Meet Alexis Daniels | Owner & Maker at A.N.D.Made by Hand Creative Studio

We had the good fortune of connecting with Alexis Daniels and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alexis, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
My process to starting my own business has definitely evolved and grown over time. As a creative I’ve always wanted my own thing. I knew even as I was entering college that I wanted to create something for myself. Unfortunately it took me quite a while to get to that point but I don’t regret any of it. I worked in Retail Operations and Visual Merchandising for 14 years full-time. In the beginning I was elated to go to work everyday. I enjoyed the environment. The people. The work. The day to day. I even loved how hectic it was. It meant I always had something to do and time would fly by. Even though it seemed as though I was totally in love with my job, it never felt right. My spirit wasn’t settled. With every job that came, I grew more and more ready to make my exit. I was exhausted, worn down,, tired of fighting for my recognition and just beat down. 60 hour work weeks will do that to you! Then I became a parent and as bad as I wanted to leave, that exit kept moving further and further and further away. When the pandemic hit and I was furloughed and living off of unemployment I KNEW that God was telling me it was finally my time to venture out on my own. I had all the time in the world to build and develop my own thing and after 14 years of retail, now I have the experience to truly be successful. I started A.N.D.Made and I haven’t looked back.

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
My favorite thing about being a creator is that I get to make something out of nothing. I use bold patterns, prints and found materials that you can wear or use to decorate your spaces with. I belive what sets me apart is me. I am the secret sauce. My experiences are similar to others but not the same.so I, like most artists, can provide a unique perspective. I am proud of US. Our resilence. Our strength. Our smiles. Our strides. Our stories. Our success. I am proud that my people continue to move the culture forward in so many positive ways. I am proud to be a black woman that didn’t give up. Getting here has been an uphill battle for sure. A lot of my trouble has been me not being able to get out of my own way and not forgiving myself for past mistakes. I carried them with me like a an extra set of hands and I felt defeated. Once I decided to put them down and live ON purpose and IN purpose then I started to see and operate in my full potential. I want the world to know that if I can do it, then so can you. You are not your mistakes and they can only shape your future if you allow them to. A.N.D.Made gives women permission to be seen and celebrated. It encourages you to TAKE UP SPACE and walk through your day with your head held high and a song in your spirit.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
First stop…CAKE BAR! I absolutely love their strawberry cake. Then we have to have dinner at Pangea in Carrolton. Drinks on Mckinney Ave. Pizza at Serious Pizza in Deep Ellum. And we must experience Oak Cliff!!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to shoutout my sisters. For all of their advice, love, encouragement and support. I wouldn’t be here without them.

Website: andmadebyhand.com

Instagram: @andmade_byhand

Facebook: @andmadebyhand

Image Credits
A.N.D. Made by Hand