We recently connected with Alexia Skelton and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Alexia, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

I have established a unique combination of vocations that utilize abilities I have gathered throughout my life. One of the most essential skills a person can hold is the intention to continually be curious and willing to learn. I have self-taught many of the capabilities I currently possess, and I intend to be a student evermore.

The majority of my work now revolves around things I have always been passionate about. I have been a performer since early childhood. This led to dedicated training in over ten styles of dance from the age of two, singing in my cities children’s chorus, piano and guitar lessons, and drama and theater classes. From youthful craft times, I found much joy making things with my hands. After my mother taught me the basics of sewing, I immediately began constructing garments for dolls, then Halloween garments for my siblings and I, and later, my own prom, pageant, and wedding gowns. All these experiences are certainly at the center but, building a career around these joys required the acquiescence of savvy in project management, and business.

Before I transitioned onto this path, I worked for a local apparel company where I began as a Customer Service Specialist. I knew I wanted to become a legitimate designer but, with no formal education in the area, I also knew I had much to learn and was determined to prove myself. I asked questions, proclaimed my interests, and took every opportunity to showcase my progress and teachability. I moved on to become the Assistant Webstore Manager, then Account Management and Design Support. Along the way, I was recognized for my system developments in each role and willingness to take on company improvement projects. Eventually, the Product Development Manager took me on as her assistant and later, I became an official Product Designer and the New Product Lead; known for my across-departmental problem solving. Last year, the owner of this company used my tenacious trajectory as an example for new hires, showing that you can truly take charge of your destiny, should you choose to.

When I took the leap to be a full-time creative, I was mainly concentrated on apparel design and garment production, craft shows, and my Etsy shop. Then my acting and modeling started taking off, so I shifted my short-term focus. Now, my day-to-day work varies from contract product design, to setting dance choreography, to sewing a wedding gown and flower carrier dresses, to modeling as a young mom having pizza with her daughter at Christmas time. Excellent time management is imperative to assuring I can complete all the tasks associated with each role I hold and maintain a high level of quality in my work.

There are countless resources at our disposal for furthering education. During the pandemic, I completed Project Management courses to expand my skillset in organization and strategy before launching as an entrepreneur. Every piece of my journey has played a part in preparing me for my chosen career path and I have taken each lesson as an opportunity. Now as the Creative Director of my own small business, I aim to exemplify the original, positive meaning as a jack of all trades and how it is “oftentimes better than a master of none.”

Alexia, 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 am an artistic entrepreneur and the Creative Director of ALMAVA, my brand and business in Minneapolis, MN. My products are eco-conscious and sustainability motivated. I am committed to doing my part to minimize the effects of the fashion industry by providing eco-friendly garments made with ethically sourced, recycled, or reclaimed materials, both for my items and packaging. My staples are in swimwear, hand crocheted garments, and special occasion wear. However, I am lit up by the prospect of making completely distinctive, one-of-a-kind articles individualized to my clients. I also enjoy hosting community gatherings with fellow artists to create together and build community.

My profession has expanded to include more performance work over the year. As a working model and actor, I am doing more commercial print and film work. Some recent projects have included catalogs for Gopher Sports, a holiday campaign for Davanni’s, and a national commercial for Great Clips. I have also been able to incorporate my own designs in photoshoots and fashion shows which is very fulfilling. In dance, I have been featured in three music videos recently, and I co-directed, produced, and choreographed for a summer showcase with Concepts Dance Company.

I am greatly inspired by nature and the experiences and culture gained through travel. I am always joyfully making one thing or another. I continuously endeavor to make my life an adventure and aim to share joie de vivre with everyone I meet. Life flies right on by us, and I believe we all deserve to live it authentically, contentedly, and empowered.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

A huge way to support a thriving creative ecosystem is recognizing the value it provides. Creatives, like myself, who take the time to thoughtfully design sustainably, or make each item by hand, or have spent decades learning how to do their craft, should be fairly compensated just like other trade workers. In a time where we want things fast and free, it can be easy to lose the understanding of value. But when an artist creates a piece, there is a part of them in that work. Art is essential. Humans have craved art throughout our entire existence. Whether it is a painting, or a movement based visual experience, or expression through fashion, or music, something speaks to someone. It expands us mentally and emotionally and has the potential to unite people from all over the world.

Putting your dollar back into your community artists hugely balances the value system. Investing in local artists and small businesses ensures they can stick around to have a lasting positive effect on society.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

There is so much reward in pursuing the dreams and goals that have been with me my whole life. Some of the best parts come with the impact of mentorship and collaboration. I love making connections with other creatives and building projects together that allow all of us to shine. It is yet another opportunity of development for myself, and it is incredibly edifying to be able to enrich someone else with what I know.

When I took a step back to examine how I could assemble an authentically driven occupation, I opened the door to discovering a more deeply fulfilling life. I have been able to celebrate parts of myself that I formerly felt the need to dim down. It was not a quick or easy quest to get to this place and I know there is farther still to go. But I am proof that anyone can do what they love and thrive by doing what they were meant for, what truly lights them up.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/MiraXia
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xia.lux/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexia-skelton-8925aa122/

Image Credits
Kevin Johnson Garret Ardolf Charles Nolan Rand Phillips Lexie Schoenberner