Today we’d like to introduce you to Aramidé Electra Beck.
Hi Aramidé Electra, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I remember starting off taking ballet lessons by the age of four. Having to move around a lot, I wasn’t able to practice all the time. Fast forward to middle school, I had to audition to get into an arts school instead of dancing. I sang over the rainbow by Judy Garland. I didn’t feel confident enough to dance but I knew eventually I was gonna do it. I was so happy to know that they wanted me at their school. Going there, I started to tap into all of my creative endeavors. I was singing in the choir, Taking piano Lessons, and getting into acting lessons. Also taking summer intensive dance camp there. I even started sketching clothing designs in hopes of starting a brand one day. I would be practicing all of those things simultaneously. But unfortunately, I only completed one year there and abruptly moved back to my hometown. I wasn’t able to attend art school to finish out my middle school years. During that time, I dealt with a lot of mental health issues. My environment wasn’t the best and I wasn’t in the creative field anymore. When it was time for high school, I was glad to know I was going to an art school. I did everything that I can that was an interest to me. I started modeling in fashion shows, taking more pictures of myself. I even tried to start a girl group, I really wanted to take my talents to the next level. I remember auditioning for a competition; it was like a worldwide type of thing.
I remember I played the piano and sang but I only got a bronze medal and didn’t make it to the next round. I was so devastated and it completely broke me down. I gave up on music and started to tap into modeling, fashion shows and creating designs for my future brand. While still being in high school I saw that I was more successful in doing that. I had gotten an opportunity to work alongside with Jordan brand design team with other classmates for a project that they were working on. So with that, they gave me a scholarship to any college I wanted. I choose to go to FIDM in LA for fashion design, got my AA in that field. Started my own fashion brand “Urban Glam” which turned into “Edimara” later down the line. I briefly entered for Karl Kani but I was struggling with my mental health I had to move back to my hometown. I continued my journey with my brand and tried to make a living with that. I had some support for my friends who were also in the creative field. But I always felt like I could be doing more. I felt like I was facing a lot of blocks in my life and I need to figure out why. I started my spiritual awakening. Trying to figure out who I am unpacked the trauma I was feeling with and with that I kind of went on a hiatus to focus more on my mental health. l eventually discovered my purpose and recognized the talents that God gave me. Which made me reflect on my love for being a music artist and why I wasn’t pursuing that anymore. I felt like in a way, I abandoned them. Don’t get me wrong, I love designing clothes but that wasn’t my number 1 love. I felt like it was important for me to nurture those gifts back. and that’s where I am today.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
It defiantly wasn’t a smooth road at first. I dealt with a lot of trauma growing up and had to break some bad habits, limiting my mindset and really figure out who I am. So since then things have been finally going smoothly. As I like to say, as within so without.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m mostly known for my brand and modeling. I am the most proud of my willingness to keep going despite everything .what sets me apart is the way I interrupt my art. my clothing brand Edimara which is my first name backward and the logo is the diamond. Pressure makes diamonds and That’s how I see my life. I know there’s people out there that went through the same thing I did or even worse. I just want to be that light for people and be an example that they can do and be anything that they want.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
If you’re trying to find a mentor, I believe if you put it out in the universe. Then it will come to you but you have to start with yourself. That may look like reading books, listening to podcasts you have to want it for yourself first. If you want to network, put yourself out there. Don’t be afraid to tell people who you are, you might be surprised who you run into. Networking has always worked for me, just simply having a conversation about what I do has always helped. You’ll be surprised how much you’re needed.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.instagram.com/edimarabrand/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aramideelectra/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4g5FXaldKVCtY3RJZyystw
- Other: https://aramideelectraugcportfolio.my.canva.site
