JUST A WEIRD, CREATIVE, CHICAGO-BRED GIRL, WITH A BURSTING, ARTISTIC HEART...

As a young, Black. and self-proclaimed awkward, weird girl, Alana is a self-taught artist who began using art to cope with the highs and lows of life. Consistently feeling as though she lacks mainstream and creative representation, Alana creates Afrocentric art that embraces being your true authentic self.

As a philosofher fellow, and in partnership with artist Gloria Rivera,  Alana has spent the last year perfecting her craft,  gaining hands-on operational and marketing experience, and receiving mentorship from Black and Brown creative entrepreneurs.

Alana has:

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•  Assisted with murals in Chicago,  primarily creating art in underserved areas on the South side.

• Curated and managed pop-up shop experiences at large festivals, expos, and in flagship boutiques.

• Exhibited her artwork at well-attended events.

• Established and launched her own art-inspired brand, connecting and defining weird girls, young and old.

Alana aspires to be a well-known artist who creates and invades spaces that uplift weird girls.

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"I want to be known for creating art for and with people to give them joy, to give them peace, and to [help them] connect to their inner feelings. I want to remind those who were told they could never be something that,  as long as you push and believe [in yourself], no one can stop you, but you."