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

Nicole Alexandra, appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

From a young age, I was passionate about the creative arts—whether it was sewing, acting, music, or drawing, I always found ways to express myself through various outlets. I was fortunate to have a grandmother who was a seamstress and taught me the craft early on. Her influence shaped me into who I am today and sparked my love for clothing and design.

Over the years, I’ve developed a diverse and versatile skill set through both formal education and a personal pursuit of knowledge. I’ve spent countless hours reading books, watching tutorials, and attending in-person workshops whenever possible. I truly believe it’s important to follow your passions and explore all your interests—even those that may seem unrelated to your career. Inspiration often comes from the most unexpected places.

My journey has led me to study a wide range of disciplines, including fashion design, costume design, wardrobe styling, millinery, accessory design, soldering and welding, shoemaking, embroidery, and floral design—the list goes on. This accumulated knowledge, drawn from my many passions, influences the work I create today and makes it uniquely my own.

I believe that creativity, passion, and perseverance are the most essential skills for any creative. Life as an artist can be challenging, and success often takes years of dedication. However, with unwavering passion and drive, anything is possible.

Of course, obstacles like time or financial constraints can sometimes make it difficult to pursue new skills or further our knowledge. But today, we’re fortunate to have access to countless free resources that creatives can utilize to their advantage. For me, I’ve found it incredibly helpful to dedicate at least one hour each morning—or whenever time allows—to learning something new or experimenting with a new technique. It’s food for the soul and a vital part of staying inspired and evolving as a creative.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

A little bit about me – I began my career in the Fashion and Entertainment industries, working as a Wardrobe Stylist and Costume Designer. Over the past 11 years, I’ve built my brand and established my design studio, By Nicole Alexandra, which offers styling and design services for a variety of industries, including Television, Film, Theater, Music Videos, Print, and Editorial. We also work with private clients on custom commissions and offer costume rentals for stylist pulls and photoshoots.

At By Nicole Alexandra, all custom designs are handcrafted with meticulous attention to detail. Our studio offers a range of specialized services, including: Embroidery & Beading, Custom Millinery, Shoemaking, Aging & Distressing, and Fabric Dyeing.

I take immense pride in the variety of services and skills we provide, as I believe it sets us apart and allows for a truly unique, creative approach to the work we produce.

In addition to my design studio, I also run another business, Over The Decades, which beautifully combines all the things I love most. Over The Decades is where romance meets craftsmanship—from bespoke headpieces and custom designs to elegant floral services, every creation is thoughtfully crafted to evoke timeless elegance and add a touch of magic to life’s special moments. At Over The Decades, we specialize in creating quality, handcrafted pieces such as Headpieces, Hats, Jewelry, Clothing and Bridal Accessories. For those seeking something truly unique, we also offer custom design services, with an emphasis on bridal. Additionally, Over The Decades features a Floral Studio where we focus on wearable florals and bespoke floral arrangements for weddings and special events. Our designs are rooted in a love for whimsy and allure, drawing heavy inspiration from vintage and historical elements. Through our work, we aim to transport our clients to a world of timeless beauty and enchantment.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist and creative is the ability to bring ideas to life and make meaningful connections through my work. Whether it’s crafting a bespoke piece, designing florals, or curating an entire vision for the screen, I find immense fulfillment in transforming inspiration into something tangible that resonates with others. There’s something incredibly special about seeing a client light up when they see their vision realized— whether it’s an actor stepping into a character with a custom costume, a bride holding her dream bouquet, or someone finding joy in a handcrafted accessory. These moments remind me that creativity has the power to evoke emotions, tell stories, and create lasting memories.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

A pivotal moment in my career came when COVID hit, and production work came to a halt. For the first time in years, I had space to reflect and consider other creative paths. It was during this time that I decided to make a slight pivot and started my passion project, Over The Decades. What began as a creative outlet has since evolved into a beautiful and thriving business—one that I’m incredibly proud of today.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.bynicolealexandra.com www.overthedecadesshop.com
• Instagram: @bynicolealexandra @overthedecades @overthedecadesflorals
• Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/in/bynicolealexandra

Image Credits

Diana Cecilia Photography
Christy Clark Photography