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

Alright, Anwar thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear how you think where to draw the line in terms of asking friends and family to support your business – what’s okay and what’s over the line?

I think that’s where everything starts, a supportive family can go a long long way in becoming who you are as an entrepreneur. Nothing’s frowned upon in my opinion when it comes to asking for support it’s just as important as showing up for each other. Whenever my friends and family want me to make them something or even come out to my events it gives me an extra boost of “I’m right where I need to be”

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

I’m an artist/seamstress from the East Side of Greensboro, I’ve been designing since I was in 5th grade drawing shoes with my cousin Fuego in class, window shopping designing shoes on Nike ID. Me and my big brother Shy would also draw out buses and cars in our own fashion, I can go on for days. I’m true to this.

Eventually I got more into clothes, sewing and the expression of it with the help of a few close friends and my mother and grandma then curated some bootleg pieces that I couldn’t afford, that’s mainly why I got into creating; I couldn’t afford most of the things I wanted, but I knew I could make them.

When it comes to problem solving for people and myself, I like to tell them that if there’s anything you want create or get made call me. I think being able to create clothing can be an infinite problem solver because, there’re days when I don’t want to wear what I have, so I go and make what I want to wear.

I’m most proud of my progress as a seamstress and my mental health during the process, it’s not talked about enough how mental health reflects work, it’s time to bring it to light. I bought my first sewing machine when I was 16 with only the knowledge to tailor. Over the years, with a little bit of teaching here and there, I can proudly say I can make literally anything.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding part of this is the recognition and criticism from others, and the way my work makes people feel. The overall feeling after completing a project and getting feedback is rewarding also because, it presents me room for improvement.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

Most non-creatives see what we do as a hobby because, it isn’t as normal as punching the clock or what they would say “a real job”. As a creative who hears that a lot I try my hardest to ignore the stigma and the societal take on artistry, and how it isn’t taken serious by some. The ones who get it, get it. the ones who don’t. I don’t waste my time and energy on getting them to understand, it isn’t for them. Art makes the world go round, and it takes time to grow and reach the people, non-creatives aren’t the target audience, they become fans after catching the wave. Keep going it’s already written, never let anyone tell you shit you’re a star.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @freeanwar @1freeanwar

Image Credits

photo creds: ori singleton-kahn @sleepisnake on instagram