Today we’d like to introduce you to Alisa Harrison.
Alisa, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
My story began in the small towns of Lamar County, Alabama and eventually across the state line in Columbus, Mississippi. Fascinated by Harper’s Bazaar magazines I saw at grocery store counters, I knew at an early age that I wanted to be in the fashion industry. It was also my dream to work for myself. There was one small problem, or so I thought—I was just a small town girl from the Deep South who didn’t see anyone pursuing such a dream, and definitely not a person of color. On top of that, I grew up right on the poverty line. There wasn’t anything about my background that said I was going to make it in the creative field.
The closer high school graduation approached (20 years ago), people around me started to ask the age-old question, “What do you want to do after high school?” My confident response was “Fashion Design.” I figured that college was the answer to get me out of Mississippi and pursue that dream. This led to problem number two. I’ll never forget how broken my spirit was after I shared my dream with my family. My answer was not only met with laughter but a sit-down conversation. One of my aunts pulled me aside and this is what she said, “Lisa, you’ll never be successful at that. Only white, gay males make it in that industry. You need to be realistic and do something that’s going to make you some money.” (There’s so much to unpack in that statement, but I’ll digress. I’m usually available to chat over brunch.) I was shocked! As other family members followed suit, I left the dream of being a fashion designer behind. I changed my answer and stated that I wanted to be an attorney instead. And in case you’re wondering no; I did not become an attorney. Have you seen the price tag that comes along with law school!? I earned an English degree in Technical and Professional Writing from the University of Memphis and landed in the banking and insurance industries.
I learned a long time ago that there’s no such thing as work/life balance. It’s all life and we have the choice to decide what our priorities will be, as well as what our life looks like. Over the corporate rat-race and over 80+ hour work weeks, I decided to take a leap of faith and let go of the six-figure income that I had grown accustomed to. I wanted my life to have room for creativity, friends, family, and travel.
In 2017, I graduated with an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Apparel Design and Technology from Johnson County Community College in Overland Park, Kansas. I moved back to Frisco, Texas and became the founder and designer of my womenswear brand Harrison Hollis®.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I wish I could say that it has been smooth sailing. However, it has not. One word you will hear a lot of independent designers use is the word “minimums”. Finding a factory with low minimums can be difficult, even one based in the U.S. All that means is that in order to have a production run, most factories will not work with you unless you are ready to have 300-500 pieces per style made. Let’s put that in perspective. That means that a designer who comes out with three styles would need to have at least 900 pieces made in order to work with the factory. For a designer like myself, who is attempting to fund the business debt-free, those numbers are quite costly. Finding a manufacturer willing to produce much less was the toughest challenge. Other challenges came in the form of sourcing fabric, finding a competent CPA, having a realistic marketing plan, and social media management.
Please tell us about Harrison Hollis®.
An e-commerce store, Harrison Hollis® is a minimalist ready-to-wear brand for women who are looking for a chic touch of edge. Each piece is proudly made in the USA. The focus of each design is simplicity and versatility.
I’m often asked the question, “How did you come up with the name?” I have always wanted to honor those who came before me and overcame some of the most difficult challenges in our history. So Harrison honors my maternal great-grandparents (surname Harrison) and Hollis honors my paternal great-grandparents (surname Hollis). Because this is a luxe minimalist brand, the name had to stand on its own and sound like a luxe brand. The names together certainly have a luxe ring to it.
As a minimalist designer, I saw that the minimalist wardrobe community was missing the edginess that some women seek. I decided to fill that space with Harrison Hollis®. The brand represents how simplicity, even in your wardrobe, can be beautiful and does not have to be boring. Our customers understand that building a curated closet is one of the most freeing tasks one can accomplish.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
As far as the business, I would have done everything the same. However, I would have left corporate America much sooner.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://harrisonhollis.com
- Phone: 972-924-0727
- Email: alisa@harrisonhollis.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shopharrisonhollis
Image Credit:
Photographer (all images): DeMarcus “Shawn Breeze” Mitchell
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