Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Alishia Lee. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alishia, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?
I have to give credit to my mother, Annette, for always giving me the freedom to explore my creativity. When I was in elementary school, I would alter my clothing by cutting off the sleeves and adding pieces of curtain or lace from other items by hand. I was upcycling before I knew what that meant! As an adult, I tinkered around with upcycling and finally bought my first machine in 2016. With the help of YouTube, I taught myself the basics of garment creation. Had I actually had a plan for business when I started making clothes, I would have enrolled in online classes to avoid the costly mistakes of not having a clue what to do with fashion design. I would have studied color story and pattern making from people who knew the craft instead of fumbling through it myself. The saying “you don’t know what you don’t know” rings in my mind because I only knew what I wanted to make, not always how. A few barriers in that regard would be access to education. Black and brown people often have to just figure it out, unless we have someone show us or let us know of a better way. I will say that learning to decode garment creation on my own has definitely helped me unlock some creative powers. I have learned how to deconstruct and reconstruct a garment without some of the traditional methods.
Alishia, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I was born into fashion; my grandmother, Alice, is still one of the fanciest women I know, always put together with the hair, hat, makeup, and outfit that shines. I didn’t realize that I was influenced by her and other members of my family until I was older. As a teen, I was often teased for not wearing the latest trends. In the 90s, it was all the rage to look exactly like the next person, and that confused me. School was for learning and exploring, and I was all about it. I was a high-achieving student (that was also a doctrine in my household). I wasn’t like everyone, and I didn’t want to pretend to be to fit in. So I wore my hair how I wanted, my overalls that I painted myself, my hand-me-down clothes that I adjusted or put together how I liked, and BOOM! I was ready for the world. As an adult, I often found items no one else had or made items myself that were one of a kind. In the corporate world, I ran into an issue with a co-worker who wanted to order the same dress I had already purchased for the biggest company event of the year. After that, I decided to make something no one else had. When a woman in TJ Maxx bought the shirt I made off my back, I knew I had something special.
Now I create one-of-a-kind or small-batch looks for people with the same desire to stand up and stand out with their fashion. After all, we spend so long deciding how we want to present ourselves to the world, so why show up hoping to fit in? It’s like undoing all the work and anxiety we had to get through as teens and young adults to just jump back on the band wagon of the same old, same old.
I am most proud of launching my signature model program. I have 12 amazing models that range in gender identity, body type, and looks. I want to change the face of fashion. I want people on the runway that you’ve not seen enough of. My brand is focused on being able to find quality fashion, no matter your background.
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
With standout designs, the beauty of making small batches and one-of-a-kind items is not only that they are more sustainable; you know, when you see a ME BY LEE, I’ve had other creatives push out items that look similar or have the same general feel, but it doesn’t matter because I am moving and living within my gift, and that’s something that can’t be duplicated. When the models are behind the scenes at the shows and don’t want to take the pieces off, or the clothes are bought right off of the runway, it’s confirmation that no matter what the trend might be at the moment, I created this piece from conception to reality, and it’s my art. My contribution to the beauty of this world we’re in.
What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?
It’s been primarily social media and fashion shows. I have to thank the photographers in the area, Shalon Rogers, for taking some of the most amazing shots of my brand. Charles Nnamdi, as well, has been an amazing new addition to the team. I am pushing forward this year to make a concentrated effort to move my brand past the local market and into the hands and bodies of models, celebrities, and other notables.
Contact Info:
- Website: Mebylee.com
- Instagram: @me_by_lee
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MeByLee
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/me-by-lee-boutique/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mebylee9074
Image Credits
Charles Nnamdi Shalon Rogers Jennave Traoré Lephotogenique Matthew Lewis Fierce Photography Sydney Murdock Ellen Pierce