We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Alexis Young. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Alexis below.

Alexis , appreciate you joining us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

Back in high school, I started realizing how much I was drawn to the arts. I was a Thespian and took multiple art electives, which only depended my interest. By senior year, I was considering studying Computer Science, but since I wasn’t exactly great at science, I started thinking about Graphic Design instead! It felt like the closest thing to working with computers in a creative way. At the time, I didn’t realize that the one decision would open up an entire world of art I didn’t even know existed and I’m still exploring today.

I’m so happy I took that risk on myself.

Even though I work in fashion now, I try to merge those early creative interests with what I do through my clothing brand, RAW THEORY. I explore different forms of art, from performance pieces (one of my favorite artists Marina Abramovic for example) and video campaigns to expressive visual concepts and I pull from everything I’ve learned over the years to bring that depth and meaning to my work.

Alexis , 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?

My name is Alexis Young. I’m a 25-year-old Creative Director and Designer from Birmingham, Alabama, and I’ve been creating since I was 14. I’ve been in a lot of spaces in my creative journey from influencing and content creation to earning my BFA from the University of Montevallo which has led me to where I am now.

My biggest project to date is my clothing brand, RAW THEORY (formerly AlexisYoungBrand). Originally it began as my college BFA project and has grown into a full brand and creative platform. I relaunched RAW THEORY this January with my co-partner, Lydia Hendrieth, with a mission to build a community for people who feel misunderstood or underrepresented. We do that through sustainable fashion by creating one-of-one pieces from thrifted materials and reclaimed fabrics.

Over the past few months, we’ve had the amazing opportunity to collaborate with so many creatives, share our pieces, and develop our voice as a brand. We’re passionate about uplifting LGBTQ+ communities, people of color, and anyone who feels like they’re still finding their place in the world. Even beyond the clothes, we want RAW THEORY to be a safe space and a brand that helps people feel seen and confident in who they are.

One thing I’ve never been afraid of is showing my true creative side. This is something I’ve had to fight to protect and express over the years. Right now, I’m in a place where I’m rediscovering that voice and channeling it through clothes, visuals, and storytelling. We’re just wrapping up our November fashion show, and honestly, the lessons, challenges, and excitement that have come with everything we’ve done has made this one of the most rewarding journeys of my 20s so far (trying to be funny there — but it’s true!).

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

I think the most rewarding part of being an artist is being able to share what I create with others. I’ve always believed that it’s possible to make art that feels true to you and still connect with people. You don’t have to change who you are to be understood. A lot of artists feel pressured to adjust their work for the public, but it’s never been that way for me.

My partner Lydia always says, “We’re not trying to capture the world, just the people who listen,” and that mindset has carried me a long way. I used to be so worried about what my peers thought, especially people who couldn’t really relate to the kind of art I was making and I’d let that affect what I created next. Learning to let go of that has been one of the most freeing parts of my creative process.

I also just love experimenting, whether it’s through fashion visuals, or content. I’ve been grateful to work with brands like Mugler and Valentino Beauty on creator projects, and the fact that they allowed me to have full creative freedom has been a blessing in itself. As a Black woman in the art and fashion space, I don’t always see many others creating in the same way I do, so being able to represent that and share it with others is incredibly rewarding.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

My mission has always been to create what I’ve always wanted to see and to connect with people who share that same vision. I love letting people witness the creative process just as much as I enjoy watching others create. There’s something intimate about seeing an artist or brand build something from the ground up; it makes you feel more connected to their story. Storytelling is everything and without it, you’re just creating to get by.

With RAW THEORY, our mission goes far beyond making clothes. We’re building a world and a safe space for people who often feel unseen — women of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and other minorities who deserve to feel represented. We want to show that you can be hardcore and grungy, but that your edge and confidence can exist alongside vulnerability and honesty. Those dualities (the yin and yang) are what make us human.

We bring those concepts together to create a space where people can be real, expressive, and unapologetic about who they are. As someone who has experienced being silenced in many ways (along with labels being thrown on me), both my brand and my personal art serve as a voice for that truth. For the new generation and even my own, I want to be part of a movement that speaks for inclusivity and authenticity but from the perspective of a Black woman.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.iamalexisyoung.com
• Instagram: Alexisjyoung
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexisjoiyoung?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
• Twitter: IAMALEXISJYOUNG
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@alexisjyoung?si=c483TB4IfSaaAXz_
• Other: SHOP RAW THEORY: depop.com/rawtheoryofficial
  Instagram: @rawtheoryofficial
  TikTok: @rawtheoryofficial

Image Credits

Lydia Hendrieth (@lydiajoangel_)