Today we’d like to introduce you to Allie Feeley.
Allie, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
Hi all! I’m the proud owner of The Urban Flair!
My journey with TUF (The Urban Flair) began outside of Atlanta, Georgia. With my Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management attained in 2015, I embarked in the first steps of real “adulting.” I began to contemplate the slightly terrifying “What am I going to do with my life now?” question — a moment that a lot of people may be familiar with.
At that point, I was an Assistant Manager at an upscale resale store, knew that I didn’t want a “9-5 office job” but otherwise… had no idea what I wanted to do. Fast-forwarding through time and details, I became the Store Manager at the upscale resale store I was referring to previously, something I definitely hadn’t planned on but took on with utmost determination.
My position was comfortable. I was making decent money. I didn’t have a whole lot of financial obligation, and I was good at my job… but still, something deep down inside of me yearned for much bigger. I, again, believe that a lot of people go through a similar fork in the road — to stay where you are “safe” or embark in something unknown.
In the beginning of September 2018 and in a bold attempt to figure out what my soul was searching for, my boyfriend and I left our familiar, safe and comfortable lives in Georgia. We began our trek out to our Promise Land — San Diego, California. With a 10 ft uHaul and a dream, we began to establish our new foundation — we got an apartment, and I officially started The Urban Flair.
Initially, I wasn’t sure exactly what I wanted The Urban Flair brand to be. I had management experience, fashion experience and had always enjoyed graphic design as a hobby. I began TUF as a “Marketing/Branding” concept, which has now transformed into a giant mosaic of “creative offerings” — from tees to iPhone cases, to vinyl stickers and much more!
Although this is just the beginning, I know TUF has big things in store! To date, I’m focusing on getting our name out there, doing what “feels right” and simply creating. I truly believe if you’re doing what you are passionate about, you cannot fail.
We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do? Why? And what do you hope others will take away from your work?
Although I don’t necessarily have your typical “professional art background,” I feel as if I have always had a pretty good “eye” for design and art.
In terms of what I make to sell, I try to focus more on creating what I feel is “right,” in a sense, rather than to create what I think will “sell.” I find that doing so makes my work more genuine and “me.” Everything that I do and make is with love, and I always hope my customers can “feel” that!
Currently (between my own website and Etsy) I am creating and selling tshirts, iPhone cases, mugs, Apple watch bands, vinyl stickers, yoga headbands, phone grips, notebooks, beanies, digital planners, printables and various custom work. Phew! If that wasn’t enough, I am ALWAYS looking for new vendors/suppliers to help me produce new things!
I work predominately on my iPad — My apps of choice are Over and Procreate, where I do the majority of my design work! What I sell is a mixture of original design, external design resources and a combination thereof.
I am cranking out new things to both my website and Etsy every day, and I have no plan of stopping any time soon!
What do you think it takes to be successful as an artist?
To me, success (regardless of the field) is about feeling good about what you do. LOVING what you do. It’s about “making” and “doing” from the heart. Art is so beautiful because there are endless ways to express it! The second art feels like “work,” it’s not really art anymore.
I feel like it is essential, no matter of what “kind” of art, for artists to keep on creating! Even on the days that they’re feeling uninspired or when they don’t seem to be getting their desired results/feedback. Just. Keep. Creating! Something beautiful WILL happen! And it will probably be when they least expect it!
Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
I have my own website (www.theurbanflair.com) and an Etsy shop (The Urban Flair) — they both have a lot of the same work/products but do vary slightly. I also have an Instagram (@TheUrbanFlair) that I update regularly!
I am always open to ideas, suggestions, requests, etc. Pretty much any of the items that I sell can be customized or personalized!
I appreciate any and all support! From purchases to simply giving TUF a follow — anything would make my day!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.theurbanflair.com
- Email: urbanflaircontact@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/TheUrbanFlair/
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/TheUrbanFlair/
- Other: https://etsy.me/2P0zqbw
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