Meet Alexis Dawson: entrepreneur

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

Hi Alexis, do you have a budget? how do you think about personal finances?
I ABSOLUTELY have a budget, both personally and professionally. At 22 I graduated with a BFA from a private art school and found myself in over six figures worth of student loan debt, racked up credit card bills and a horrible spending habit. I knew nothing about money except that my debt was out to get me. It wasn’t until 2019 when I decided to get financially literate and get control of my relationship with money and budgeting was the first step. I was constantly repeating the phrase “Live below your means” to myself when I wanted to buy something expensive. Before I became financially responsible, I would charge a large purchase to my credit card and wait for future Alexis to worry about it. Now my approach is thinking about future Alexis first. Does this align with her financial goals? Will this purchase be important and valuable to her in a year? In 5 years? I believe those questions have benefited me in the long run in my personal finances and are also asked when approaching my small business finances. While I’m pretty new to the small business game, I’m always making sure my purchases and investments align with the goals I want for Spice Studio. Personal finance is incredibly important to me now and budgeting is a great tool in getting ahead and achieving your financial goals. Generational wealth here I come!

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 think my professional career is a smorgasbord of odd jobs, failed passions, and life lessons of what I do not want in my own business practice. With a fresh BFA in my pocket and eagerness to find a job in my industry (I thought I’d be the next Philip Treacy), I found myself working for FREE as an intern for multiple costume designers and a quirky millinery lady. I quickly realized that working 12 hours a day with no pay was not for me, or anyone as a matter of fact. After that it was 8 years of trying to find my passion. From a cupcake bakery manager, working 8 days at an Auntie Anne’s, a customer service rep, a textile showroom manager and a regional sales rep job later, I finally decided to put all my energy into myself and start my own business (Est. March 2021). While I didn’t fully enjoy most of these jobs, I’m looking at you Auntie Anne’s, they did mold me into who I am today and I don’t regret any of it. These jobs taught me how to be adaptable, open, innovative, true, consistent and hardworking and are principles I’ll be taking into Spice Studio.

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.
Ooh! I love this scenario. In a fully vaccinated world, I’d start with Muse Coffee Studio, rent a few Divvy Bikes, the electric ones obvi, and ride South Shore bound along the lake. Maybe hit up a the Art Institute or MCA on the way back. Make our way down to Chinatown Tsaocaa for some boba tea, up to 18th st. for tacos and while we’re over there I’ll probably drag them to the Textile Discount Outlet for some fabric goodies. Honestly, it’s always fun to choose a neighborhood and explore it the entire day. I’m always discovering new businesses, restaurants and more even in my own neighborhood all the time. Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’ve been inspired by so many friends, family and former colleagues that have started their own small businesses, especially during the pandemic. Seeing them succeed and thrive gave me confidence to take the risk and do the same. So my dedication is to all my badass woman owned small businesses being themselves and creating amazing things. You inspire me.

Website: Spicestudiochicago.com

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