Today we’d like to introduce you to Alexis Daniels.
Hi Alexis, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’ve always been a creative at heart, but I didn’t set out to be a jewelry designer. ANDMADE BY HAND started in a small corner of my apartment, at a time when I was craving an outlet that felt like me. I wanted to make pieces that weren’t just pretty, but that told a story — our story as Black women — loud, proud, and unapologetic.
In the beginning, it was late nights with polymer clay, experimenting with shapes and colors that reminded me of home, culture, and joy. I posted my first designs online with zero expectations, and to my surprise, they resonated. Women didn’t just buy the earrings — they shared how wearing them made them feel powerful, expressive, and seen.
Over the years, I’ve grown from selling a few pairs at local markets to shipping nationwide, vending at major events and creating collections that women wear to interviews, weddings, vacations, and everyday life. The brand has become more than jewelry — it’s a movement to encourage women to take up space, embrace color as a neutral, and carry themselves like art.
Every step, every pivot, every collection has been rooted in community, representation, and joy. ANDMADE BY HAND is still handmade with love, but now it carries the stories of thousands of women — and that’s the most beautiful part of the journey.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road — but I’ve learned that the bumps are where the magic and growth happen. In the early days, I was figuring everything out on my own — from sourcing materials to teaching myself photography to navigating e-commerce. There were seasons of burnout, when I was creating, marketing, packing orders, and doing customer service all by myself.
There were also moments of doubt, especially when sales slowed or when I felt unseen in a saturated market. Balancing creativity with the realities of running a business — like pricing, inventory management, and scaling — has been a constant learning curve.
I’ve also had to work through the mental side: learning to give myself grace, to pivot without feeling like I’ve failed, and to trust the vision even when the path isn’t clear. Every challenge, from supply chain delays to tough financial seasons, has taught me resilience, resourcefulness, and the importance of community support and saying NO when things don’t align.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m known for creating bold-in-spirit, colorful, and culturally inspired designs that feel as good as they look — pieces you can wear all day without sacrificing comfort.
Every pair of earrings is handmade with intention, blending art, culture, and storytelling. I love knowing my work travels with women through the big and small moments of life.
What I’m most proud of is the community AND-MADE BY HAND has built — women who feel seen, celebrated, and connected through the brand. I’ve had customers who’ve collected dozens and dozens of pairs, shared their stories with me, and brought their friends and family into the fold.
What sets me apart is that I’m not just selling jewelry — I’m creating wearable art that speaks to identity, confidence, and joy. I center representation in every collection, from the colors I choose to the way I photograph and market my work. It’s not just about looking good — it’s about feeling like you belong in every room you walk into.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
My biggest advice for finding a mentor or building your network is to lead with genuine connection, not just a “what can you do for me?” mindset. Some of my best relationships in business started because I showed up to support someone else — attending their events, engaging with their content, or buying their products — before ever asking for anything in return.
When it comes to mentors, I’ve learned that you don’t always have to have one “official” person. I have a circle of women I look up to in different areas — business, creativity, and personal life — and each one offers perspective I need. Sometimes your mentor is someone you’ve never met but learn from through their books, podcasts, or interviews.
Networking works best for me when it’s intentional and rooted in shared values. I show up where my people are — at local markets, creative events, and online spaces where culture and entrepreneurship collide.
I also believe in following up — sending a quick thank you, sharing how someone’s advice helped, or simply checking in to keep the relationship alive.
The key is to approach networking as relationship-building, not transaction-making. People can feel the difference.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://andmadebyhand.com
- Instagram: @andmade_byhand
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1CcxSfLyzH/?mibextid=wwXIfr
