We recently connected with Nicole Alexandra and have shared our conversation below.
Nicole , appreciate you making time for us and sharing your wisdom with the community. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others overcame obstacles can be helpful. One of those struggles is keeping creativity alive despite all the stresses, challenges and problems we might be dealing with. How do you keep your creativity alive?
Most of my inspiration comes from studying past decades. I always aim to weave historically inspired elements into my designs, whether through choice of fabric, a silhouette, or styling. Books, paintings, and vintage photographs are often a huge source of inspiration. Travel also deeply influences my work – immersing myself in different cultures, marveling at intricate architecture, and wandering through museums helps me develop my vision when designing.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
A little bit about me – I began my career in the Fashion and Entertainment industries, working as a Wardrobe Stylist and Costume Designer. Over the past 11 years, I’ve built my brand and established my design studio, By Nicole Alexandra, which offers styling and design services for television, film, theater, and commercial work. We also work with private clients on custom commissions and offer costume rentals for stylist pulls and photoshoots. At By Nicole Alexandra, all custom designs are handcrafted with meticulous attention to detail. One thing I’m really excited about is the wide variety of specialized services we provide such as embroidery, beading, custom millinery, shoemaking, aging & distressing, and fabric dyeing.
In addition to my design studio, I also run another business, Over The Decades, which beautifully combines all the things I love most. Over The Decades is where romance meets craftsmanship—from bespoke headpieces and custom designs to elegant floral services, every creation is thoughtfully crafted to evoke timeless elegance and add a touch of magic to life’s special moments. At Over The Decades, we specialize in creating quality, handcrafted pieces such as Headpieces, Hats, Jewelry, Clothing and Bridal Accessories. For those seeking something truly unique, we also offer custom design services, with an emphasis on bridal. Additionally, Over The Decades features a Floral Studio where we focus on wearable florals and bespoke floral arrangements for weddings and special events. Our designs are rooted in a love for whimsy and allure, drawing heavy inspiration from vintage and historical elements. Through our work, we aim to transport our clients to a world of timeless beauty and enchantment.
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?
Three qualities/skills that I feel have impacted my journey in a positive way are: hard work, perseverance, and a constant search for new projects, clients, and education. For people who are early in their creative journey I would recommend to get as much experience as you can, meet as many people in your industry as you can and always step out of your comfort zone. The most rewarding experiences and projects are usually the ones that make you a bit nervous at the start.
What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?
When I feel overwhelmed, I often seek comfort in nature. A quiet moment outdoors, lying under a tree, or simply breathing in fresh air always has a way of reminding me to slow down and grounding me in the present. I would also recommend meditation, mindful breathing, or reading, such practices help to quiet the mind and give you a fresh perspective before having to take on any new projects at work.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.bynicolealexandra.com www.overthedecadesshop.com
- Instagram: @bynicolealexandra @overthedecades
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bynicolealexandra
Image Credits
Diana Cecilia Photography
Christy Clark Photography
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