We were lucky to catch up with Alice Trahant Phillips recently and have shared our conversation below.

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

Growing up as a multi-generational New Orleanian, my upbringing was all about creativity and culture. You absorb it from every city angle before you even realize that it’s become a part of you. New Orleans teaches you to not only be an individual, but to express yourself as an individual.

My family has always been very artistic and appreciative of the arts. Art adorned every wall in my house growing up. I still think of our gallery walls and how happy they made me. And, for as long as I could remember I was creating, from Sunday rainy day projects, to drawing in sketchbooks, to participating in every art contest that school had to offer, I loved making beautiful things appear out of everyday materials and blank pages.

To further my passions, both my mother and grandmother had great jewelry style and knew the power of a good accessory. I can’t tally the number of hours I spent rooting through their jewelry drawers – going from playing dress up to eventually “borrowing” looks to change up my everyday wear as I aged. As I came up with ideas for jewelry that I wish existed but I could not find, or wanted pieces outside of my affordability, I eventually started to create my own.

All of these things came together for me to build my current path.

I had always looked at these passions as personal ones to me, never considering that I would produce something that others would want to buy or use me as a consultant. Life handed me some opportunities that set me in the present trajectory.

Professionally, I managed and directed one of the largest artists market in the Southeast for several years – this put my passion and eye for art centerstage in front of many people at once.
I then, and around the same time, fell into starting a jewelry business with a friend called Empire State Finery. Our quick success made me realize that not only did others appreciate my creations, but they actually wanted them for themselves.

I’ve now gone out on my own with a business doing everything that I adore. Under Alice Trahant Phillips, I work as an art consultant, artist and jewelry designer.
As an art consultant, I love going to someone’s home and matching them with the perfect piece of art. Artwork is so personal, and sharing a passion and finding a home for a beautiful artwork that will come to reside in someone’s personal space is such a pleasure.
As an artist and jewelry designer, creation is everything to me. It’s in my blood and I can’t see a life without it. The fact that someone relates to the pieces that I make and want to weave them into their everyday lives and use them as an expression of their own style is the coolest compliment.

I love what I do!

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Much of this was answered in the last questions.

As far as materials, in artwork, I mainly work with pastels. Use of color is hugely important and fun to me. I adore a punch of color that you never saw coming, and using bolder colors as neutrals is a favorite. For jewelry, I want all of my jewelry to be lightweight and easy to wear – almost second skin. I purposely choose materials that will not carry as much weight such as hand painted wood, resin, and wire.

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

Everyone’s measurement of success is different. At a younger age, I always equated success with wealth, as most do. Now, I equate success with happiness, joy and fulfillment. It might sound cheesy, but I really do love being a creative person and sharing my passions with others. I enjoy connecting people to art and artists, creating artwork and jewelry, and being in a strong network of and collaborating with other creatives. As long as I continue to find joy in what I’m doing, and clients and other artists are open and happy to be working with me…mission accomplished!

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

When someone buys a piece of artwork, a client walks away happy from a consulting project. or I spot a piece of my jewelry in the wild.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.alicetrahantphillips.com
• Instagram: @alicetrahantphillips.art