Alexandria Alli

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[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”vc_default” bg_type=”image” parallax_style=”vcpb-default” bg_image_new=”id^3283|url^https://www.womeneur.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/womeneur-spotlight-alexandria-alli-of-fw-style_650_650_90_ffffffgrayopac-7_s_c1.jpg|caption^null|alt^null|title^womeneur-spotlight-alexandria-alli-of-fw-style_650_650_90_ffffffgrayopac-7_s_c1|description^null” css=”.vc_custom_1461793605685{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1461793995078{margin-bottom: -2px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}”]

WOMENEUR SPOTLIGHT: ALEXANDRIA ALLI OF F&W STYLE

DESIGNER/OWNER[/vc_column_text][vc_separator color=”custom” border_width=”5″ accent_color=”#e3672b” css=”.vc_custom_1460496937176{padding-top: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}”][vc_column_text]Social Media: [dt_social_icons animation=”none” alignment=”default”][dt_social_icon target_blank=”true” icon=”facebook” link=”http://facebook.com/FW-Style” /][dt_social_icon target_blank=”true” icon=”twitter” link=”http://twitter.com/fwstylebags” /][dt_social_icon target_blank=”true” icon=”instagram” link=”http://instagram.com/fwstyle” /][/dt_social_icons][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”3282″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Alexandria Alli is the founder and designer of , a beautiful handbag company baased in Atlanta, GA. She started her passion for fashion at age ten, when she persuaded her mother to let her assist her at her Fashion Design Studio everyday after school. At that young age, Alexandria learned a lot about design and running a fashion business. When she was 13, Alexandria and her family moved from Nigeria to Atlanta, Georgia and this is when she started her modeling career in major companies throughout the South.

Her modeling career sparked her love with the beauty and fashion the industry. Alexandria was attracted to the the classic charm and the well crafted luxurious Items, specifically handbags, that I she obtained from modeling. The experience made her realize that many women, including herself, could not afford the luxurious accessories and clothing that she modeled in magazines and on the runway.

After earning my Masters Degree in Business Administration in 2008, she decided to put her educational background and years of experience in the fashion industry to create a luxurious brand for the everyday fashionable woman. With the support my husband Alfred Alli, F&W Style was born. Our handbags are now in over 40 boutiques including select Ritz Carlton Gift shops nationwide.

Alexandria, our Womeneur this week, shares her career journey, her fears as an entrepreneur and what advice that can benefit all of us.

What inspired your journey into business?
My journey was first inspired by my desire to create high-end well-crafted luxury handbags but at an attainable price for all women. After having kids my desire for my business has gotten even stronger because, I see my business as a true life lesson for them and any young people out there. If you put your mind to something you can achieve it, no matter the circumstance. I am excited about how far my business has come and also for how much we will achieve in the future.

What steps did you take to start your business?
I took me a full year of research before I finally started my business. I took time to research the industry and talk to mentors that I had in the fashion industry. It also took time finding the right manufacturer to create my designs. But, once we got those two things figured out we jumped in head first. We started doing Trade shows and knocking on several boutiques door steps trying to get them to carry our line.

What are your biggest fears?
I think my biggest fear is failure, not reaching the goals that I have set for myself and my company. But I have learned that it is okay to have fear, because bravery is not the absence of fear, it is the ability to overcome that fear. So, I rarely focus on the fear of failing, instead I focus on brave things that I can do for my business everyday that will ensure that it is successful.

What do you do to stay motivated when you feel like giving up?
I have been blessed with a great support system. My husband is part owner of the business and also my number one supporter. He is always my sounding board when I have those bad days. My mom who is also a designer motivates me to keep going. And I also have a great group of entrepreneur friends who understand the struggle and are awesome motivators.

What are your weaknesses in business and how have you worked past them? 
One of my weaknesses would be trying to do it all. When I first started my business I wanted control of it all our sites, trade shows, store visits, orders, campaigns etc. But, I have learned that doing it all by myself is the fastest way to get burnt out. Now, as hard as it is sometimes I have to get the right people in place and delegate tasks.

What’s been most rewarding?
The most rewarding thing has been seeing women all over the United States wearing my bags and also seeing my handbags featured in magazines. I still remember the first day I saw a woman walk in to a restaurant I was in, wearing one of my handbags, I remember thinking WOW! I’m a real designer now lol..That feeling never gets old

Who were you before you started your business?
I went from being a full time model to getting my degree in Marketing and working as a Bank Manger for several years. I really was not feeling fulfilled in that position and I knew I wanted to do something that I have a passion for, which is fashion. I went back to school to get my MBA which gave me the tools to run the business end of my brand.

If you had to do it again, what (if anything) would you do differently?
I would have gone fulltime with the business sooner instead of holding on to my corporate job for so long.

What’s one good software or application you cannot live without?
It will definitely be Microsoft Outlook! Email is a huge part of my business and the outlook application works great for us.

What’s your secret to cultivating a relationship between you and your customers?
The secret for us has been keeping in contact with them and showing them the personality of our brand through social media, email, newsletters, trunk shows etc.

Where do you see your business in 5 years?
I see our brand being a household name in big box stores like Bloomingdales.

What are 3 tips you can share with budding and current entrepreneurs/business owners?
The three tips that I would share is :

1. Take time to plan your business
2. Know who your customer is and how you are going to reach them
3. Stay Focused and don’t give up!

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