We were lucky to catch up with Asia Banks recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Asia thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. If you could go back in time do you wish you had started your creative career sooner or later?

I really appreciate that fact that I was able to start my creative career earlier because it allowed me the space to grow. As creatives and business owners we go through a cycle of growing pains. This allows us to develop thick skin, knowledge and embrace challenges to avoid making the same mistakes later on in life. After a while we become the masters in our field because of the experienced we gain. Don’t get me wrong, starting a creative career later on in life has is perks. I love to call it ” The beginning of a new chapter” and you get to write your own story.

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

My name is Asia Banks and I am a self taught handbag and fashion designer from Detroit,Michigan. I am the owner of Von-Lee and Company. In a world of high-end luxury vegan leather bags, the goal was to provide better quality products at a more affordable price. Most of the working class may be able to afford a thousand-dollar bag, but do they really want to buy it? The owner vowed to ensure that the bags would never go over $350 for their vegan leather products. They also still work a nine to five, so there is a relatable factor in understanding where their target audience is coming from. Von-Lee and Company also is a black owned and woman owned business. This stands out to people because the handbag industry is mostly male dominated. Most men focus on the dollar and the design of a handbag while Von-Lee designs focus on affordability, design, and functionality. Each bag is designed with the woman or man in mind. Our mission is to provide our customers with high-quality, luxurious products at affordable prices. We believe that everyone should have access to the best-in-class products, without having to pay premium prices. Our brand is committed to using sustainable and ethical manufacturing practices, while constantly innovating and adapting to meet the changing needs and preferences of our customers. We strive to create a culture of inclusivity and diversity, where everyone feels valued and respected. Our goal is to enhance the lives of our customers by providing them with an exceptional luxury experience that is both affordable and accessible.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

Due to poor decisions that I made in my late teens and early 20s, I was homeless and was truly struggling for years. During that time, I knew that I had the gift to create but I wasn’t fully ready to take on any responsibilities that involved running a business. My mother is an extremely talented crafter and I was blessed enough to also have that skill. I work hard now because I never want to go back. I pursue creative endeavors as a way of developing my skills, expanding knowledge, and challenging myself to try new things. These goals have shaped the woman I am today.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

One of the most important ways that society can support artists and creatives is by providing us with funding and grants to support their work. We usually find out about funding opportunities very late or once the grant has ended. Also, many artists struggle to find affordable workspaces where we can create and showcase our work and have ample storage to house our inventory. Society can help by providing affordable studio spaces, performance venues, and exhibition spaces.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.vonleeandcompany.net/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vonleeandcompany/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VonLeeandCo
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/vonleeandcomp
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@vonleeandcompany

Image Credits
Creative Directors: Asia Banks-Franklin, Tishay Alston Photographers: Tishay Alston, Jasmine Lawrence Styling: Asia Banks-Franklin