Today we’d like to introduce you to Alexus Carter.
Hi Alexus, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I was raised in Compton, California. Growing up, I was never really the cool kid, but I had no problem making friends with a lot of different people. That is kind of what shaped me to be the person I am today. I grew up around very talented & creative people, so I found my creativity very early. My first creative passion is creative writing – poetry & stories in particular. My dad used to bring home books when I was in elementary school so I started reading & writing poetry at 6 or 7 years old, I also journaled everyday in my diary.
Writing was a way for me to escape from the noise and issues in my community. It was also a way for me to capture the beautiful moments and stories in the neighborhood. The way words can heal, transform, inspire & save people – that is what makes me fall in love with the practice all over again. I have been able to self-publish a small body of poetry called ” Sunflowers Don’t Grow In Da Ghetto.” I have also been blessed to have my poetry published in small & international publications & magazines.
When people ask me to define myself & what I do, I can’t. Outside of writing, I also love design & color. I make pottery, jewelry, sculptures, wall art, skincare, etc. I am big on inspiring & helping others in any way I can. If what I create can help someone, then I did what I’m supposed to do. I feel like anyone can contribute to the well-being of another person, no matter how big or small it is. Being creative allows me to do that in my own way. I don’t place limits on my creativity & passions. If I love it, I do it! Everything that I create is a part of who I am.
If I could give young creatives out there any advice, I would tell them, try it all! Try everything that you dream & envision yourself doing, don’t put labels on your creativity – just flow with it. Don’t be afraid of doing what you love even if the people around you don’t believe in you. I believe in you, believe in yourself!
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?
The biggest obstacle I had to overcome was myself. I’ve always doubted myself and what I make, I used to fear people I know judging me based off of what I create and do. I always was too afraid to take a chance on myself until one day I was tired of working for people & companies who didn’t really care about me. I knew something had to change.
I’ve outgrown a lot of friends who just wasn’t in alignment with me. I didn’t receive a lot of support, but people just mainly saw what I was doing as a hobby. Not having the right support is challenging because a lot of the times I was giving myself pep talks, I still pushed on even when I wasn’t motivated or seeing the outcome that I wanted. In the beginning, when I started to sell the pieces & products I make, I would go months without a single sale, which is discouraging but also I took on the challenge.
I’ve definitely have had my fair share of problems trying to figure out how to make a living off of my passions. It’s not easy, and I still don’t have it completely figured out. But I’m glad I didn’t give up on myself.
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 am a published poet, designer, crafter & wellness practitioner. As a writer, I am most proud of how I use words to help motivate & inspire people. I also own a small business called Skiin & Tones, I create products & pieces that bring a little bit of sunshine into people’s homes. I’m most proud of the way I curate my business, I offer a variety of homegoods, jewelry, & skincare in one place.
How do you define success?
Success to me is being brave enough to live your life to the fullest extent while doing what you love!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.alexusfay.net
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/alexusfay
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/MissFay000
- Other: www.skiinandtones.com
