Today we’d like to introduce you to Alekai Vision.
Hi Alekai, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I’ve been into fashion since 7th grade. Before that, I was trying to fit in and dress like others. The starter pack was Nike socks, Jordan’s, and cargos. I got bored of that very quickly and started experimenting with different styles. I started thrifting in High School and even started a Fashion YouTube channel. My friends and I would hangout almost daily, taking cool outfit pictures for Instagram. It was really fun.
After I graduated from High School in 2019, I started a vintage pop-up store called La Tienda. I just wanted to get rid of some old thrifted clothes I had and so did my friends, so we made an event and it got pretty popular. Not only was it just about selling clothes, but we started collaborating with local bands and I wanted to start working with more creatives, turning the brand more into an art collective. We started doing a pop-up once a month until mid 2020 when Covid hit.
After that, I rebranded La Tienda into another type of vintage store focused on selling true vintage items from the 80s, 70s, and older. Then I started a clothing brand called Twisted Fantaisie where I would make cut and sew pieces and Cricut ink transfers.
Eventually I stopped this too, and throughout these 3-4 years I realized something. Maybe none of my brands end up working out because I don’t stay consistent enough, and I try juggling too many different brands and projects at once. I’m into too many different things.
This is when The Vision District was born, in April of 2023. I always wanted to give creatives a platform, and Vision is just that. I formed a small team of 4 people including me, and we started making fashion content on Instagram and YouTube. We started going to events like fashion shows and art shows and doing interviews with people, showcasing different outfits, styles, and voices.
After doing a couple of creative projects together, we made a summer magazine called Citrus, which showcased what we did as a group over the summer and who we worked with, along with featuring some creatives. We threw a magazine release party and it went very well. After that, we started featuring more creatives on our page and called the series “Visionary”.
Early 2024 we showcased our first short film in Tallahassee. We then continued doing events, making content at vintage markets, and working with creatives. This past summer we did Citrus. Vol. 2, a magazine about summer in Florida, and it was a big milestone for us.
Through the Vision District, I, Alekai, have been able to meet and work with countless creatives. I have built a solid team with talented and hard working people, who all bring something new and fresh to the table. I appreciate every single on of them. Because of the creative community, we are here now, and look forward to making waves in Kissimmee, and all of Florida.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has definitely not been a smooth road. Multiple of my brands/businesses have failed, but through those failures I got to where I am now, and I am grateful for the opportunity to learn and overcome. Not only that, working with creatives is tough sometimes. Everyone is passionate about something, and sometimes people aren’t used to healthy collaboration. I’ve made many mistakes in this journey and have learned a lot about myself and others. It’s hard work but it’s so worth it because what we are trying to do here at Vision is much bigger than any of us, it’s a movement for the creative community, for all of Florida.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m Alekai Vision, and I’m the founder of The Vision District, a platform for creativity, fashion, and collective arts. We specialize highlighting creatives, hosting events, and interviews. I am most proud of building a strong sense of community through this platform. A big achievement for me is making our first magazine called Citrus, and just this past summer doing Citrus Vol. Two. What sets us apart from others is our focus on Florida creatives. We are not going to feature just anyone on our page, you gotta be from FL or based in FL. We hear too much about New York and Los Angeles, but what about Florida? We’re going to make sure people know just how much creativity is going on over here.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
I believe risk taking is essential if you want to reach a higher level. There are ways to plan and be smart about it, but sometimes you just need to jump. Some major risks I have taken would be creating my own magazine and throwing a release party. We ordered about 40 copies and did not do any preorders. I just really knew people would show up. And they did. We sold out. And the event was a huge success and created a strong sense of community.
Pricing:
- A copy of Citrus Vol. Two is $25
- Stickers are $5 each or two for $8
- Shirts are $20
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vsndistrict?igsh=MWZ2bWRhdW11cnByNA==
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@vsndistrict?si=DPswqHj4uqOisLG9
Screenshot
Screenshot
Image Credits
Omar Weise Alejandro Aviles Christian Oquendo Sayana Ramirez Donae Allen
