We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Alexis Howell a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alexis, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.
Growing up, I was deeply inspired by my mother and her best friend as they embarked on a journey to establish a charter school for girls in Gwinnett County. Their dedication to making a difference resonated with me, fueling my passion for uniting people, especially women. This passion led me to create GRLS in the summer of 2021, amidst conversations with a group of women I had grown close to over the previous year. Leveraging my previous experience in founding businesses, I quickly formed an executive team, and together, we laid the groundwork for GRLS, marking my third entrepreneurial venture.
The process of starting GRLS felt natural to me. Within a week, I designed our inaugural logo using Canva and developed our website, setting a solid foundation for our brand. We officially launched GRLS on October 15th, followed closely by the inauguration of our first chapter in Peachtree on October 21st, where I took on the role of President. This endeavor was not just a business initiative for me; it was a step towards creating a community where women could come together, support each other, and thrive.
Alexis, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
My name is Alexis Howell, and I am the proud CEO and Founder of GRLS ATL. My academic journey began at Mercer University, where I initially majored in Chemistry. However, inspired by a legacy of passion and skill passed down from my grandmother, I pivoted towards a career in hairdressing. In 2010, I enrolled at the Atlanta Beauty Academy, graduating a year later. By October 2013, I had opened ANS Hair Studio & Boutique, marking the beginning of my entrepreneurial journey.
In October 2021, I embarked on a new venture, launching GRLS ATL—a social club designed specifically for Black women. We’ve since expanded, establishing chapters in Metro Atlanta and surrounding areas, as well as in Macon, Tampa, Houston, and Dallas. At the core of our organization is the mission to unite women, challenge the stigmas facing Black women, and create a welcoming environment where they can freely express themselves and enjoy diverse events. However, our commitment extends beyond social gatherings.
GRLS GIVE Inc., our 501(c)(3) nonprofit arm, exemplifies our dedication to giving back to the community, providing our members with opportunities to contribute meaningfully. One of my greatest joys as the founder is witnessing the pride and enthusiasm our members have in being part of an initiative that began as a simple idea.
In laying the foundation for GRLS, we decided to pace ourselves by launching one chapter per quarter. This strategy led to a remarkable growth spurt, ending our first year with 10 chapters, and doubling that by the end of our second year. As we approach the midpoint of our third year, we’re on the verge of launching our 28th chapter, a testament to the vibrant and expanding community we’ve built.
Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?
Managing a team and sustaining high morale are pivotal leadership skills that greatly impact an organization’s success and productivity. Navigating these has been among the most challenging yet rewarding aspects of running my business. Here’s my advice for leading a team effectively and keeping morale high:
Open and Transparent Communication: Maintain open lines of communication. Share updates, expectations, and feedback regularly with your team. Foster a culture of open dialogue, and actively listen to their ideas and concerns.
Clear Roles and Expectations: Define roles, responsibilities, and objectives clearly. Team members who understand their expected contributions and how they fit into larger goals are more likely to feel engaged and motivated.
Recognition and Appreciation: Make it a habit to recognize and appreciate the efforts of each team member. Whether through a simple thank-you note or a formal award, showing genuine appreciation can significantly boost morale and motivation.
Positive and Supportive Culture: Cultivate an environment filled with positivity, respect, and support. Promote teamwork and collaboration, and ensure conflicts are resolved quickly and constructively.
Implementing these strategies can transform the dynamics of your team, leading to increased productivity, loyalty, and overall satisfaction.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
A significant turning point in my life occurred during my college years, particularly regarding my goal of becoming a pharmacist. Leaving college wasn’t a choice driven by preference; it was a necessity. Being accepted into Mercer University was a highlight of my life, filled with anticipation and excitement for the future. However, this dream was abruptly interrupted shortly after my acceptance. In 2008, like many others during that time, my parents both lost their jobs within months of each other, placing a significant financial burden on my family. The news that I couldn’t continue my second semester because my family could no longer afford the tuition was one of the toughest challenges I’ve faced.
Reflecting on this period, I now see that what seemed like the shattering of my dreams was actually a redirection towards a greater path. Looking back, I truly believe that even though I thought my dreams were big, God’s plan for my life was bigger. This journey has taught me resilience and gratitude, and I couldn’t feel more blessed or accomplished.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thegrlsatl.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/illphashion, www.instagram.com/thegrlsatl
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/alexisnhowell
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/illphashion
Image Credits
Brandon Wiggins Photography Darika Chase MPS Studios