Meet Alexis Blair | Small Business Owner, Amazon Influencer, & Model

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

Hi Alexis, is your business focused on helping the community? If so, how?
At Blair Collective, I’m deeply committed to making a positive impact through creativity, sustainability, and accessibility. Each venture within the collective—Retro Mod Consignment, ishootwhatever, and my blog—reflects my dedication to fostering meaningful connections and supporting sustainable practices.

Retro Mod Consignment: Fostering Sustainable Fashion
What started as a high school passion has evolved into a thriving business with over 1,900 curated listings, ranging from affordable brands to luxury finds. By focusing on recycled fashion, Retro Mod Consignment contributes to reducing waste in the fashion industry.

Sustainability: Nearly all items are shipped in recycled packaging, and the platform promotes reusing and repurposing clothing to extend their lifecycle.
Accessibility: Customers can choose between shipping or local pickup, making sustainable fashion more accessible to everyone.
Empowerment: Through personal styling and curated editorial content, Retro Mod Consignment empowers individuals to express themselves confidently and uniquely.

ishootwhatever: Amplifying Creativity and Stories
Photography has the power to capture and amplify stories, and through ishootwhatever, I use my skills to help individuals and businesses connect with their audiences.

Community Support: My portrait and event photography captures special moments, while my real estate and product photography help local businesses grow.
Sustainability: By incorporating vintage props and maintaining a fully digital portfolio, I reduce waste and promote eco-conscious practices.
Education and Inspiration: Through creative direction and collaboration, I encourage others to explore their artistic potential and bring their visions to life.

My Blog: Promoting Thoughtful Consumption and Storytelling
My blog blends personal styling, editorial content, and sustainability-focused writing. It’s entirely digital, which reduces the environmental impact of print production.

Inspiration: I share tips on mindful fashion choices and creative styling to help readers make informed and sustainable decisions.
Creativity: By showcasing my writing and styling, I aim to inspire others to embrace their individuality and explore their passions.

The Bigger Picture
At its core, Blair Collective champions sustainability, creativity, and empowerment. Whether it’s giving a second life to pre-loved clothing, creating digital art that inspires, or supporting others’ personal and professional milestones, each project is designed to uplift the community and make a positive impact on the world.

Through every aspect of my work, I hope to encourage others to live more sustainably, embrace creativity, and find joy in self-expression.

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.
My Journey into Photography

I began “real” photography in January 2017 when I bought my first DSLR camera and lens on eBay—a Canon 5D Mark II and a Sigma 24-70 lens. At the time, I knew almost nothing about cameras, but the timing couldn’t have been better. The camera arrived the day before I left for a Eurotrip, and I dove headfirst into capturing the adventure. With the guidance of a talented photographer friend, I started learning the craft and discovering the incredible support within the photography community.

Since then, photography has not only been a creative outlet but also a way to connect with people. Through it, I’ve met individuals who have become lifelong friends and collaborators.

What Sets My Art Apart

My work focuses on capturing raw beauty, emotion, and storytelling. Whether it’s a portrait, a fashion editorial, or a candid moment on the streets, my goal is to make every shot meaningful. Props and styling play a big role in my photography—they help build the narrative I want to tell.

Sustainability also influences my approach. I’m passionate about film photography, especially using my vintage film cameras, which makes each shot feel intentional and timeless.

Challenges Along the Way

The path hasn’t always been smooth. I’ve faced technical challenges, like mastering lighting, and personal hurdles, like balancing multiple ventures and setting boundaries when people expect free work. Building my photography booking site and adapting to social media changes also tested my resilience, but these experiences pushed me to grow.

Lessons Learned

Stay Curious: The best growth comes from experimentation, asking questions, and being open to learning.
Value Yourself: It’s important to set boundaries and recognize your worth.
Follow Your Passion: Genuine interest and love for your work will always shine through.
Refine the Process: While editing isn’t my favorite, I’ve developed a workflow to ensure every image gets the attention it deserves.

Blair Collective represents my dedication to sustainability, creativity, and storytelling. Whether it’s through my photography, my consignment business, or my blog, I aim to inspire people to express themselves authentically and connect with the stories behind the work.

From helping someone find joy in a styled vintage piece to capturing an unforgettable moment on film, my work is about creating connections and celebrating individuality.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Day 1: Welcome to Downtown LA

Kick off the trip by exploring the vibrant heart of Los Angeles—Downtown LA (DTLA). With its mix of historic landmarks, modern hotspots, and incredible food, DTLA sets the perfect tone for an unforgettable week.

Breakfast: Start the day at Eggslut in Grand Central Market, a must-visit for their famous breakfast sandwiches that balance indulgence and simplicity.
Morning Activity: Explore the stunning Pacific Electric Building, a historic landmark that tells the story of LA’s past while housing modern amenities and creative spaces.
Lunch: Walk over to Yuko Kitchen for a cozy, casual lunch featuring delicious Japanese-inspired bowls, sushi, and salads.
Afternoon Stroll: Take in the sights of DTLA’s eclectic architecture, from historic theaters to modern skyscrapers. Don’t miss The Last Bookstore or the nearby Bradbury Building for some Instagram-worthy spots.
Dinner: Head to Wild Living Foods, a vibrant plant-based eatery with an inventive menu that’s perfect for dinner. Their raw, vegan dishes are as healthy as they are flavorful.
Drinks: Stop by Cole’s French Dip Bar, a DTLA institution. Enjoy the cozy, vintage vibe and indulge in their mocktails if you’re staying alcohol-free.
Dessert: End the evening with a sweet treat at Honeymee, known for their creamy soft-serve ice cream topped with honeycomb—simple and heavenly.
All of these stops are within walking distance, making it an ideal introduction to the energy and charm of Downtown LA.

Day 2: Explore Billionaire’s Beach (Summer Edition)

Summer in Malibu calls for a visit to one of its most exclusive and iconic spots—Carbon Beach, also known as Billionaire’s Beach. With its pristine shoreline and stunning homes, this is the ultimate way to soak up the Malibu summer vibes.

Morning: Start your day with a refreshing smoothie or acai bowl from SunLife Organics in Malibu to fuel up for the adventure.
Beach Time: Spend your morning lounging on Billionaire’s Beach, enjoying its serene and uncrowded atmosphere. While the beach is public, access points are tucked between private properties, giving it an exclusive, explorative feel. Bring a book, a blanket, and plenty of sunscreen for a relaxing morning.

Day 3: Hollywood Glam

Dive into the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, exploring its iconic landmarks and indulging in timeless dining at Musso & Frank Grill.

Morning: Begin your day by exploring Hollywood Boulevard. Visit the historic TCL Chinese Theatre, admire the handprints of celebrities, and stroll along the Walk of Fame, soaking in the area’s vibrant energy.

Lunch: Stop for a midday break at The Highlight Room, a rooftop bar and lounge offering stunning views of the Hollywood Hills. Enjoy a light lunch while taking in the scenic backdrop.

Afternoon: Head to Warner Bros. Studios or Paramount Pictures for an exclusive studio tour. Go behind the scenes of Hollywood magic and see where some of the most iconic movies and TV shows are created.

Evening: Conclude the day with dinner at the legendary Musso & Frank Grill, the oldest restaurant in Hollywood. Indulge in classic dishes like flannel cakes, filet mignon, or a perfectly crafted martini or mocktail, all while enjoying the timeless charm of this Hollywood institution.

This day is a perfect blend of Hollywood’s history, glamour, and timeless elegance, giving you an authentic taste of LA’s entertainment capital.

Day 4: Sunset Skating in Newport Beach

Afternoon: Arrive in Newport Beach and stroll along the iconic Newport Pier or visit the shops at Lido Marina Village. Grab a coffee or a refreshing drink at Circle Hook Coffee to fuel up for your skate.

Sunset Skating: Hit the Balboa Peninsula Boardwalk for a stunning skate session along the waterfront. Cruise past charming beach homes, feel the ocean breeze, and enjoy the golden hour as the sun sets over the Pacific.

Dinner: Wrap up the day at Malarky’s Irish Pub, a warm and inviting spot near the Newport Beach area. Indulge in hearty Irish classics like shepherd’s pie or fish and chips, paired with a pint or a refreshing mocktail.

Day 6: Desert Adventure – Salton Sea, Salvation Mountain, and More

Dive into the quirky and colorful side of the Southern California desert with a day exploring unique landmarks, offbeat art, and iconic spots near Joshua Tree.

Morning:
Start your day with a drive to Bombay Beach at the Salton Sea. Walk along the fascinating shoreline made of fish bones, explore the eerie yet artistic remnants of this once-thriving resort town, and check out the creative installations like the famous swing set in the water.

Late Morning:
Head to Salvation Mountain, a vibrant, larger-than-life art installation by Leonard Knight. The colorful mountain, covered in painted Bible verses and messages of love, is an awe-inspiring and iconic desert destination.

Lunch:
Stop at The Range Café in nearby Niland or pack a picnic to enjoy amid the surreal landscapes of the Salton Sea area.

Afternoon:
Make your way back toward Joshua Tree and visit The End, a retro-chic boutique located in Yucca Valley. Known for its curated collection of vintage clothing, accessories, and quirky decor, it’s a must-visit for unique finds and Instagram-worthy moments.

Evening:
Cap off your day with dinner and live music at Pappy & Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace. This iconic venue offers hearty dishes and an unforgettable atmosphere, with performances from local and world-famous musicians. Be sure to make a reservation if you plan to eat, as it’s a popular spot!

Day 7: Relax & Recharge

Drive back to LA and wrap up the trip with dinner at Nobu Malibu, a stunning oceanfront restaurant, and toast to an amazing week in LA!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My journey and success wouldn’t be what it is today without the incredible influence of my father. As a multi-small business owner, he has been a constant source of inspiration, showing me the power of hard work, adaptability, and entrepreneurship.

Starting with our family jewelry store, Blair’s Jewelry & Gifts, he created a legacy rooted in dedication and community connection, which continues to thrive today. Over the years, he expanded into various industries, from video stores (which he strategically sold to Movie Gallery before the advent of Redbox) to tanning salons and, most recently, commercial real estate investments. Each venture reflects his forward-thinking mindset and ability to navigate the ever-changing business landscape.

Watching him juggle these ventures taught me invaluable lessons about perseverance, creativity, and the importance of pivoting when necessary. His example inspired me to pursue my own entrepreneurial dreams with the same resilience and passion.

This shoutout is dedicated to my father—not just for his professional achievements but for the mentorship, encouragement, and example he provided that shaped the foundation of the Blair Collective and my work today. His story continues to motivate me to think big, take risks, and build a future that reflects my passions and values.

Thank you, Pa, for leading the way! 💛

In addition to my father’s incredible influence, I also want to acknowledge some pivotal people from my past—my exes. It was thanks to them that I first picked up a detachable lens camera and started exploring the world of photography. Their guidance and shared knowledge about the art and technical aspects of photography sparked a passion that has become a cornerstone of my work today.

Photography has grown into such a meaningful part of my life and career, and I’m grateful for the role they played in moving my passion forward, whether accidentally or intentionally. Whether it was learning how to frame a shot, understanding the basics of composition, or just being encouraged to experiment, those early experiences laid the groundwork for what would eventually become ishootwhatever and the creative direction I now embrace.

Website: https://blaircollective.com

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandraeblair/

Twitter: https://x.com/goaskalexis

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alexisishome

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@alexisishome

Other: https://www.pinterest.com/alexisishome/_saved/

Image Credits
ishootwhatever, Gabbie Krout, Michelle Bloom, Jasmine Burley, Margaret Anne Murphy, Jasmine Lewis, Amina Lemande