Today we’d like to introduce you to Alix Alexandre.
Hi Alix, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My freshman high school year my birthday was approaching and I wanted something nice for myself. I was new to Instagram I received my first phone freshman year, so while I was on Instagram scrolling around I came across some dope colorful Nike sneakers. I went to the guy page and realized he makes them himself. I was on his page for about a good hour window shopping. Unfortunately, I didn’t have the money to purchased them so I didn’t bother asking him how much for a pair. The next day I catch myself back on his page, I finally shot him a dm and aka him what’s the quote for a men size 9, he messaged me back later saying $400 plus shipping, after seeing both the “4” and those two zeros behind it I just knew there wasn’t any chance of me getting those sneakers. I asked them why they so expensive? He messaged back saying “Because they’re custom made”. My parents wouldn’t want to purchase some sneakers for $400 for me and I was a freshman, no job no money what’s so ever !!. I came in conclusion telling myself “if he can make those custom sneakers so can I” so I took advantage of the internet and did my research I search up “how to design sneakers” mind you I wasn’t looking to figure out how to customize sneakers, I was looking for videos so I can look for the paint brand they using to make the sneakers. Finally, I came through this video that mentioned “Angelus paint “ I went on their website! They had everything I needed to get started, I came across a started kit, it came with paint, paintbrushes and a couple of other things I needed to get started using my mom’s credit card not even telling her I ordered the kit, once the kit arrived, I took a brand new pair of Jordan’s that I had and customized them because they were the only shoe that I had with a white base. shockingly the shoe came out Amazing!! For it being my first time I was satisfied with my result. I posted them on Facebook and got plenty of positive feedback, I even got a couple of folks that messaged me about making them a pair but I was scared to get into business early so I never responded. I wore the sneakers to school and received more positive feedback about how they look even better in person I got an offer on purchasing them I turned it down because I felt like that shoe was the beginning of something good for me. I didn’t start customizing sneakers for customers until the end of my junior year I was trying to step out my comfort zone to stop being scared and satisfied customers, unfortunately, I was charging $400 for a custom sneakers I was charging enough where anybody can afford it I was a charging $40-$50 for a custom sneaker. Senior year I raised it up to $100-150, after senior year I graduated and came in conclusion that I want to make it a career for myself because I love art so I went for it, the process wasn’t easy but it got me here.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No, it hasn’t been a smooth road. but if anyone was to ask me would I want to change anything ill say No. The process taught me a lot !! My Favorite one is that “you can conquer more by being patient and passionate when it comes to your craft”.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m An Artist. I’m known around my city as a “customizer” because I customize sneakers and outfits, but I’m more than that. I’m an artist overall I can paint more than just shoes and clothes.
I’m proud of my work ethic, so many doors close on me from opportunities that others volunteer to help me with but I still keep faith I believe God showing me that I can prevail if I keep the faith.
What sets me from others is my creative, I take notes daily whether it’s on my phone or my iPad, I get ideas from the littlest things. I’m very passionate about what I do, I love and enjoy what I do. it’s more to it than the money.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
I watch a lot of podcasts, documentary, etc but my Favorite podcast right now is “Fnessers Only Club”. He brings a lot of entrepreneurs on his podcast and they share their stories I take notes to see what I can do better as an entrepreneur.
Contact Info:
- Email: Alixalexandre_1999@icloud.com
- Website: https://lacedupfeed.myshopify.com/
- Instagram: Lacedupfeed
- Facebook: Lacedup Feed
- Twitter: Lacedupfeed
- Youtube: Lacedup Feed
