We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Hayisha Alexander . We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Hayisha below.

Hayisha , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you tell us a bit about who your hero is and the influence they’ve had on you?

As a young woman navigating life’s challenges, I have been fortunate to have a hero who has inspired and guided me every step of the way – my grandmother. Her unwavering determination, independence, and strength have taught me valuable life lessons that have shaped me into the person I am today. She is the epitome of ✨Black Girl Magic✨ – a beacon of inspiration and empowerment.

My grandmother’s entrepreneurial spirit is awe-inspiring. She is a successful businesswoman, owning multiple ventures including an accounting firm, a catering business, and a nonprofit organization. I have watched her build her businesses from scratch, facing and overcoming numerous obstacles along the way. Her perseverance in the face of adversity has taught me the importance of never giving up on my dreams, no matter what challenges may arise.

One of the greatest lessons my grandmother has taught me is the importance of resilience. She has faced countless obstacles and setbacks, but she has never allowed them to deter her from pursuing her goals. Her ability to bounce back from challenges with grace and determination has shown me the true meaning of resilience. Her unwavering determination has instilled in me the belief that I am capable of overcoming any obstacle that may come my way.

In addition to her entrepreneurial success, my grandmother has also shown me the importance of being independent. She has been a role model of self-sufficiency, managing her businesses while also taking care of her family and maintaining a blossoming social life. She has taught me the value of independence and the power of believing in myself.

My grandmother’s influence has not only inspired me to dream big, but also to take action. She has encouraged me to start my own business and to be fearless in pursuing my passions. Her guidance and mentorship have given me the confidence to chase after my dreams and make them a reality. Because of her, I am empowered to believe in myself and my abilities.

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

Hey y’all! 👋🏽 I’m a blossoming entrepreneur with a passion for creativity! In addition to customizing clothing, shoes, and accessories I also model, create content, and make music! But that’s not all – I’m also a devoted mother. I try my best to juggle all my roles with grace and determination!

I owe much of my success and inspiration to my incredible grandmother. She has been a guiding force in my life, passing down a legacy of entrepreneurship that has shaped my journey in the fashion industry.

What do I do? I transform ordinary items into unique, personalized pieces that truly reflect the individuality of my clients. Drawing from my grandmother’s entrepreneurial spirit, I have proudly built my own business in the world of fashion customization. From a young age, I have been passionate about art and fashion, and my grandmother’s influence has fueled my creative drive. I have honed my skills in customizing clothing, shoes, and accessories, bringing my own unique style and artistic flair to each piece.

What sets me apart in this competitive industry is my focus on creating one-of-a-kind pieces that truly reflect the personality and style of my clients. I believe that fashion should be a form of self-expression, and my goal is to empower individuals to embrace their uniqueness through personalized fashion. I take pride in working closely with my clients, understanding their vision, and bringing it to life through my creative expertise and craftsmanship.

One of the things I am most proud of is the positive impact my work has on my clients. Seeing the joy and confidence in their faces when they wear a customized piece that perfectly reflects their style and personality is truly rewarding. I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to their self-expression and make a meaningful difference in their lives through my art and business.

As an influencer, I am passionate about sharing my journey and inspiring others to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams. I believe that with hard work, determination, and a strong sense of purpose, anyone can turn their passion into a successful business. My grandmother’s legacy has instilled in me the importance of resilience, independence, and creativity, and I strive to inspire others with these values.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

Yes! I was truly inspired by, “The Power of Broke: How Empty Pockets, a Tight Budget, and a Hunger for Success Can Become Your Greatest Competitive Advantage” by Daymond John. He talks about his experiences coming from humble beginnings with limited resources and turning his ideas into a global fashion brand. I am so motivated by his story! I still rock FUBU til this day lol

Another impactful book is, “The Secret”. My grandmother recommended it to me several years ago. It literally changed my life! This book emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive mindset, believing in your dreams, and aligning your thoughts and emotions with your desired outcomes.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

I was devastated when I lost my mother to lupus, just six months after giving birth to my precious baby boy. It felt like my world had shattered, and I was overwhelmed with grief. But amidst the pain, I found a flicker of hope in my grandmother’s unwavering support and love. My grandmother had always been my inspiration. She was a successful entrepreneur, owning multiple businesses and never backing down from a challenge. With her guidance and encouragement, I decided to honor my mother’s memory by starting my own business. It was a way for me to channel my grief and turn my passion into something positive.
Starting a business wasn’t easy, especially with the challenges of being a new mother and dealing with the loss of my mother. But I was determined to make it work. My grandmother became my mentor, teaching me the ropes of entrepreneurship and sharing her wisdom and experience.
Together, we turned my passion for fashion and creativity into a business that specialized in customizing clothing, shoes, and accessories. It was a labor of love, and I poured my heart and soul into every piece I created. My grandmother’s guidance and support gave me the strength to persevere even when faced with setbacks and obstacles.
There were days when I doubted myself and felt overwhelmed with grief. But my grandmother was always there, cheering me on, reminding me of my mother’s strength and resilience. She helped me tap into my inner resilience, pushing me to keep going even when the going got tough.
I faced challenges along the way, from managing motherhood and business responsibilities to navigating the competitive fashion industry. There were moments when I felt like giving up, but my grandmother’s unwavering faith in me kept me going. She instilled in me the importance of resilience, reminding me that my mother’s legacy was alive in me and that I had the power to overcome any obstacle.
With time and effort, my business started gaining traction. I built a loyal customer base who appreciated the unique and personalized touch I brought to each item I customized. My passion and determination fueled my business, and I was proud to see it grow.
Looking back, I realized that my mother’s passing was a turning point in my life. It ignited a fire within me to create something meaningful and make a difference in the world. My journey as a young entrepreneur taught me the power of resilience and the importance of having a strong support system. I will forever be grateful to my grandmother for her unwavering love, guidance, and belief in me.
Today, my business is thriving, and my son is my biggest cheerleader. I continue to carry my mother’s memory in my heart, and her resilience inspires me every day. I’ve learned that with determination, hard work, and the support of loved ones, we can rise above any adversity and create our own success story. My journey is a testament to the power of resilience and the unwavering love of a grandmother who believed in me when I needed it the most!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: HayishaNicole /YoungLionCo.
• Facebook: Hayisha Nicole / Young Lion Co.

Image Credits
Paul Ransom