We were lucky to catch up with Ayeshia Smith recently and have shared our conversation below.
Ayeshia, thank you so much for taking the time to share your lessons learned with us and we’re sure your wisdom will help many. So, one question that comes up often and that we’re hoping you can shed some light on is keeping creativity alive over long stretches – how do you keep your creativity alive?
I keep my creativity alive through everyday life experiences, visiting museums, traveling, and honestly keeping my inner child alive because that is where the vision all started. What I mean by that is always having an optimistic outlook and maintaining a healthy imagination which allows the creativity to flow.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’m a self taught fashion designer. I cut and sew all of my garments myself. I taught myself how to sew at the age of 13 and everything else is history! I started my brand, AyeshiA, in 2013. I absolutely love designing because it allows me to challenge myself and come up with these bold and vibrant collections.. My creations are art and it’s an expression of who I am. I enjoy seeing the models and my clients excitement when wearing my garments because they always exude so much confidence and pride, it’s very fulfilling. My last collection “Memphis” that I debuted at New York Fashion Week was so special to me because I had just relocated back to my hometown, Memphis, and I wanted my new collection “Dancing Tigers” to incorporate my Memphis roots which is why I incorporated Bengal Tigers in this collection because it represents the college I attended which is the University of Memphis and the mascot is a Bengal Tiger. The collection is now available for preorder on AyeshiA.com and I have recently expanded my brand and now offer both Footwear and Eyewear! We are so excited about it! Also, I’ll be showcasing my new collection at an upcoming Fashion Show in Memphis, at The Shops of Saddle Creek on Sunday,July 30th.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
I would say the three most impactful qualities of my journey thus far have been staying consistent, persistent, and giving myself grace when I feel I’ve fallen short or didn’t meet my expectations. I would say these 3 qualities have helped me become more resilient. I would tell people that are early in their journey to focus on their own journey and to not compare their journey to others in the same field because you should only be in competition with yourself and not others. Patience and timing is key. Don’t rush it.
Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
The most impactful thing my parents did for me was believing in my dream and my mom purchasing my first sewing machine when I was 13. I remember my heart being so full of joy! One of my most memorable moments as a child. The second most memorable moment is when my dad bought my very first industrial sewing machine, he flew me out to pick out the industrial sewing machine that I wanted. I remember crying because I was so happy! I truly appreciate them and their support.
Contact Info:
- Website: AyeshiA.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ayeshia.apparel/
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/AyeshiA.Apparel
- Other: Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ayeshia.apparel
Image Credits
Roderick Williams (photographer of A Black Mosaic Showcase)
