Today we’d like to introduce you to A’Kia Warrior.
A’Kia, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Growing up, I have always been excited about creating. When it came to school projects and anything that required creativity, I went above and beyond. I never just completed the basic assignment. I always wanted to add my own spin to make it my own. Even with my professional background in Human Resources, I wanted to always incorporate creativity, which made what I did professionally fun. For years I put a lot of time into my professional career, but I never lost my passion for creating.
I had a conversation with a friend in 2017 about designing and creating shirts for my daughter when we started competition cheer. Ultimately, that friend gifted me my first cutter and it took off from there. I designed and created my first shirt in December 2017 of that year. Over the years I have grown in the complexity of the designs that I do because I want people to see my creation and know that it is me. While putting my creations on apparel is fun, that is not all that I wanted to do. I also enjoy creating custom drinkware, home decor, etc. I’ve sporadically done these things over the years, but I never thought to make it an official business. I thought it was enough to just do what I enjoy doing without making it my business.
This year, when the pandemic hit, I lost my job in Corporate America. Initially, I was in panic mode because I didn’t know how it would turn out for me. Plus I need to be home with my children to ensure our health and safety during this time. So, I began picking up more creative work, and so I officially made a decision that I would turn my passion into my plan. So this summer I launched The Butterfly Effect Studio, LLC.
Great, 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 definitely not been a smooth road launching my business and getting it to where I want to be. Time and lack of sleep are my biggest struggles. I am currently a team of me, and I have personal responsibilities that require my attention as well. I’m a mother of an 18-month-old and an almost 12-year-old. Their schedules are just as demanding as mine. I spend most of my time designing and creating late hours when most people are asleep. That is because that is when it is most quiet. But what has surprised me with that is that I get my second wind and create some beautiful things! I also go through the bumps and bruises of having a small business, but at the end of the day I am still excited to be doing what I love full time. I continue to grow and evolve in the business of being creative.
Please tell us about The Butterfly Effect Studio.
The Butterfly Effect Studio is a crafting studio that specializes in creating unique and handmade custom apparel, drinkware, and home decor. I craft with love and care so that clients get my best when they decide to choose me for their custom order.
I’m most proud of the way that my clients trust me and my creative process. I have initially asked clients a lot of questions prior to beginning their projects to make sure that I am giving them exactly what they want. But what I absolutely love is when they say, “I trust your process and I trust you will make it just what I want.” It makes me proud and is motivation to keep doing what I am doing. I am just where I am supposed to be.
What sets me apart from others is that I am meticulous and detail-oriented. I wouldn’t give a client something that I would not wear or use for myself. The end results speak to who I am as a creator of memorable items. I do this as a business, but my passion means more to me, which translates into my work. I am confident in what I do, and I am always looking to do it bigger and better than I did it the day before.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
My favorite memory from childhood would be the gatherings my mother would host at our home. It would happen frequently. I would be so excited to help my mother prepare and get ready for the events. It was never a small event, either. No matter how many guests we were expecting, she always went above and beyond to be the ultimate hostess.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thebflyeffectstudio.com
- Phone: 404-900-0686
- Email: info@thebflyeffectstudio.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebflyeffectstudio/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bflyeffectstudio
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