Pandemic/Parenthood Interview: Alexa Joan Wajed
It’s no secret that the pandemic has taken its toll on mothers, as for many of us our lives have shifted in new ways to make room for caring/teaching/coping with our children at home all the time. I’m sharing some interviews with business owners (who are also moms) I’ve photographed to inspire, uplift anyone who might need it, and validate the struggle it can be to wear so many hats.
“The more we share ourselves and the more we share our work, others are getting more comfortable sharing their work, and more. We have been told that we are inspiring others. I am not sure how, I just know we are going to keep moving.”
Alexa Joan Wajed, photographed at the Park School in Amherst, NY
Meet Alexa Joan Wajed, a Creative Entrepreneur and Founder of Eat Off Art. She is a Visual Artist, Jewelry Designer, Chef and Manager of many people and things!
Alexa helped create two amazing young Black children soon to be young Black men. She and her husband worked to create a phenomenal partnership. She creates hand painted leather jewelry (#Fleathers). She creates wonderful meals and dishes with minimally processed ingredients and whole foods. She creates successful businesses.
How old are your kids and what have they been up to during the pandemic?
16 years old: A Virtual School learner and creative - he is working on his own business of Custom Designed Sneakers and preparing his portfolio for AP Art. During the pandemic he had his first solo exhibition at Pine Apple Company in Buffalo and is preparing for another one this year on Grant Street.
19 years old: A College Student - focusing on School, Soccer, Real Estate and Barbering! During the pandemic he learned about the stock market, and played video games.
How did your practice change throughout the duration of the pandemic?
My practice has been morphing through the years - and I was at a point where I was getting comfortable with the idea of not having a steady paycheck that had to be signed by a company or business owner. Coming from a highly corporate background, betting on myself and taking a leap has been very difficult.
Well, the pandemic PUSHED me over the ledge, the cliff, off an airplane. More change ensued with 4 working creatives under one roof during the pandemic with various projects and classes taking place all at the same time. Patience and allowing things to happen (knowing you have done everything you could in your power to make it successful) are key during this time!
Alexa Joan Wajed, photographed at the Park School in Amherst, NY
What do you do to fill your cup/keep yourself sane in the moments when you are not caring for others and working?
Is there actually time to do that? I am learning that I do not do this enough. We recently brought a rescue pup into our household and he is a great Emotional Support Pet. Right now taking him for walks and simply sitting with him have been great quiet time/sane moments for me. A cup of tea daily and some good old fashioned binging on TV once in a blue moon are helpful. I do work towards meditating, reading books on a regular basis and walking daily.
How has your creative community changed over the past year?
Interesting question. I feel that our community has grown. For many decades my husband and I have worked individually on our own projects and this year we made a concerted effort to work together. Like the wonder twins – combining our forces, strength and power has made a significant impact on our creative community. The more we share ourselves and the more we share our work, others are getting more comfortable sharing their work, and more. We have been told that we are inspiring others. I am not sure how, I just know we are going to keep moving. All in all our creative community has increased because more people want to Eat Off their Art!
What is a habit you have to fight against?
1. Control: I have to continuously learn and relearn to let go, knowing I cannot control everything, and everything is not meant to happen my way.
2. Making people feel comfortable (being a people pleaser).
Alexa Joan Wajed, photographed at the Park School in Amherst, NY
What is something you need right now that people reading this might be able to help with?
I likely need help with A LOT however, since all of my plates are turning at once I can't stop to figure what those things are.
1. Share our work at Eat Off Art with your network
2. Have difficult conversations with those in your circle.
3. Support local artists and purchase their works!
4. I likely need some help with some business stuff, too.