Rising Stars: Meet Adiellah “Adi” Bates

Today we’d like to introduce you to Adiellah “Adi” Bates.

Hi Adiellah “Adi”, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Aya Donna began in 2011. I had recently moved back to Atlanta, I was in graduate school, and I became involved in West African Dance.

In African dance, I was surrounded by movement, rhythms, colors, and patterns. I was inspired by what I saw and heard and that inspiration extended to garment creation. The community immediately supported my work and gave me a platform to grow.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
There have been innumerable frustrations, setbacks, and failures. There have been times when I felt like I was doing too much and not enough at the same time. It has not been a smooth road but challenges teach valuable lessons and help us to grow.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Aya Donna has recently expanded to include a sub-brand, The Lappa Shop.

Aya Donna is a lifestyle brand specializing in and inspired by African prints and patterns; The Lappa Shop specializes in African Dance inspired wear for women.

The primary products sold in both brands are unique handmade items that I personally create. Aya Donna and The Lappa Shop are forms of creative expression for me, as the designer, and hopefully for the owner of the garments as well. I regularly tell customers to “make it your own” and “enjoy” the garments that they purchase from me.

How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
If someone would like to work with Aya Donna and/or The Lappa Shop please send and email and let’s chat! To support, please visit AyaDonna.com or LappaShop.com to shop the online inventory. Please also follow the social pages on Facebook and Instagram, share posts, like posts, and tell your friends about the brands.

Contact Info:

• Email: adi@ayadonna.com
• Website: ayadonna.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lappashop/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ayadonnacreations/
• Other: lappashop.com

Image Credits:
Photo Credit: Adiellah “Adi” Bates, Kevin Parker of Cre8tiv Images, and Sealed Nectar Fashion Show