We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Anasa Greaves. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Anasa below.
Hi Anasa, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
I always knew I wanted to be a designer, but I truly found my purpose midway through clinicals during my last year of college. I remember it as clear as day – I went into the supply closet during one of my clinicals, and I completely broke down crying because I just didn’t want to do nursing. I had loved designing and putting clothing together for as long as I could remember, yet I was too afraid to pursue my dream. Anything in the art field wasn’t considered a respectable livelihood, especially coming from a traditional Guyanese background. But that day was different, and I had had enough. I
told my professor I would no longer be pursuing nursing, and the following year, I was enrolled in the Academy of Art in San Francisco. It was on a different coast, and I was ready. I had known since high school that my purpose lay in the fashion industry, but it took going to college and experiencing that journey for me to find my voice.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I’m Anasa Greaves, the founder and designer behind Unisa Eurani, a clothing brand that seamlessly blends streetwear with classic tailoring, often playing with textures while infusing a streetwear edge.
So, what does that look like? Well, it means crafting outfits like tailored trousers paired with a beaded jacket, all matched with your favorite logo sweatshirt and accessorized with a stylish handkerchief scarf. As my brand continues to grow, we’re committed to enhancing sustainability by incorporating more recycled fabrics into some of our beloved silhouettes until we achieve the milestone of 100% recycled materials.
What I absolutely love about my business is the creative process. It’s an exhilarating journey to start with a pattern, essentially something one-dimensional, and transform it into a wearable piece of clothing that truly embodies my brand’s aesthetic. It’s all about authenticity.
Currently, all our production is handled in-house or sourced locally, enabling us to create limited runs of exclusive items at affordable price points, all the while maintaining a focus on quality and timelessness.
Exciting news – our next pop-up shop is set to take place at the Brooklyn Navy Yard on December 2nd and 3rd, a local hub for creators and artisans, spotlighting one-of-a-kind items made and sourced locally. Additionally, stay tuned for my upcoming YouTube channel, where I’ll delve deeper into the life of an entrepreneur.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
As I continue to grow on this journey, I’ve had the privilege of being selected to participate in the Workshop at Macy’s program. This program offers an in-depth exploration of your business, covering everything from pricing to marketing to pitching. I can honestly say that the workshop has been transformative, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to any small business owner. The knowledge and insights gained are truly invaluable.
On my journey, I’ve also developed a crucial skill: confidence. Receiving numerous rejections along the way has taught me to believe in myself and not take each “no” as a personal attack. Instead, I remind myself that a “yes” is just around the corner.
One piece of advice I’d like to share with others is the importance of consistency. It’s something I still grapple with as a solopreneur, but I can genuinely say that I’m at my best in my business when I maintain a consistent approach and avoid overthinking. As artists, we often become trapped in our pursuit of perfection, leading to overanalyzing every detail. Sometimes, when you stop second-guessing yourself and simply take action, you’ll be pleasantly surprised. That video you thought wasn’t perfect might outperform all the others. Ultimately, when you’re intentional about your work, you’ll realize that the only judgment that truly matters is your own.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
I’m constantly on the lookout for collaborations. I believe that genuine collaborations are what truly elevate this industry. Working with stylists and photographers who possess a unique perspective, those who consider not only the clothing but also the entire ambiance, including the environment and placement, is something I’m passionate about.
In the future, I’d love to collaborate with entertainers and musicians. I firmly believe that fashion and entertainment are inherently intertwined, so the idea of having my clothing worn by some incredibly talented up-and-coming entertainers and musicians who resonate with my brand and work ethic is an exciting prospect.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.unisaeurani.co
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unisaeurani/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/unisaeurani
Image Credits
Looks on the Beach was taken by Rob Tutticalvi Look with white background of Denim jacket and matching short taken by Ryle Watson Look with model on the stoop taken by Justin Lee
