Today we’d like to introduce you to Alice Trahant Phillips.
Hi Alice, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Growing up as a multi-generational New Orleanian, my upbringing was all about creativity and culture. You absorb it from every city angle before you even realize that it’s become a part of you. New Orleans teaches you to not only be an individual but to express yourself as an individual.
My family has always been very artistic and appreciative of the arts. Art adorned every wall in my house growing up. I still think of our gallery walls and how happy they made me. And for as long as I could remember I was creating, from Sunday rainy day projects to drawing in sketchbooks to participating in every art contest that school had to offer, I loved making beautiful things appear out of everyday materials and blank pages.
To further my passions, both my mother and grandmother had great jewelry styles and knew the power of a good accessory. I can’t tally the number of hours I spent rooting through their jewelry drawers – going from playing dress up to eventually “borrowing” looks to change up my everyday wear as I aged. As I came up with ideas for jewelry that I wish existed but I could not find or wanted pieces outside of my affordability, I eventually started to create my own.
All of these things came together for me to build my current path.
I had always looked at these passions as personal ones to me, never considering that I would produce something that others would want to buy or use me as a consultant. Life handed me some opportunities that set me in the present trajectory.
Professionally, I managed and directed one of the largest artist’s markets in the Southeast for several years – this put my passion and eye for art center stage in front of many people at once.
I then, and around the same time, fell into starting a jewelry business with a friend called Empire State Finery. Our quick success made me realize that not only did others appreciate my creations, but they actually wanted them for themselves.
I’ve now gone out on my own with a business doing everything that I adore. Under Alice Trahant Phillips, I work as an art consultant, artist and jewelry designer.
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?
Owning a business is never a smooth road, especially a creative one. Your success depends not only on the product that you create but also the marketing and business practices surrounding it. It can be hard sometimes to not feel stunted or feel like you have a lack of time for solely the creative aspect. Just keeping up with social media alone feels like a full-time job!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
As an art consultant, I love going to someone’s home and matching them with the perfect piece of art. Artwork is so personal, and sharing a passion and finding a home for a beautiful artwork that will come to reside in someone’s personal space is such a pleasure.
As an artist and jewelry designer, creation is everything to me. It’s in my blood and I can’t see a life without it. The fact that someone relates to the pieces that I make and want to weave them into their everyday lives and use them as an expression of their own style is the coolest compliment.
I love what I do!
What do you like and dislike about the city?
Well, traffic is a no-brainer on the dislike.
For the likes, there are so many! Atlanta is rich in food, music and the arts – all of my “can’t live withouts”. There are endless restaurants to experience and concerts to see, and the amount of creative talent in this city is abundant. There is never not something in which to immerse yourself and have a good time. I also adore all of the friends that I’ve made here – having a strong sense of community (and fun) is a necessity.
Pricing:
- Earrings $35-55
- Necklaces $18-$185
- Artwork $75+
- Art Consulting – Depending on the size and scope of the project, most consulting is free to the client and commission is paid through artist or gallery. You will always pay current retail price for artwork purchased, with no upcharge for using my services. (No brainer…right?!)
Contact Info:
- Website: www.alicetrahantphillips.com
- Instagram: @alicetrahantphillips.art https://www.instagram.com/alicetrahantphillips.art/?hl=en
Image Credits
Chris Glover
