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

Paige, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you tell us the backstory behind how you came up with the idea?

Menia Paige was inspired by my late grandmother, Wilhelmenia Gates Reeves. She was such a phenomenal woman in the years I knew her. I got to witness her meek and soft spirit while she was with us. She was such a lady of few words, but always had a nice touch to everything. I didn’t ask many questions while she was here, as I wished I had, instead I just admired her as she was. I watched everything she did. When spending weekends at her house, I would go through her dresser where she kept her jewelry, perfume, lotions, and make-up. I always played in this clear-tubbed red lipstick, then I would spray her perfume– Tresor by Lancome to be exact– and there I smiled in the mirror, feeling and looking just like Wilhelmenia.

When my grandmother passed away that was my first true experience of what it felt like to lose someone who you thought would live forever. I witnessed the shift in my family and especially in my mom and the effect it had on her as they were really close. One fun fact I always choose to share is that me and my grandmother hold the same birth date, July 7. After a hiatus due to grieving and healing we returned to traveling to my grandmother’s house again. I could feel her presence still around. I went to her bedroom and immediately sat on her bed to smell her sheets to see if they still smelled like her — they did. Instantly, I went to the dresser to play in her jewelry and even started making a little stash of things I wanted for myself.

Lucky enough, I was able to leave with her jogger sets, vintage sequin blouses, and long full-skirts. I was already taking sewing lessons so I started to work on some of her old denim; designing and reconstructing new pieces. This led me to wanting to know more about this woman… because where had she been with all these nice pieces?

Learning and asking questions about her life inspired me to make her part of my brand Menia Paige. Menia Paige is a fashion brand that pays homage to the lineage of powerful women through bold customs and ready-to-wear styles for women who are emerging into and boldly living unapologetically as to what feels good to them.

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?

My name is Paige Reeves also known as Menia. I am 25 years old and I have been sewing and designing for about 9 years and owning and operating in my business for 3 years. I attended Alabama A&M University, majoring in Apparel Design. After graduating in 2019, I officially became a business owner after wanting to take my craft and passion to the next level. I am a lover of all things fashion assisting others in styling, wardrobe consulting, custom designs, tailoring, and creative directing.

Being the creative that I am, I like to see myself as someone who is open and personal with my approach to clients. I like to get to know who I am working with to establish a healthy, trusting foundation while still maintaining a positive designer – client relationship. This has helped me in ways to assist my clients better since I have knowledge about them and vice versa. I encourage my clients to be themselves in order for me to service them properly. I am all about adding a “tailored” approach to my services.

The problem I solve for my clients is giving a sense of ease when it comes to wardrobe and feeling comfortable in your personal style and being comfortable within it. I am most proud when I can see a woman’s confidence heightened while working with them.

Menia Paige is a growing fashion house brand that will honor the feel of luxury and culture through means such as fashion, beauty, and home.

Is there a mission driving your creative journey?

My mission for Menia Paige is not only to curate a brand that caters to the lifestyle of the consumer, but it is a brand that pays homage to the lineage of powerful women that have inspired me in my life journey. My journey will make it possible to start up the Menia Paige nonprofit that will assist other young women in pursuing their passions and desires with ease.

Have you ever had to pivot?

A time I had to pivot in business and in life was after graduating college. After you graduate, everyone asks you the famous question, “So, what’s next?”. I didn’t always have the answer because I thought simply saying “Moving and chasing my dreams” wasn’t enough. In July 2019, I moved to Charlotte, NC to live with my aunt until I was able to figure out what my next step would be… especially since I was right in the middle of two fashion cities, Atlanta and New York. I had everything figured out, so I thought. 2020, the world pandemic brought me to a stand still; in my business, work life, and personal. I had begun to get confused on what I really wanted to do as things became questionable to even continue with.

After considering attending Parsons School of Design in NYC, I had to think again. Was I ready to dish out so much money on a degree after graduating debt free?? Was I willing to relocate again and in the middle of a pandemic?? Was I going to school based on outside opinions and self – doubt?? I had to reevaluate some of my options. I had to remember the space I was in; living with my aunt with minimum rent, I was still able to save money and I could use my free time to invest in myself and learn the skills I wanted to learn. I took that route.

I finally made a decision for myself. I knew it was the right choice because I was able to see my path clearly, I was met with new connections and opportunities in Charlotte, and I had begun to really get my brand around. Between 2019 and now I have been able to develop my brand and identity within it. I have been able to create my own community of consumers as well as mentors and mentees. The business journey is not always fun, but it is rewarding. When I look back at most of my decisions, I have no regrets and I am continuing to grow more and more.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.meniapaige.com
• Email: meniapaige@gmail.com
• Instagram: @___menia | @meniapaigedesigns