Today we’d like to introduce you to Alexis Williams.
Hi Alexis, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
When I was in high school, I started a community organization named “CLEgivesback” an acronym which stands for Compassion, Leadership, and Empathy where I help those in need and bring the community together through events and drives. I started it because I always had a passion to help people. A few years later I started a clothing brand named “Compassion The Brand” that’s in association with my community organization. I sell streetwear items such as trucker hats, jogger sets, tees, hoodies and much more. Every time someone purchases something from my clothing brand a percentage goes into CLEgivesback which means they are supporting the efforts of giving back in the community.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No, it hasn’t been a smooth road. When I started my first business, I was still in high school so I had to juggle focusing on graduating and still making CLEgivesback a priority. Once I graduated high school, I was able to focus more on that but I had other challenges I had to work through in order to maintain my business…that made me start Compassion The Brand; a streetwear brand that goes hand and hand with working within my community.
Another struggle I noticed along the way is if my mental health isn’t right then my work isn’t right either. It’s important to take time for yourself and do things that bring you peace and make you smile. Find the balance in having a healthy relationship with God, yourself, others, and your work.
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?
Compassion The Brand was created for those who aren’t afraid to show their regular acts of kindness through fashion. In a mathematical world, 1+1=2 but in a community, 1+1=11…Together we can make a difference and protect one another! I’m the head creative designer and I do everything from creating the logos, graphics, packaging/shipping orders, marketing/branding, and so on.
CLEgivesback was created for the community which works to assist homeless people and bring the community together through events and drives. I invite volunteers to come and help with all events/drives and offer multiple resources within the Cleveland, Ohio area. I also offer volunteer hours for scholars who need certain credits for school.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned along my journey is that life doesn’t stop for anyone. There has been times where I felt stuck while everything around me kept going on. You move at your own pace and as long as you are doing what you are supposed to do and trying…Everything will fall into place.
When I started Compassion The Brand, I didn’t know anything about fashion, only what I liked and disliked. I failed multiple times and learned as I kept going. Reading, looking at youtube videos and watching people in my field is what made me where I am today; far as knowing about fashion. I look up to some of the dopest black women designers and(or) fashion mogul such as Teyana Taylor, Kiara Tyler (Kalm Clothing), and Cierra Boyd (FriskMeGood).
Contact Info:
- Website: CompassionTheBrand.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/compassionthebrand/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/compassionthebrand/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/shopCompassion
