Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Alexis Lebario. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alexis, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?
I was working for various insurance companies the last 7 years post-college in 2015. I made great money and the job itself was mundane, but “easy” & conveniently ‘work from home’. However, with that 9-5, I was able to fuel my side hustle / art passions which turned into a small business owner / freelance designer through the years. Well, last year my mentor Cornelius White told me about a teaching position at his high school that he thought I would be interested in. At first I was apprehensive because I had never thought I would be a teacher in my life. However, the more I sat with myself and the idea of “growth” – I decided to take the risk & apply. With that all being said, here I am 1 year later & just completed my very first year of teaching high school. I have never been more fulfilled in a career. I wake up each day happy to go to work and excited to see my students. It’s the best decision I’ve made by far and a risk worth taken.
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?
I am currently a graphic design high school teacher in Phoenix, AZ and started a small business for my graphic/portrait painting clientele called Handmethewine LLC. Art has always been a huge part of my life since I was a child. I loved anything creative and carried those skills throughout high school, college and now my career path. I never thought that I could blend my two worlds of art and professionalism until recently when I decided to take the leap into teaching. I not only teach graphic design but this subject falls under a career technical study, meaning that students must learn the business side of the job as well as the software. Therefore it’s very easy for me to bring to class my clients projects and showcase the work/design process from start to finish. When I am not teaching, I am usually painting or on my “Etch-A-Sketch”. Painting is my escape from the digital world and am striving to expand to mural painting. As for my Etch-A-Sketch, that is something I picked up as hobby and never realized how good I was at the mechanisms until last year coming across one at a local bar. So for fun, I’ve created an Instagram account “Handmetheetch” that I plan on dropping this summer 2024 for all my live content.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
Unfortunately I experienced hospitals at a young age because my mother was diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver in 2007. Then in 2013, she took a turn for the worst while I was on a study-abroad trip in Europe. Luckily, I made it back home in time to be with her during her passing. In those 7 years before, I looked at life through a different lens. I admired her will to live and strength to always smile through her pain. Prior to her sickness, she was a hard worker/professional who made so many sacrifices to give me the best life possible. From art classes, summer programs, after-school activities, private schools and most importantly, her unconditional love – made me the passionate creative I am today. I aim to make my mother proud and give it my all no matter what the task is.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
The most rewarding part in being a creative is seeing the results of young learners admire my work style, listen to my teachings and execute projects based on my skills taught. I also love meeting strangers who resonate with my work because I never think that my art could touch many people in a certain way.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.handmethewine.myportfolio.com
- Instagram: Handmethewine
- Other: Instagram thread: @handmethewine
