We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Allyssa K. Blair a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Allyssa K. thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?

Two years after marriage my parents gave birth to an obedient, responsible, well-mannered child. Seven years later they began the wildest ride of their life, me. I was spontaneous, talkative, followed my own rules and always had my hands in something. My parents had no idea how to raise a child like me, so after many different approaches, they sought wise counsel that helped shape their perspective on parenting. The wisdom shared with them was, “Whatever you do, do not break her spirit.” “Creativity by any means necessary” was the way I saw life. I got on my parents last nerve every other day, but through it all they never broke my spirit. Though they did not understand everything I did, they knew I had to go through those phases to get to the larger purpose.
When I drew on the walls with permanent marker, after the spanking, they taught me how to clean it up and bought art supplies so I could keep all my drawings in one place. After I cut up my purple satin pajamas into a halter top and mini skirt, after the spanking, they bough me a sewing and knitting kit to learn how to put the pieces I’d cut up back together. When I would I take dinnerware into my room and paint them, after the spanking, they would drop me off at someones else’s house to share my creativity with others. It took a lot of love and patience. Yes, I was something else but they never broke my spirit.
I am so grateful to my parents. Because of their wisdom, as an adult who mainly works in creative spaces, I feel free in my creativity. My perspective on life is not stifled, neither my goals bound; I owe it all to God and my parents.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I am a textile artist from Augusta, Ga. I design and sew my own clothing and share it with with people I’ve never met on the internet. I am also a crocheter. I make fashionable and functional crochet apparel and accessories for the cold natured person that does not want to ruin their outfit. My specialty, in both sewing and crocheting, is versatility. I have tops that can be styled endless ways, maxi dress that turn into mini dress, reversible outwear, jumpsuits underneath gowns, scarves with sleeves, the list goes on and on. I believe in multi-functional quality clothing. I design it with my mind and create it with my hands.
This was not the plan, at least, not the big plan. I majored on Theatre in college and part of our graduation requirement was shop hours in each department: management, lighting, set and costume. Can you guess which department I fell in love with? I was already heavy into fashion and style and learned hand-stitching from my Grandmother, but this was on a different level. After college, I moved and tried to find work in my field but after some time and bunch of no’s, I came back home. I was disappointed and mad at the industry, so I decided to “show them” by using one of my other creative gifts, sewing. Soon it became a joy and I loved each piece so much that I started a blog and Instagram to showcase my work. It was not long after that people began reaching out to me to make custom garments and do alterations. THAT was when I fell in love with helping women, and a few men, look and feel their absolute best. It was like a high I’d never felt! That was in 2016.
Over time my audience and clientele grew. I was much more visible, added Facebook and YouTube to my collection of platforms. At the same time, I started selling my crochet items online. I also had a 9-5 and busy all the time. Over the years I’ve collaborated with brands I’d only dreamed of, graced so many magazines, was featured in exhibits across the country, taught classes, had fashion shows, I mean I’ve done a lot! This past year was the most active my business had ever been and decided to leave my job to work full-time for myself. Its been a little over a month and parts of me wish I’d started working for myself sooner, but I know I needed everything I learned on my journey to implement to where I am now. Everything in God’s timing.
Handmade by Allyssa is a custom clothing design service I provide for women who want to make a statement. We are also releasing a ready-to-wear line in 2025. Creative Crochet (AKB) is an online shop on Etsy.com. We also teach crochet classes.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is seeing creative freedom in others. Every year I am invited to Career Day at the local schools in my area. I share what I do as a Fashion Designer and all of the juicy details that the kids want to know. Towards the end of my presentation I always give them an opportunity to design something of their own. Then, they drape fabric on a mannequin and see their design come to life, like I get to every day. It doesn’t take much for children to see the possibilities, all they need is someone to show them it is possible. To see their little faces light up and watch the determination in their eyes, it is incredible. Til this day, some of them still follow me on social media and comment on my posts about how much I inspired them. Even though they may never work in fashion, they did learn that it is possible to reach their dreams.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

To best support artist, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem, society can support, show up when invited and listen. Art imitates life in life imitates art. When someone supports shows up and listens to artist they open their mind to a different outlook on life. They unexpectedly share life experiences and are challenged to go forth and do better. Art makes for a better society, but in order for society to do better they must participate in art.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/CreativeCrochetAKB?ref=dashboard-header
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/akblifestyle/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/allyssaklifestyle/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@allyssak.lifestyle
• Other: https://www.facebook.com/ccbyakb/
  https://www.instagram.com/creativecrochetakb/