Leah Alexander shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Leah, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
I recently resumed running long distances after completing the LA Marathon some years ago and gradually turning my attention to yoga once that box was checked. It feels good to return to something here in my new home, Atlanta, that I picked up back home in my forever/OG home, LA.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Leah Alexander. I’m the Owner and Principal Interior Designer at the Atlanta-based, award-winning, full-service Interior Design firm, Beauty Is Abundant.
With almost 20 years in the industry, Beauty Is Abundant has been named HGTV Designer of the Year 2022, 2023 and 2024. I’ve personally had the sheer honor and joy of being named one of 27 Black Women Changing the Architecture and Design Space by Architectural Digest.
Established in 2018, Beauty Is Abundant has rapidly emerged as a leading, award-winning interior design firm with prestigious recognitions in Architectural Digest, House Beautiful, RUE Magazine, Atlanta Magazine’s Home, HGTV, and more.
As the years pass and I become more steeped in collectible design, the handmade, fine art and truly unique pieces that can truly change a person’s life, our practice seeks to serve clients in a place of yes about art, one-of-a-kind spaces and color that keeps things interesting.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
Beauty Is Abundant started as a blog in 2017. I was approaching ten years working in the design industry – 3 years at three different firms. I started feeling stifled, like I had so much more to give than I was able to. The clients I was serving at the time were the firm’s clients really, not mine.
The company was benefiting from what I was bringing to clients, which is fine, except my service was on their terms.
So I started the blog as a way of making a greater contribution and creating a true outlet for myself. I was specializing in kitchen and bath design at the time, which are the most technical areas of the home that can be intimidating to people. I knew I had lots of expertise to share that could help with decision-making processes.
People were excited about the blog. Here in Atlanta it started to be a bit of a thing, and to gain a little traction.
One day, my boss at the time called me into his office and he says, “hey so I hear you have this blog. Are you making money from this or? Because it could be perceived by the company as a conflict of interest.” So you’re gonna need to take it down.”
I was like “Mmhmmm. mmhm. I see. Let me get back to you on this.”
I thought a lot about this defining moment. I consulted with people I trusted, professionally and personally.
I just knew with every fiber of my being that if I took the Beauty Is Abundant blog down, I’d be setting myself back.
And with that, Beauty Is Abundant, the design firm, was born.
How I saw the world changed in that moment. The almost eight years since having that exchange with my last boss have some of the most epic of my life. I felt the fear and did what I knew was right for my life anyway.
The aftermath of trusting myself and not some bogus corporate structure has been a rewarding, terrifying, insightful, beautiful time I otherwise simply would not have had.
When did you last change your mind about something important?
Business is full of pivots. I’ve changed my mind about vendors I use based on whether or not our values align. I’ve changed efficiency platforms and apps as business needs change – always in pursuit of even better, more elegant offerings for our clients.
But one of the most surprising times I changed my mind this year (so far) was when I said yes to bringing home two Morkiepoo puppies.
They’ve taught me so much in the last six months since they were born – patience; better time management; laughter; the zoomies. They’re a lot of work. But they’re worth it.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My closest friends would say that people being treated with respect, equity and equality, without stereotyping, racism, sexism, ageism or any other ism matters to me. Beauty in every form; health, wealth, peace and clarity of mind, happiness and laughter; good food; good coffee and tea and opportunities to learn, grow and break harmful cycles – to name a few.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. Are you tap dancing to work? Have you been that level of excited at any point in your career? If so, please tell us about those days.
I am almost always clapping my hands with excitement or “tap dancing” about something at work. Every win, lesson learned, opportunity seized or worthwhile relationship nurtured is worth celebrating.
This year, big wins included speaking on the main stage at The Case Conference where I was able to add value to many people’s lives and take a step in the right direction of giving my very own TED
Talk; being named one of 27 Black Women Changing the Architecture and Design Space by Architectural Digest – AND – being featured in the November print issue; and attending Design Miami/Art Miami/Art Basel during Miami Design Week where I got to refine my eye for fine art so I can better serve forthcoming clients who value art in their interiors.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.beautyisabundant.com
- Instagram: @leahdalexander_
Image Credits
Marc Mauldin
