp images. Compared to other LCD advertising backpacks on the market, ours is significantly lighter (others are three to five times heavier) and avoids the pixelated screens common in competitors’ products. Ours supports video content and 4K images, which really sets us apart in terms of features and quality.
What were some of the biggest challenges you faced in developing and launching Limelite?
Funding was one of our biggest hurdles. Access to the right resources held us back in terms of growth. Another challenge was raising awareness. At events like business expos, people always gravitate toward the product, but early on, we struggled with marketing strategies to reach the right audience.
How do you see your product influencing the future of fashion and wearable technology?
I believe it will have a major impact on the backpack industry. Right now, a large percentage of the population uses backpacks, but they’re mostly just for carrying essentials. Our goal is to turn backpacks into income-generating assets. Imagine the average person buying our product and using it to earn money—that’s the future we’re working toward.
Have you encountered any unexpected uses for the backpacks from customers or businesses?
Most of our customers are small business owners using the bags to advertise their products or services. But we’ve also seen creative personal uses—like one customer who showcased her children’s academic achievements on the bag. There was also a wild instance where someone used it to promote the sale of drugs. That was definitely unexpected, but with a product like this, creativity can go in any direction. Of course, we discourage the promotion of anything illegal.
What role does sustainability play in your product design and business model?
Durability is key for us. The Limelite X1 is made from genuine leather and a hard shell to protect the screen and technical components. We’ve designed it to last, with an expected lifespan of five to seven years.
How do you balance innovation with practicality when designing your backpacks?
It’s a struggle. We want to stay cutting-edge, like adding a touchscreen, but that could increase the weight, which is a trade-off. Our challenge is keeping the product innovative while ensuring it remains practical for everyday use.
What guidance can you offer aspiring entrepreneurs aiming to combine technology and fashion?
Make sure your product solves a real problem. It can’t just be cute or interesting—it has to add value. If it doesn’t address a need, it’s bound to fail.
Be’n Original
