With our third installment of the “Raise Ya Crowns: HERstory" series, we’re continuing our mission to bring you inspiring stories from dope multifaceted women doing their big ones in their industries and communities.
Up next we have our sis Alexis Alford, Owner and Designer behind The Blueprynt Experience, a graphic design brand with a focus on promoting equal access to resources for her clients and community.
Read below to see how Lex broke it down on how she is living out her her purpose and setting the "Blueprynt" for young women like to follow.
SSA: Finally got my sis on the blog with us! Go ahead and introduce yourself to the Serenade Squad girl!
ALEXIS: Hey y’all, it’s your girl Alexis but you can call me Lex. I am the Creator behind The Blueprynt Experience. What started as a project during my senior seminar class while pursuing my undergraduate degree, is now my graphic design company. My main focus is to bring my clients Blueprynt (vision) to life through a clear, creative, and collaborative approach.
SSA: Clear, creative and collaborative, we love that. Collaboration between designers and their clients make the process so much smoother. It allows ideas to bounce off each other while trusting the skill and knowledge of the designer and ultimately, really makes the final project pop. Having that type of relationship with your clients can set you apart in such a competitive industry.
What are some other practices you implement into your creative process that allows you to stay true to yourself, your clients vision, and still stand out from others doing the same as you?
ALEXIS: An important aspect is recognizing that each client's vision is unique and personal to them. By staying up to date with current trends, I focus on tailoring them to align with my clients' visions. This allows me to creatively stay true to myself; and set myself apart from fellow creatives.
SSA: Yes, being a creative is broad so just being yourself and honing in on your skills is really the best thing to do. There's no right or wrong way to do so which makes it the best part, honestly and there's always going to be someone out there that’ll rock with it.
And let’s be real, women are some of the most creative and innovative people in the game right now, no shade to our counterparts lol. But you know how it goes, we are still getting left behind in roles, pay, and recognition.
When it comes to your own experiences, how have you been making sure your voice is heard and credit is given?
ALEXIS: It can be frustrating when our contributions aren’t acknowledged, especially as a Black woman who brings creativity and more to the table. One way I make sure my voice is heard is by making myself present in ALL rooms. Lately, I’ve been more personable on my projects and social media platforms. At first, I was hesitant, but for this exact reason I want people to see the face behind the brand. By incorporating my face on marketing materials and showcasing my personality on social media platforms, I’m able to represent myself authentically. Also, I’ve established a strong network of like-minded individuals who share opportunities for recognition and advancement.
SSA: Oh we've been there lol. Becoming the face of your brand when you’ve never really stepped into that realm before takes some courage for sure, as does most things when being a business owner. This journey requires us to tap into some through-the-roof type of faith and strength. If you don’t have it in the beginning, best believe the process will make you gain it.
Have you endured any obstacles or self doubt when starting The Blueprynt Experience?
ALEXIS: The Blueprynt Experience was a huge push out of my comfort zone, so in itself this was one of the biggest obstacles I overcame in a sense. To be honest, I never imagined myself starting a graphic design company lol. Initially, I faced self doubt with public speaking and managing the challenges of starting a business. While I am introverted in certain settings, I become more extroverted around familiar faces. However, as a business owner, you HAVE to be comfortable speaking publicly about your brand, regardless of the setting.
SSA: Definitely. I don't think many people realize how much public speaking is required as a business or brand owner, especially if you want to scale up. I took a public speaking class in college not thinking anything of it. Now I speak in front of large groups a couple times a year lol. Who would've thought?
The key is just believing in yourself and your talents because there are times when you’re going to have to clap for yourself, expectedly and unexpectedly. The support may not be there, or at least from who you thought it would come from.
Was there ever a time when you didn’t receive the support you thought you would? What did you do to get past that?
ALEXIS: I can laugh about this now, but when I first started my business I expected support from everyone lol. There were several occasions when I didn't receive the expected support, and it was very disappointing. It took me a while to realize it, but that’s an unrealistic expectation I placed on people which was unfair. I've learned not to expect support for my business, especially from friends and family. The main reason: they are not my target audience but rather individuals close to me. While their support is appreciated, it is not an obligation.
SSA: Word, thinking everyone is gonna support you will set you up for failure (mentally too) right in the beginning. And we can’t forget that support comes in many forms, whether that be buying something, reposting, sharing, word of mouth, or speaking your name in a room when you’re not around. Sometimes we need to let it be what it is because we have other things to worry about and plenty of them lol.
Whether the support is there or not, one of the most important things to remember is why we're doing all this in the first place. Passion fuels purpose and it all stems from the love you have of creating what you are doing. Oftentimes through that journey we have to remind ourselves why we started.
When it's time to grind it out and get to work What are your “why”s and how do they keep you motivated?
ALEXIS: My "why" is rooted in my passion for doing what makes me happy. I started my business with the goal of stepping out of my comfort zone. So every time I feel discouraged or unmotivated, I remind myself that there aren’t any boundaries to what I can do. Ultimately, I’m doing something that creatively allows me to express myself and assist others. The motivation goes beyond just the financial aspect, it’s about finding fulfillment and following my purpose.
SSA:Purpose walking will keep that fire inside of you lit longer than anything else so much respect to finding yours! One of the things that is deeply rooted in our why and inspiration is service and community engagement. Giving back big for us at SSA is the foundation of which we were created and we know you aren’t a stranger to that either!
Tell us more about how you got started with your community endeavors and how you’ve been able to branch off and establish your own with “The Give Back Sisters”
ALEXIS: I started my community involvement during my college years, where I participated in various initiatives. After graduating, I️ wanted to remain involved but I was uncertain where to begin. I knew I wanted to give back to underserved communities though. I️ met three amazing women from New Jersey whom I had previously collaborated with on a different project. Our connection resulted in organizing our inaugural Thanksgiving Giveback event, marking the beginning of a journey.
Today, we are recognized as the Giveback Sisters, a philanthropic endeavor founded & curated by four talented women from New Jersey.
I’ve always been happy knowing we all have similar yet diverse backgrounds but we share a mutual vision to support each other and those in need.
SSA: People coming together to serve others is always the wave and we’re glad you found that tribe and hope it continues to expand.
Giving back to the places that raised us is always a full circle moment. How did you feel during the process of setting up “The Spring Cleaning Event” and after its success?
ALEXIS: I was really nervous but excited at the same time. While I was familiar with event planning, this one hit different. For one, it took place in my hometown. Secondly, it was my first independent event apart from The Giveback Sisters. Following my vision helped ease my nerves & working alongside two great partners. The event's success made me thankful for others who shared and appreciated that vision.
SSA: Congrats on such a major accomplishment. Putting on an event in your hometown is always nerve wracking lol but you did it and made it look effortless and we cant wait for the next one!
Women continue to break barriers and make their own seat at the table when it wasn't given to us directly. We have become leaders, innovators, and bosses in our own right all while busting down the same doors they closed in our face and leaving it open for the next woman to come through.
What does Women’s History mean to you?
ALEXIS: Women's History embodies resilience and strength. It continuously paves the way for future generations to feel included, overcome obstacles, and challenge societal norms. It represents a legacy of empowerment and courage. It’s a reminder to look back on past achievements and be inspired. Her achievements paved the way for mine - because she did, I know I️ can.
SSA: Whew, that last line HIT! It's a must we recognize those that have paved the way for us in order to do the things we can today. With all that you do within your business, service endeavors, and as an individual, there's no doubt you will have the same remembrance when its all said and done.
When people look back at YOUR history, what is the impact you wish to leave behind?
ALEXIS: When people look back at my history, I hope to leave behind a legacy of resilience, positive change, and embracing challenges beyond comfort zones. I want to be remembered as someone who faced my obstacles head-on, contributed to community well-being, and achieved these things by pushing boundaries and avoiding limitations.
SSA: Believe it, it's already in motion sis! If you could, what would you want the younger Alexis and girls like her to know about following their dreams and holding their crowns up high?
ALEXIS: Once you discover your gift, utilize it. Once you identify your purpose, embody it. And continue to do things that genuinely make you happy every day. This allows you to leverage your gift & and stay true to your purpose.
SSA: If yall are reading this, let that last statement set in and hit the ground running. Thank you Lex for stopping in for the Raise Ya Crown series. Gems were dropped and I’m sure they were received.
As always, you know were gonna give you something to bump to. Check Out Lex’s top 5 picks for women that motivate her this Women’s History Month.
- Superwoman - Alicia Keys
- My Life - Mary J Blige
- Made It- Teyana Taylor
- On My Mama - Victoria Monet
- Still I Rise - Nicki Minaj
Make some noise, show some love! leave us a comment below if you rocking with this interview. We hope you got inspired. Now go put in some work.