Today we’d like to introduce you to Alexa Brooks.
Hi Alexa, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
As an African American woman growing up going to predominantly white schools; straight hair was how I felt like I felt in. My mom would straighten my hair every two weeks with the good ole hot comb; until I reached the 8th grade and could finally flat iron my hair myself. There was a very rare occasion that ANYONE would see my curls because I didn’t see anyone like me wearing their curls!
It wasn’t until I got into college down in Statesboro, GA; go Eagles, where the humidity stopped me in my tracks and helped me realize that my straight hair was not going to cut it down there. I had to learn how to style and love my curls because that was the only way I was going to get through those long hot summers. That is when the journey of appreciating and loving my curls began. I would even look back at the rare photos I did have of me wearing my curls and thought to myself, “why did I ever take my healthy curls for granted.” From then on, my goal was to help my curls thrive and live their best lives!
Throughout my journey, I never thought about creating a brand to represent the awesome curlturistas in the world; until, the pandemic. The idea of creating a “CURLture” just kind of popped into my head and I just rolled with it. Women of color were becoming so empowered and just black people as a whole and I wanted to create something that was a part of that. April 4th, 2019, was the day the CURLture was born.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not been a smooth road at all. Owning your own business isn’t easy, the work it takes to get a following/clientele, sales, etc. that is where the journey begins. It takes a lot of money to build your business, but the major thing that I had to realize is that timing is everything. I can’t be worried about why it’s not happening right now! Why aren’t I getting the sales that I know I deserve, or why aren’t others so confident in my brand as I know they should be. I had to tell myself that everything happens when it’s supposed to happen when God says it’s time. Until then, my goal is to get into more festivals and events as a vendor, create more content, and keep putting out quality products! I know that my time will come!
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Luxury Travel with Lex is my travel agent brand! We book travel for any and everyone internationally or domestically. Our services of planning, booking and any communication are free of charge. We receive our earnings off of commission through the preferred partners that we work with; such as Delta Vacations. We book cruises, vacation packages (including flight, transportation to and from airport, and stay accommodations); excursions, anniversaries, birthday trips, and even wedding/honeymoons.
One of my close friends actually got me into the travel agency business. She has become so successful in this business and I myself enjoy looking at resorts/hotels, traveling, and planning events. This was also a way for me to do something I love, as well as making residual income on top of my full-time job. This is just the beginning, I know it is going to be a journey getting my clientele up; but I am determined to create a place for people to do what they want in another place for the lowest price!
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I think that anytime that you have to begin investing money into something other than bills, groceries, etc; you are taking a risk. When you first begin your business, if you aren’t already an influencer, famous, or have a huge following; you don’t begin making money right away. In the beginning, you are simply spending money and not really getting any return. However, if you never take the risk, how will you get to see the success. I feel as though risk is necessary in order to be successful; but for something (remove comma here)you are passionate about.
Pricing:
- Curlture Hoodie $55
- Curlture Cap $35
Contact Info:
- Website: www.curltureme.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/
Curltureme - Youtube: https://www.youtube.
com/channel/ UCIWZAWeHwmjKnZ7CEE9FKHA
