We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Ayonte Albert a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Ayonte, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
From my parents. Growing up, I witnessed them overcome obstacles and the hardest of hardships. They pushed through those obstacles, and came out on top. There are so many things that you can allow to keep hindering your growth, but watching them overcome their difficulties, showed me that I can overcome mine and do so much more.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Last year, I rebranded myself as AA Originality – a creative space. I originally focused on custom resin art and gifts for the home. In addition to that, I began graphic designing for businesses, events, and parties. I also tutor, and creative learning material for grade aged children. My biggest focus this year has been designing. At the beginning of the year, I created my vision board and one of the goals were to host an event. I have several projects in the making – web design e-book and class, a poetry memoir and audiobook, as well as a an alumni track meet that I am hosting and organizing. Being a creative means, I’m open to all possibilities that can put me and my brand out in the world. It also allows me to network with so many businesses and build personal and professional relationships with them.
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?
I’ve worked as a behavior therapist for children on the spectrum for 7 years. Being a therapist gave me a better insight at being a mom and private tutor. That experience gave me opportunity to start creating learning material and binders for children that may be struggling in school.
While in college, I worked as assistant managers at several retail companies. That gave me the confidence and skills to eventually build a brand of my own.
My father is also an entrepreneur. Since I was a baby, I’ve watched his music production soar to new heights. There are so many qualities and skills he has learned that he has been able to teach me.
Advice that I can offer, is to not give up. There were times when I wanted to give up, but instead I took a break, refocused, and made sure my business stood out from others. Success won’t happen over night. Becoming known won’t happen over night, but if you truly love what you do, and know it can positively impact someone. Keep moving forward.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
I am always looking for people to collaborate with. If you are looking to rebrand yourself, start a business, event, need help planning and organizing, I can help with that. I can be your go to for a lot, and a one stop shop. I create physical art, digital art, and love to plan.
Contact Info:
- Website: aaoriginality.com
- Instagram: @aaoriginality
- Facebook: AA Originality
