Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Alexis Lenae . We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alexis , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

At IMIHI, our mission is to empower and inspire women of all backgrounds, to see themselves the way God sees them, reminding them that they are fearfully and wonderfully made in His image. This is not just a mission that was created because It sounds good, It was created out of experience. Growing up being dark skinned and plus size, I always felt that I wasn’t beautiful. I often found myself struggling to see any value or beauty when I looked in the mirror. It wasn’t that my family and friends didn’t compliment or speak life into me, they ABSOLUTELY did (shoutout to my village!). However I had a hard time believing what they spoke because I couldn’t see It. I felt that because I didn’t look like what I saw on tv or what I saw other people “rave” over, then I must not be beautiful or worthy of anything.

After some years of growth and healing, and a deeper relationship with God, I began to peel back the layers and remove the lies that I believed about who I was. I was FINALLY able to see myself the way that God intended. I saw beauty, perfection in my flaws, and value. I saw that I was REALLY made in God’s image and He made no mistakes with me.

I am now very intentional in my life and daily encounters to make sure that those around me see and feel the same about themselves. Every piece that I design, It is my prayer that when they put their garment on, that they see a different version of themselves; that they see the beauty, confidence, and everything else that God has poured into them. They can look at themselves in the mirror and say “I’m Made in His Image (IMIHI)”.

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.

So for those that do not know me, my name is Alexis Lenae and I am the owner and visionary of the brand IMIHI. IMIHI, which is an acronym for I’m made in His Image, is a bespoke womenswear brand with a strong emphasis on plus size fashion; specializing in formalwear and bridal designs. I create one of one of a kind pieces that celebrate each clients, unique beauty for their special day, and our goal is to provide every client and customer with an experience and products that make them feel first class, confident and captivating.

While so many dream to become business owners or leaders, I didn’t. My intention was never to become a fashion designer or a business owner. In 2014, I was just a plus size girl that loved fashion, but could not find trendy clothes to represent my personality and style. I was tired of going into shops, and being met with limited options or clothes that were too matronly or frumpy for my liking. After all, I was in my early to mid 20s, and it seem like the only options that I could find were clothes for those in their 40s and up. There wasn’t a space for me, so God created one.

As crazy as It sounds, I woke up one day and literally had a desire to want to learn how to sew just so I can make my own clothing. A friend of mine gifted me a sewing machine and I immediately became a student of YouTube university lol! I learned how to thread my machine, how to create a pattern based on clothes I already had in my closet. After many hours and days of trial and error, I learned how to construct clothing. Keep in mind, this was only so that I can make clothing for myself.

About six months to a year later, a really good friend of mine asked if I could make her a custom jacket for an event. I was terrified, but decided that I would do it anyway. The jacket turned out amazing, and she loved it! She posted a picture of herself in the piece that I made and before we knew it, I had thousands of likes and shared and a TON of messages asking how to place an order. I knew absolutely nothing about business, nor did I have any plans to create or start a business, but it was clear that God had something different in mind.

From this one jacket, the brand, IMIHI was born. Since then we’ve expanded from ready-to-wear pieces to formalwear for special occasions like Prom and Gala events; and soon fully expanding into Bridalwear. In July of this year (2024), I will be celebrating NINE YEARS in business! NINE!! Over these last nine years there have been many wins, lessons, mountains, valleys, smiles, and tears, but I would not change a thing.

I am extremely proud of how far I’ve come as an entrepreneur, and as a self taught fashion designer, and I look forward to what the future holds for myself and my brand.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

I think one of the things that helps build my reputation within my market is the customer experience that my clients have. I often hear my clients expressing how I create a safe space, how I always make them feel seen, and more importantly, I always make them feel empowered and beautiful.

Don’t give me wrong when you walk into my store, it’s not always quiet and serene; sometimes the music is going and it’s like a mini-party lol! I think it’s that my clients appreciate that the environment feels good. The music is always a vibe. It’s always a peaceful environment where they can just ‘be’..they really appreciate that.

The other thing that really helps me with my market is that my customers are very outspoken when It comes to IMIHI. I am often tagged in posts where customers are sharing how I was professional, how well I executed their gowns, etc. Their experiences were always a positive one, and they’re constantly referring me. I think that the word of mouth from my customers allows the brand to develop a reputation where people are more likely to come and give us a try.

Do you have multiple revenue streams – if so, can you talk to us about those streams and how your developed them?

IMIHI does have an additional revenue stream outside of the product based portion. In addition to designing both ready to wear and custom formal wear, I also have a sub-brand called I’m SEW Ready, which is a series of beginner sewing classes for adults and children. In these classes, my students learn everything that they need to be able to use a sewing machine straight out the box, and construct simple garments or projects. These classes are offered both in-person and virtually, with the option of a group setting or 1-on-1.

in the future, I hope to add additional services and products to connect with not just the customers that love my designs, but also those that aspire to be designers one day.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.loveimihi.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/sewcializewithlexx
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/imihi412
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Sewcializewithlexx
• Other: linktr.ee/imihi