Today we’d like to introduce you to Aaliyah Thomas-Fabien.
Hi Aaliyah, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My friend Nhya and I would talk about designs and ideas together then go to fabric and craft stores to basically bring them to life. So one day we did that, she dropped me off home and I called her while I was making the hoodie. My mom overheard and came upstairs, fixed how I had the letters on the sleeve then her and nhya both agreed that I should start selling them. Then that very next day after school me and nhya took pictures, I posted them, then I started getting orders that night it was such a thrill. And that is how I started “A9NYMOUS”
From when I was younger, I’ve always had a love for creating. It started from me doing drawings to paintings to mapping out outfits to actually bringing my love for art and fashion together. In elementary school, I would hang up my drawings around the garage then I advanced to designing outfits on polyvore that app then got deleted so that was over. Then as I got older, I would just draw clothes on scape pieces of paper whenever I got bored for “collection” in hopes of having my own brand. Few years later, now 2019- beginning of 2020, I took the support I was receiving and put it into my dreams and I finally made my brand.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I would be lying if I said this journey has been all flowers and sunshine. Being that I started pre-covid/during the road was definitely a little bumpy. I went from having material on hand to me having to wait for material to be shipped. The pandemic shifted and flipped everything. Shipments and deliveries were a hassle, one that I am still dealing with to this day. I had nights where I would sit and cry because I messed up or made a mistake. Dealt with mental breakdowns to anxiety attacks all while being a full-time college student.
Despite life and its obstacles, my customers and the support I get really keep me going. I am beyond thankful for everyone and anyone who supports me. Thank you for believing in me, Thank you for trusting me, and an extra special thank you to those who were patient with me during some of my difficult times.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I find myself spending most of my time designing, which includes going through archive looks, finding inspiration, making mock ups, graphic designs… Every mock up or design I’ve done has been made by me along with every item I sell. Each order is made by me hand by hand the items may be identical but they will never all be the same and for that simply fact, I think that what sets me apart from others. I say that to furthermore go in on how no one really knows I do every by myself or the process in which it takes. That’s also another reason why I love doing what I do, It’s literally me and my art.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
I definitely have a lot more things coming. My brain is at a constant flow when it comes to new ideas and new concepts so I’m really excited to get into that and share it with the world. As I get older and continue to learn along the way, I’m making it my job to also challenge myself and step out of my range. New fabrics, new material, new looks, new feels the growth will not stop or slow down. I want my customers to continue to grow that my business can grow so all dreams can come true. I owe my art to you and I owe my success to myself.
Contact Info:
- Email: aaliyah.thomasfabien@gmail.com
- Website: A9NYMOUS.COM
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aa9nymous/
Image Credits
@beckvisuals
