Meet Geena Ashlee Greene | Founder, Creative Director and Technical Engineer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Geena Ashlee Greene and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Geena Ashlee, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I owe everything to my mother and father, who taught me the importance of having faith in God, work ethic, and courage at a very young age. I am from Oakland, California. Born and raised. My father was a huge inspiration in my life, and a huge influence on my path to becoming a designer. He was the first to graduate in his family, and went on to serve as an architect for Housing of Urban Development for 40 years. I used to sit on his lap and watch him draw out the architectural blueprints for his next projects, and was utterly fascinated by the overall process, from start to finish. I learned at a very young age, that creativity was instilled in each of us, big or small, we all had a little artist in us. Once he passed, I knew I wanted to be apart of his artistic legacy, in some capacity. It just took me a little longer to figure out how. I received an athletic scholarship, and after graduating college, that little artist inside of me was crying out loud. I had neglected her for years, because I never felt that my artistry would help me receive that degree. Upon graduating, I traveled. A lot. Truly escaping from societal boundaries and letting the influence of culture and my father’s words of wisdom guide me. I was always inspired by how clothing made people feel, the silent or loud messages that clothing expressed, selective colors, textures, weaves, and prints, e.t.c. Finally understanding that fashion brought so much uniqueness into our world. I began too heavily lean on who I was becoming and not who I was. Finally allowing the artist in me to learn, adapt, understand, create and be free.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
BÁJ as a brand stands on three pillars. Fashion, Technology and Time. I would describe BÁJ, as a fashion gateway to the past, present and future. I am always inspired by fashion from eras of the past, intrigued by the best way to to share these stories in the present day, to innovate the future. Everything from the quality of production, the timelessness in the garments, the boldness and the elegance. BÁJ embraces a profusion of assimilations, proposing a distinct view of how we acknowledge the alterations of fashion throughout history. The simple fact that I can still wear and pass down garments from my great grandmother, who was born in 1914 means something to me. It is the quality that can be passed down from one generation to the next. Unfortunately that is something that is hard to do in today’s fast fashion era. I am fully embracing and re-inventing those moments in time where fashion expressed a message or told a story.

What I am most excited about it introducing the world to this concept and the innovative approach to the brand’s identity. I have a diverse background in technology. As an engineer and designer, I wanted to be sure that I am embrace the technological concept as well. Technology is apart of my process as a creator. First, I start with research, then transitioning to your basic pencil and paper. Afterward, I then re-create that same design on my iPad, using Procreate. Here, I get a better feel for my choices of color and texture. From there, I am teaching myself how to render my designs so I can get a better understanding of how my potential fabric will possibly fall. Therefore helping me understand movement and sizing on various body types. Lastly, I hand draw each of the unique designs you see in my pieces, like the lining in the Beige Zoot Suit or the embroidered black and white print on the Motherboard coat. Just another way I bring forth some form of technology in my work. I am currently working with an incredibly talented team, in creating a virtual world to share the message of the brand on a deeper level. A world that encapsulates all of my ideas for the future of the brand in one entity.

I mean let’s be honest, we all know that Web3 and the Metverse, took the world by storm earlier this year and as an artist, it is important to not only tell your story but adapt to different ways in sharing that story. I am embracing the vast world of virtual reality to showcase my work, and adapting on how to best share BÁJ as a message to the people. Since starting BÁJ, I have laughed, cried, laughed again and then cried some more. Starting a luxury clothing brand is no easy feat. But I depend heavily on my faith in God and my eagerness to continually learn as my fuel. It is vital that you make mistakes, I know that sounds weird, but it is true. Without mistakes, there is no other way of learning. Be a sponge for knowledge. Keep your ears open and never stop being inspired. I can’t tell you how many documentaries I have watched, books I have read, swatches I have sampled, online courses I have taken, conversations I have been in, questions I have asked, sketches that I have made, e.t.c. In conclusion, sometimes I feel as though we get so wrapped up on what’s going to happen next, whose going to predict the future first and often times we don’t slow down to see what the past has taught us. BÁJ aims to use its voice and platform to change the narrative in how we view moments in history and evoke inspiration within the multi-verse world of fashion.

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?
I love this question, because I feel as if I am the ultimate tour guide lol. I love my city and Oakland is a very special place. I would say the first place to take them would be to breakfast at Lois the Pie Queen, whose famous for their Southern hospitality and fried chicken. Afterwards, it might be best to walk that food off by taking a nice stroll around Lake Merritt. After that walk, I would take them over to Minto’s Jamaican Shop, for some fresh and spicy Jamaican patties and smoothies. Afterwards, maybe take them over to Queen Hippie Gypsy to grab some essential oils, candles and other apothecary goodies. Depending on the day, perhaps end off the day with dancing the night away with some super cool Afrobeat sounds at No Wahala Wednesdays. There’s plenty more where that came from lol!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to dedicate this shoutout to my mother, first and foremost. She is the walking definition of strength, resiliency and support. She always tells me that I am living out this dream for the both of us. She is my biggest fan, and I just want to continue to make her and my father proud. My brother and mentor, Mike Texada. He is an incredibly talented and phenomenal artist, model and designer. Mike has helped me a lot in this creative journey. I would not be where I am today without his guidance, direction, teaching, and lectures. Last, but certainly not the least, I would like to give a shoutout to all of my immediate family and close circle of friends. Your encouragement and love never goes unnoticed. You all know who you are and I love you more than words can describe. Thank you. We are just getting started.

Website: https://www.b-a-j.com

Instagram: @geena_ashlee

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/geena-ashlee-greene-a106aaa1/

Image Credits
Katie Lovecraft (Model Images in BÁJ Designs) Mike Texada (Rendered Motherboard Drawing)