Meet Skylar Grayson: Creative

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

Hi Skylar, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Honestly, there wasn’t much of a thought process; the reason I say that is because I didn’t plan on making this a business venture. I originally started sewing in high school, it was something I did to pass time that was until Summer 2020 came around. While being in quarantine I discovered my love for sewing and I decided to keep it going. I told my girls “ I’m gonna get y’all right for the summer” and that’s exactly what I did. I started playing around with different fabrics, materials, etc, and finally created a prototype. I developed my own patterns and sizing from scratch, just because I knew if I officially made it a brand, I wanted everything all inclusive. Once I finally felt comfortable, I started advertising and I did very well, to have just started. My business name stems from my middle name Azia, pronounced “Asia,” meaning: the lively and rising sun. I wanted to keep that same meaning in my work, so I translated that to my brand, so I decided to spell my brand name Ay-zhuh.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I would love to say it has been an easy road but nothing worth anything comes easy and this venture is no different. One of the biggest struggles I have had is the intensity of the work of creating your own custom pieces and now that I have a line it’s fulfilling orders and making sure every last one is perfect. It is a lot of trial and error with how I want things to come out with colors, prints, and stitching, and every mistake is expensive. Another struggle is that because everything is tailored, my measurements have to be extremely precise, which leads to an even higher chance of error. What sets me apart from others, I feel, is my ability to take someone’s ideas and make them into pieces that are unique and represent that specific person. When I first started this journey, I only took custom orders, a one of one piece. I’ve also started branching off and sewing more than swimsuits, dresses, coverups ,etc. Theres definitely more in store for me and my brand. Everyone brings something different to your craft, when someone can explain the style, the colors, and when you see the end result it’s very rewarding. It sounds cliche but I overcame a lot of my challenges just by grinding harder and ultimately putting in time to make sure I’m perfecting my craft. I’m not perfect but by every order I take it’s better than the last. I dropped my first capsule / collection January 30th, 2021 and I’ve never been more proud of myself, something that was mine, that I started. Seeing your end results will literally make you want to be better in every way, every aspect. I hope to someday be big enough to impact the world but right now I’m sharing this with those around me. I’m just one of the many great products of Atlanta, and hopefully one day I can be much more.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My all-time favorite place in Atlanta is Little Five Points, with being an Atl native I used to travel there all the time. Just going down there to thrift, eat, and just being around others who appreciate the culture of the city. Because I’m a foodie, I’d suggest Milk and Honey, and Sun in my belly for the best brunch spots. For international food sometimes i’d grab spice house, Dos amigos, and RA sushi. Lastly, for my people who love a scenic view or even a good hike i’d suggest the bamboo forest, piedmont park, or even Stone Mountain. The city has a lot of history behind it no matter the location, Decatur, The West end, Auburn Ave, etc. Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There is someone who supported from the jump and that would be my friend Jordan @Salemdesignstudios. Jordan Is a creative, designer, tailor all in one. When I bought up the idea, I wanted him to make them, he thought it was a good idea for me just because he knew I had a background in sewing. He kept pushing me to do them so that’s what I did. Having someone in your corner who believes in you and wants to see you eat is a beautiful thing, and I’m forever grateful. My girls as well! My first shoot was mid- summer at Arabia Mountain, I made four individual swimsuits for my girls and myself included. A few of my brothers came just to help and take the photos, we were out there in the sun struggling to get the perfect pictures. I dropped the photos when I dropped my instagram page and the rest has been history! Lastly, I’d like to shout out my grandparents. They both played a big role in my love for sewing, and they are the reason I still do it.

Website: https://www.ayzhuhthebrand.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ayzhuharchives/