Daily Inspiration: Meet Aayana Ingram

Today we’d like to introduce you to Aayana Ingram.

Hi Aayana, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I am a Tedx Speaker, Diversity and Inclusion Champion, and owner of Ace of Brims. I am from a small town in Southeast Alabama called Ozark. So, growing up many can assume that resources were scarce so were opportunities for elevation and growth. I grew up in public housing and often saw those around me struggle to get it “out the mud.” However, I can say that I have always been a visionary and could imagine my life beyond my circumstances. Throughout my matriculation in primary and secondary school, I excelled in and out of the classroom. Once I got to my senior year, I was faced with the decision to pursue the dreams of my father by attending a predominantly white institution (PWI) or follow my heart to an HBCU, Alabama A&M University. I followed my heart which caused my relationship with my father to crumble. Because of this, I was provided no financial support while growing through college outside of the tuition and choir scholarships I earned. But even through those dark times, I stood tall and continued to pursue the path I knew was destined for me. While at Alabama A&M I majored in political science and was involved in countless organizations and clubs including the pre-law society, serving as the executive president of the student government association, and becoming a member of sigma gamma rho sorority inc. After graduating from Alabama, A&M I went on to pursue my master’s at Purdue University and graduated from there in 2021. During my matriculation at Purdue the pandemic happened so I decided to finish my degree online and work as an EEO specialist at the Army Corps of Engineers. I now serve as an HBCU recruiter and have dedicated my time and efforts to supporting HBCU students as well as developing my new business Ace of Brims.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has been a tough road getting to where I am. Most of my challenges have been centered around finances while I was in undergrad and up until last year, trying to find opportunities that paid me what I am worth. I have also struggled with self-confidence while I matriculated through Purdue University. Myself and my other Black classmates who were enrolled at Purdue at the time faced a lot of discrimination from professors and students alike. However, even through those challenges, somehow, I have been able to see the blessings in the transgressions.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
So, as I matriculated through college and even up until recently, people put me in a box of just being the “smart girl” or the “well-put-together girl”. However, I am very creative, and I have showed that creativity in my luxury wide-brim hat business Ace of Brims. Ace of Brims is a luxury wide-brim hat business for the modern woman and man. We are a Black woman-owned and operated company that has been years in the making! Our collection is one of a kind are designed to be stylish, timeless, and luxurious. Each hat has a rustic and rugged feel with imperfections that make each brim special. What sets Ace of Brims apart is that it blends luxury and imperfections creating an unforgettable style that is unlike any other hat brand.

Contact Info:

• Website: aceofbrims.com
• Instagram: aceofbrims
• Facebook: aceofbrims

Image Credits
Mecca Clarke Photo