Life & Work with Alexis Colby

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alexis Colby.

Hi Alexis, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today. 
So, I have always had a love for fashion, thanks to my nana. We use to watch the style channel frequently, and she always got me the latest issue of Vogue. I never knew what I wanted to do in fashion, but I knew I wanted to be in the industry. After some research and watching Devil’s Wears Prada, I decided I wanted to work for a magazine in some capacity. I went to college at Tennessee State University (an HBCU) for fashion merchandising for 2 1/2 years. I dropped out in the middle of my junior year because the program sucked, and I felt that I could learn more by just living in the fashion capital, New York. So, I made it happen. 3 huge duffle bags, 1000 cash, and a China bus ticket, I moved to the big apple. I reached out to plenty of stylist to intern with and ended up working with fashion stylist Jenny Haapala for a few months. After socializing and meeting people, I snagged a freelance job at Allure magazine to help pack for a shot. I did such a great job; I landed a job as an accessory assistant at Allure. A dream come true. I landed my dream job. While working for Allure, I came up with an idea to have a denim-themed room for very small room I rented in Bedstuy. So, I went to thrift stores and got all the denim I could get, and I hand-sewed a patchwork denim rug using every part of the jean. I really loved the process, so I decided to build a brand, Bit of Denim (my nana helped me with that by the way) I started off making bucket hats and bustier tops. That bustier top got my 1st article on vogue.com. I later did pop-ups at the denim festival in Manhattan 2 years in a row. A few years later, I was blessed to do a Collab with H&M, Megan thee stallion wore a custom piece from my brand, and I’ve traveled to Istanbul Turkey to do denim collaborations as well. My items have been sold in-store at Fred Segal, Detroit Is the New Black & stores in Mexico City! It’s crazy because I never wanted to be a designer, but when God has a plan for you, he always makes a way; whether you know it or not. 

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It’s been a very rocky road with being a designer. Especially being a one-woman show. I do all the sewing, the marketing. The photos, the PR, everything. It’s even harder because I’ve done all of this while having a full-time job. I will say with the help of God and my amazing support system, I’m always able to accomplish every goal I set. 

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a denim designers. My brand is Bit of Denim. I specialize in creating items with vintage denim; furniture, clothing, accessories, etc. The goal is to create everything with denim besides a paid of jeans. I am most proud of my collaboration with H&M in 2019. Mostly because I had 3 weeks to create everything. 20 + pieces for celebrities and influencers. 2 installations including furniture for both. It was so much. A lot of long night and 5-hour energy was my best friend during that time, but I did it! God got me through it. I am also proud of the fact that I acquired my dream job working at a magazine. I didn’t know how I would do it, but I had faith. It taught me 2 things, #1, Anything is possible you just had to see it and believe it. #2. Who you know plays a huge part in moving up in any industry. #3. Having a great work ethic is very important. One of my favorite books, the 4 agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz, one that I live by is to always do your best, and I take that with my with every job opportunity I get, and things always work out for me 

Are there any books, apps, podcasts, or blogs that help you do your best?
Tumblr is my safe space. I love it so much. It’s the one social media place that really makes me happy all the time. It’s where I post all my inspiration in fashion, interior design, food everything. For books, the 4 agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz is life-changing book. Those 4 agreements apply to so many things in day-to-day life; it’s crazy! All about love by bell hooks. This book right here. Changed my entire perspective on love. How to display it, how to receive it, and to know whether I’ve ever received it at all. GAME CHANGER SERIOUSLY. 

Contact Info:

• Website: www.bitofdenim.com
• Instagram: @lexxdc_ and @bitofdenim
• Other: https://www.vogue.com/article/alexis-colby-launches-bit-of-denim-vintage-jeans https://www.teenvogue.com/story/alexis-colby-bit-of-denim-hm-interview