By Kate Magandy Holzhauser
Alexis L. Williams lost the color in her world when her daughter, Lauren Taylor, died shortly after birth.
The Air Force veteran had been stationed in Hawaii, amid the beauty of paradise. However, the world appeared black and white while she grieved her daughter. Slowly, however, the color returned. Life came back — followed by inspiration.
That was nearly two years ago. Today, Williams says her life is filled once again with rich, bright hues — thanks to her daughter’s memory and Aloha Glamour fashions. The Internet-based business “is (about) more than skirts for me,” she adds.
“Aloha Glamour is a lifestyle movement that promotes resiliency and women loving themselves wholeheartedly,” Williams explains. “We are a community of women who empower others, as well as assist them in finding their voices and living their lives in color – turning tragedies into triumphs and helping them to build from the inside out.”
Williams describes the Aloha Glamour style as “Afrowaiian,” combining Hawaiian and African cultures for a colorful, fresh and one-of-a-kind look.
“It is the movement that is helping every woman turn their mess into a message while also creating a new, colorful story in each and every piece they wear,” she says. “What’s the color of your story?”
The clothing ranges from $18 to $98 and features Williams’s signature piece, the Hawaiian Pa’u skirts. Williams said traditionally, the skirts are worn during Hula performances. She has taken the Hawaiian skirt style and used Ankara fabrics for her signature Afrowaiian style skirts.
“Women are tired of being in the background! We were made to stand out,” Williams says. “The vibrant colors and designs of our skirts provide that pop of color, the boldness needed to walk into a room knowing that all eyes are on you for all of the right reasons.”
Williams says she sources fabrics from Honolulu and different parts of Africa and India. The skirts also feature elastic waists so they can comfortably fit sizes XS to 5X. Her clothing is mainly designed for women and girls, but she offers some styles for men and boys.
“Having the ability to lose or gain weight without compromising the way your clothing looks on you is an advantage — and it is also what makes our clothing line special and unique,” Williams says.
With her line successfully launched, Williams is looking ahead to life after the Air Force.
“I have been actively serving in the United States Air Force for 16 and a half years,” she said. “Upon retirement, I would like to have a fashion truck so I can travel the world spreading a little Aloha in each and every city I visit!”
ALOHA GLAMOUR
(808) 868-5444
Website: www.alohaglamour.shop
Facebook: www.facebook.com/alohaglamour