We had the good fortune of connecting with Alexis Simon and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alexis, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I have to say, being stuck in the house during Covid-19 quarantine has brought me so much peace and has allowed me to start focusing on the things that I never really get to do beyond my daily schedule. Before my senior year ended through Johnson and Wales University, i woke up one morning & decided I wanted to sell something that I knew I would take seriously and something the people would love. Tacos. I LOVE tacos. That’s my all time favorite food, so I asked one of my close friends to help me sell food plates around the city back in Charlotte, NC. Immediately after posting videos and pictures through social media, we had orders going back to back. I have bigger plans to build my brand culinary wise and I’m highly grateful for all the support I’ve gotten these past few months.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Although culinary arts is my path, modeling was a way for me to get my foot in the door as far as building my own brand. I’ve been modeling since I was little and continued it as a side hustle when I started college at Johnson and Wales University in Charlotte, North Carolina. My favorite photoshoot that I did was here in Atlanta back in March, 2020 with Creme of Nature Hair Company. This was my first photoshoot that I did with an official brand. Not only was I ecstatic, but I just thought of how ironic it was, because Creme of Nature was the only black hair care product that I used on my hair as a little girl and as an adult. As far as challenges, I try not to look at them as a challenge, but more so an opportunity for me to fix my mistakes and do better the next time. I’ve gotten told “No” plenty of times for certain roles or castings and I still do today. I’ve learned to not take it personally because I know that if I keep trying, the right opportunity will come. I really just want younger black girls to not battle with the “standards” of beauty, because in reality it can be belittling and can bring unnecessary self doubt. It’s not right, nor is it fair. One thing that people ask me is “How did you do it?” Consistency. Consistency really brought me the success I have now because it taught me how to make a plan, stay with a plan, and execute that plan.

Any great local spots you’d like to shoutout?
Food places: Two Urban Licks Fogo De Chão Brazilian Steakhouse The Juicy Crab Big Daddy’s Kitchen Fellini’s Pizza Chop’s & Lobster Bar Sun Dial Milk and Honey Tiff’s Treats Cookie Delivery Entertainment: Cascade Roller Skating Rink Fox Theatre Atlantic Station Atlanta Botanical Garden Magic City Ferris Wheel (Downtown)

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I have to give my auntie her credit. My Aunt Carolyn managed her own catering business, which made me more interested in the culinary field. I learned a lot from her from a professional standpoint and by providing the best of the best service. After high school, I knew for sure I wanted to go off to culinary school, expand my education, and hopefully in the future own my own catering company.

Instagram: itslexinoelle
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/mwlite/in/alexissimon1
Youtube: https://youtu.be/nzaJ_f7nQHU

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