We had the good fortune of connecting with Alexandria Smith and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Alexandria, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
It started off simple. I just wanted to solve a problem for myself and I figured if this is an issue for me, there must be more people out there looking for a solution. After doing customer discovery to prove that my problem was an actual issue for most, that gave me the motivation and evidence to further develop my venture.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
For the majority of my life I was involved within the arts, however, once I went to college I became a tech guru. I’m currently in graduate school receiving my M.S. in Information Systems Technology. I plan on using my degree to become a consultant for a major technology company and long term run my own creative tech platform. The journey to the tech world wasn’t planned nor was it easy. I originally majored in communications but quickly transferred into the business school. As a kid I would always tell my parents that I would own 10 hotels and perform theatrical acts in each of them. I guess that was my first manifestation of merging my need to be creative but yet be my own boss. Transferring to the business school was the best thing I could have done for myself and career. It allowed me to get a taste of the startup culture, meet people I probably would have never met before and become exposed to a fast growing industry. Of course being one of the few students of color, specifically a black woman in the business school, I dealt with consistent imposter syndrome. However, with the help of God, therapy, and my support system, I honestly feel unstoppable. Despite my challenges, I know I’m able to achieve anything I want. I had to learn my biggest competition is myself and that comparison is the heart of discontent. Therefore, I take every goal and passion project day by day. I try to out beat yesterday while also allowing myself to rest without the feeling of guilt. Overall, I hope to finally merge my love for creatives and technology onto one platform. I want the world to know that creativity doesn’t start nor end with a paint brush, if you have the ability to think, you have the ability to create. I want the world to know that Creatives Connected empowers everyone to tap into their true authentic selves and encourages creatives to never box themselves in.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
To be honest, this is something I need from a friend. Being born and raised in Atlanta, I’ve seen it go from the pink and green stadium to now the Mercedes Benz stadium . I’ve seen cascade now become one of the hottest commercial real estate areas in the city. However, I went to college in D.C. and in only four years soo much has changed in Atlanta. Every time I come home, something new is built. Therefore, if I had a friend visit, I would suggest her exploring the midtown/Piedmont/Ponce City market area. The midtown area has become a very attractive tourist destination and there is so much to do. I would take them to Ponce city market/Belt-line during the afternoon for some good eats and views. Then make our way downtown to Oak or over the Edgewood to turn up at BQE.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to dedicate my shoutout to my support system. There is no need for me to name every single person because they know who they are. If you’ve supported me in any kind of way, I truly thank you and appreciate you. I preach all day about building your own table and to be honest, I can’t build a table alone. So shoutout to everyone who has supported me through it all. Much love.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creativesconnectd/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandriasmithgw/