Life, Values & Legacy: Our Chat with Alexis Collins of Northern New Jersey

Alexis Collins shared her story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Alexis , really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
I’m really proud of how much I’ve scaled my business this year and my own personal and professional growth. I’ve been doing more in-person networking by presenting and vending at a few local expos this year. I was a vendor at my church’s Black Business Expo in February and their Juneteenth Black Business Expo in late June. Additionally, I was recently a presenter at the 12th Annual Independent Authors Book Expo hosted by the Independent Authors Book Experience (IABX), and a vendor at the Female Entrepreneurs Empowerment Summit held by the Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) Sorority. I’ve been further putting myself out there and signing up for as many business events as I can. I love exploring fresh ways to creatively market myself and my brand and each expo has given me a new opportunity to improve and grow. It’s always wonderful meeting people and learning about future writing projects they would like to work on, along with listening to them discuss their writing journeys and personal stories. I also love networking with fellow business owners and creatives and having a chance to exchange contact information and ideas.

Being an author and vendor at this year’s IABX Independent Authors Book Expo was especially a highlight for me. It was my first time participating in an event that particularly concentrated on promoting authors and their books. I was able to continue to showcase my poetry book, Embracing Changes, and decorate my booth differently than I normally do. I created a special giveaway for some of my merchandise. I also set up flower arrangements that aligned with my brand colors, displayed copies of my book, and exhibited frames that included a small bio about myself. I was able to connect with some amazing authors and have discussions with them that motivated and inspired me.

Moreover, I got to delve into some of the poems and nuances of my book with visitors and fellow authors, conduct book signings, and listen to insightful workshops about enhancing your book marketing skills. I couldn’t help but be in awe of how far God has brought me. Overall, all of the events were fantastic and I hope to partake in them again.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m the founder of Lexie Writes, a professional writing and content creation business that crafts compelling and visionary text that encapsulates people’s unique branding identities and marketing goals. I started Lexie Writes in 2020 to help clients unlock their stories and make a lasting impression. I provide a vast array of services, including website copy, blog posts, social media content, books, articles, newsletters, flyers, and emails that strategically speak to clients’ audiences across diverse platforms and formats. I also specialize in creating career documents, from attention-grabbing resumes and cover letters to engaging LinkedIn profiles and professional biographies. I love assisting clients by transforming their ideas and giving their brand the voice it deserves. My primary objective is to aid people in producing powerful content that elevates and sells.

I went from conceptualizing this business in my bedroom after I got laid off from my full-time job during the COVID-19 pandemic, to having the chance to work with, and devise content for some amazing people over the years, including entrepreneurs, nonprofits, celebrities and influencers, medical professionals, lawyers, creatives, fashion designers, news publications, blogs from various niches, and more! I’m passionate about what I do and love using my God-given abilities to help others. I’ve been writing since I was a child and earned a B.A. in Broadcast Journalism with a minor in Business from Penn State University. I wrote for different publications while I was in college, filmed short documentaries, and interned in the media space at a nonprofit and at radio and TV stations. After I graduated, I went on to work at CBS This Morning (now CBS Mornings) and MSNBC.

I pride my business on quality, timeliness, consistency, integrity, and impeccable customer service. I’m big on attention to detail, work ethic, and making sure my clients are satisfied with the final product. I ensure there’s constant correspondence and communication and that my office hours are almost always open. I guarantee that the project is not only delivered in a timely manner and to the client’s liking but that I can promptly answer their questions and address any potential concerns. I believe being attentive, present, and active is just as important as the project itself. Working with clients is a collaborative partnership, and I always make sure they’re updated and included every step of the way. I’m reminded of why I love what I do whenever a client expresses their joy, excitement, or gratitude for a project that I executed for them. Seeing their wonder and happiness makes it all worth it and propels me to keep going. I have people come up to me in person or on social media telling me that a friend or colleague of theirs recommended me to them and how that client enjoyed working with me. It’s heartwarming to hear. I’m truly thankful for my clients for entrusting me with these incredible projects.

I have some new and exciting things I’m working on. I recently updated parts of my website and I’m taking some courses, so I can offer more services. I’m also in the process of launching my online shop! This has been months in the making and I’m ecstatic to present the Lexie Writes store to people. Kickstarting the store has been an intensive, hands-on process, which included finding a manufacturer, researching and sourcing the best materials, carefully customizing and designing the products, ordering and testing out samples, expressing my vision to my fantastic web designer, and finding the best e-commerce platform to use. There were times where I had to pivot and repeat a few steps to ensure everything was seamless and top-notch. It’s also been very rewarding seeing everything come into fruition knowing how much heart and effort was put into it. I’ve been wanting to create an online store for a long time and to finally have it become a reality is awesome! It’s definitely a labor of love. I can’t wait for people to visit and explore my shop, and purchase some Lexie Writes merchandise!

Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
I would say God. He has always been there for me, even in times when I felt like I didn’t deserve it. I’ve always been a Christian and a believer, but I really came more into my faith and developed a relationship with God halfway through college. He’s opened doors for me that I didn’t even think were possible and gave me the vision to start my business all the way down to my brand colors, which are purple and gold. Biblically, purple means royalty and power, and gold symbolizes God’s holiness, divine presence, and unchanging character.

I went from being depressed in my room five years ago because I lost my job, wondering what the next steps would be and having hesitations about whether Lexie Writes would work, to having a successful and thriving business. And I know everything is according to His will and plan for my life. Looking back, I realize that I had more time and energy to truly develop my business after I got laid off (I was working the overnight shift, so I had to adjust my sleep schedule during the day). Once I officially launched my business and began gaining clients, and right before I was about to go on unemployment, I was blessed with a new day job. I know that was all God. That’s why I dedicate my entire business to Him and always make sure to give Him the thanks, honor, and praise because I would truly not be here if it wasn’t for Him.

I also want to give a special shoutout to my parents, partner, family, and friends who always supported and believed in me!

What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
Losing my maternal grandmother, paternal aunt, and my sister were major wounds and chasms in my life. My sister, Chanel, passed away when I was eight years old. There was a 14-year age gap between us, but we had a close bond and I wish I got to spend more time with her, especially now that I’m a young woman. She was the sweetest person you’d ever meet; she was very compassionate, caring, loving, and giving. The poem in my book titled, My Angel, is dedicated to her. Meanwhile, my Aunt Phyllis was a firecracker and had a feisty, determined, candid, and unapologetic disposition. She was also hilarious and would have you crying laughing before she even finished her sentence.

My Grandma Maxine was another form of grief altogether. She helped raise me since I was a baby. For 18 years, I went to her house almost every day after school while my mom was at work. She taught me, steered me, and helped shape me into the person I am today. She was my rock and the matriarch of the family. I fondly remember our walks to the local library where she let me check out as many books as I wanted (I’m a huge bookworm to the point where she and my grandpa even bought me an encyclopedia for Christmas), and our periodic poetry sessions. I would read my latest poems to her and she would give her feedback. She said I was a great poet and always enjoyed listening to my poetry, even if they were just half-finished drafts in my notebook. Her encouragement and support gave me the confidence to continue writing my poems and short stories; I even joined a poetry club in college.

When my grandma passed away in 2019, a few months shy of my college graduation, I channeled that grief and pain into poetry. While writing poetry will never replace the tremendous loss I still feel, it’s therapeutic for me and is my way of being close to her. I even dedicated one of my poems to her and read it at her funeral. She was one of my biggest fans and championed me to surpass boundaries and expand my horizons, that’s partially why I was incentivized to finally format my series of poems into a book and self-publish them on Amazon later in 2019. The book’s dedication is in honor of her memory and her forever place in my heart.

These three fearless, beautiful, ambitious, powerful, and exemplary women push me to keep going. It soothes me knowing they’re in a better place, and that they’re smiling down and cheering me on. I intend to keep making them proud.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What’s a belief you used to hold tightly but now think was naive or wrong?
I heard some rumblings about AI a few years ago but didn’t think it would be as big or ingrained into people’s everyday lives as it is now. A lot of people I know use ChatGPT to write emails, form outlines, polish resumes and cover letters, create quick blog posts, or do other things. When I ask why, they say it’s because it’s fast, easy, inexpensive, helpful, and convenient. I would be remiss if I didn’t say there were points where I felt apprehensive about AI eventually phasing out my business. I think many people in my industry and beyond have those same fears and concerns.

However, I’ve come to learn that just like with the evolution of media – with the transition from print to radio to television to the internet – it’s imperative to either adapt to the new technology or risk falling behind. It’s our responsibility as people in general to keep innovating and bettering ourselves. That’s why I’m in the process of taking AI writing courses. I’ll always continue prioritizing my mind, originality, and ingenuity when it comes to producing content, but I think it’s important to be honest about where the future of technology is heading and familiarize myself with AI in case I do need to use it as a tool (never a replacement) from time to time.

Furthermore, people have asked me how my business remains viable in a growing AI world. I think it’s important to keep emphasizing the human connection. Although AI has advanced immensely, I don’t think it has the capability to be on par with a human writer, especially in terms of personalization and uniqueness. There are people who still prefer human writers over AI. For instance, one of my new clients used AI to create a blog post prior to connecting with me, but she still wanted me to review it to make sure it was good to publish. I believe the reason my business has been able to withstand the tides is because of the relationships I’ve nurtured and fostered over time. A good chunk of my new leads come from client referrals and reviews, which is a blessing; it demonstrates that people like the merit of my services and character, while simultaneously suggesting me to their family members, coworkers, and friends. I’ve also been trying to attend as many business expos as possible, so people can personally interact with me and see the name and face behind the brand. Organically cultivating and establishing relationships can fortify ties and make people gravitate towards working with you.

In addition, I keep reinventing and refining my brand, so I’m not stationary, but I still safeguard core essential values, such as quality and integrity, that make people choose Lexie Writes in the first place.

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
That I gave it my all no matter what, and that I fostered something lasting and tangible because I never quit. One of my biggest regrets would be not pursuing my dreams and being stagnant. Even if things don’t go according to plan, at least I can say I tried. I’ve had doubts and hesitations, but I never let them limit or consume me.

To me, excelling at what you do and personifying persistence, determination, and ambition are the epitomes of greatness. My parents always said that whenever I set my eyes on something, I get it done to the best of my ability. I can’t do things halfheartedly or be mediocre, it’s just not me. I’ve adopted and embodied a fierce work ethic. For example, there are many times where I’ll make several revisions to a project because I noticed a minute detail in the format or wording that I want to tweak. I desire to maintain a level of distinction and standards that people will admire and remember.

I also think my legacy is bigger than myself. I look at the total picture generationally and view myself as one of the many extensions of how far we’ve progressed. Whenever I feel discouraged, I just remember my ancestors paving the way and their countless sacrifices. On my mother’s side, my great-grandfather, a first-generation American whose parents immigrated from Barbados, built a real-estate empire despite having a minimal formal education. At one point, he, his siblings, and their descendants built and owned roughly 75 percent of the houses and properties in my hometown, and these were Black people in the pre-Civil Rights era, which illustrates the vast amount of fortitude and courage they had. On my father’s side, my grandparents and great-grandparents were farmers and sharecroppers in the rural plains of Georgia. They were incredibly diligent and hardworking, eventually moving up North during the Great Migration to give themselves and their children a better life. The way I honor them is by sharing their stories and preserving and continuing their legacies, while cherishing and practicing those same entrepreneurial and industrious principles.

I consider my business to be a form of carrying the mantle. There’s a saying that people might forget what you said, but they’ll never forget how you made them feel. I want to do both. I want people to remember my character and spirit, while making an impact through my words.

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Image Credits
Lonnie Johnson

ABX Visuals/IABX

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