Today we’d like to introduce you to Alexis Daniels.
Alexis, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I always like to say that Missouri birthed me but Atlanta raised me. I have been creating all of my life. I can remember as a little girl, maybe about 7 or 8, making my dolls new outfits out of old clothes and random things I found in the house. I would make handbags out of old jeans and paint on any available wall I could find. I got really into art and jewelry and painting when I moved to Atlanta, GA at 17. Being around so many different creatives and learning that I could make money as an artist and designer was all new to me and Atlanta helped me embrace that part of me.
Great, 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?
My road, in general, has not been easy to say the least, so I would have to say that my creative journey has not been the easiest either but it taught me so much about myself that I wouldn’t change a single thing. One of my biggest obstacles was getting out of my own way, learning to follow my heart and create my own lane. It is so easy to get caught up in what everyone else is doing and what they have. It definitely took some time to really own who I was as an individual AND as a black woman AND a mom, AND a creative and start making decisions based on those things and who I wanted and needed to show up as everyday.
Please tell us about AAND Accessories.
AAND Accessories is about DOPE STUFF FOR DOPE PEOPLE! And its not just about the accessories; I also paint on canvas and apparel. I am creating a brand that is unique, affordable and also a brand that sparks creativity in other women that look like me. It’s eclectic, its funky, its creative, its random, and its a reflection of US in every aspect.
I would say that I am known for using bright, bold prints and colors. I absolutely love creating new patterns and watching them evolve and that translates into my work. No matter what it is, I give it all of me and it comes out DOPE AF!
I would say that I am most proud of actually making AAND happen. It was a thought and idea for so long that I had almost given up on it. I would make myself earrings and accessories but never really believed it was good enough that other people would be interested so I just kind of kept it to myself for so long. So to see it today, and see people wearing my designs and hanging my art in their homes, and being mentioned by strangers that have become friends makes me high five myself and also want to go that much harder!!
The thing that sets me apart, I always say, is my work ethic and my desire to produce great work. I have 15 years in the retail industry under my belt and now that I am venturing out on my own I am using what I’ve learned and what’s innate on the inside of me to provide people with a quality, affordable, unique product and experience that makes them feel good.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
Some of my favorite memories come from just being around family and friends and putting the phone down and truly being present in those moments, hanging out, playing games, dancing, laughing, watching movies. The simple stuff.
Contact Info:
- Website: aandaccessories.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @aandaccessories.shop
Image Credit:
Isha Gaines Photography
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