Meet Alyse Vital | Designer & Seamstress

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

Hi Alyse, can you share the most important lesson you’ve learned over the course of your career?
I think one of the most important lessons my business has taught me is that there will be times you have to pivot and make changes to your creative view. Sometimes you have to go back to the drawing board and start over again. It doesn’t mean you’re a failure, it just means you may need to change a few things so that you can find what works for your business.

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
It’s an amazing feeling when you see someone wearing what you created and made. That never gets old for me. That person may just think they’re wearing my headband but for me it makes me proud to know I did that! What sets me apart? Well I want ppl to feel good when they wear my accessories or clothes. Let that one item make them feel unique and make their outfit pop! How did I get to where I am? When I was younger my grandmother made a lot of our outfits and dresses. So I watched her sew a lot. And as I got older I honestly didn’t like looking like everyone else in the same cookie cutter outfits, I wanted my outfit to stand out so I would beg my grandmother and mom to make certain things for me. I would get on their nerves and they did it because they loved me but were totally aggravated lol. Fast forward to today my husband wears a lot of ties and we like to match so I’m like ‘how hard can it be to make a bow tie to match me?’. I made my first bow tie. I posted on IG and a friend said I should open up an Etsy shop. I thought about it, because I do love seeing families coordinate. After that Papiyon was created. Was it easy? Not at all. I think the hardest part of owning your own business when you’re creating and making something is the vulnerability. Even though you may love it, it doesn’t mean everyone else will, and you have to be ok with that. You have to be ok with criticism, lack of support, even from ppl you think should be in your corner that’s not. You have to be ok with all of that. Some lessons I’ve learned is that you will mess up, it’s ok just dust yourself off, regroup order Starbucks and keep going lol. Also, thank and appreciate the people that support you, even if it’s not monetary, their support is appreciated! What would I like the world to know about Papiyon? Hummm that what I create is made with love, even the simple things. I love doing it and I hope everyone that gets something from me knows that.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
This is a good question! So Miami has a lot of fun places to go! I would definitely take them to the beach, I prefer Hollywood beach because it’s not as crowded and the water is beautiful. Watching the sunrise is absolutely amazing. Also, sitting pool side at any swanky miami hotel. I love the Design District, some amazing fashion spots down there and great places to take pictures. I love the arts so catching a Broadway show or ballet would definitely be on the itinerary. We could do an escape room. Also a sunset boat tour. I also love the PAMM and Frost museum and Fairchilds garden if you’re up for a little exploring. Red rooster is a somewhat new hot spot, great food and entertainment. Miami has a bunch of pop ups so you have to be on the lookout for that. Now restaurants? I can be here all day! Lol! My top 10 restaurants or food spots would be Truluck, Komodo, Miam Cafe in Wynwood, Manjay at the Citadel, which the Citadel gives you tons of options for food too, Taco Bar in Hollywood, on Saturday in Wynwood they have something called smorgasbord where many local restaurants and food trucks get together, also just food trucks on any given SoFlo night lol, the Juicy Carb, Panya Thai, and Basilic Vietnamese. My friend will definitely leave knowing they had good food lol!

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?
First and foremost Jehovah has given me this talent! And without him none of this would be possible! I also would like to thank my mom who has taught me how to sew and has helped me with numerous projects! If my grandmother was still here I’d shout her out too because honestly it started with her, she has made many beautiful pieces. My loving husband that never pressures me but reminds me daily to keep this going because it makes me happy. Also, everyone who has supported my small business through purchasing items, reposting posts, liking a post, commenting, and referring friends.. None of this would be possible without you all.

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