N.A.I. Magazine - Quarter 3 - Alexander's Well

from N.A.I. Magazine - Quarter 3 - Global Pandemic/Global Unrest

N.A.I. Magazine - Quarter 3 - Global Pandemic/Global Unrest

Alexander’s Well

G E N E R A T I O N A L L I V I N G W A T E R

I was excited when Ms. Shezell Alexander was available for an interview. Her story is both fascinating and humbling and although what is captured here doesn't tell it all, I thought that everyone should hear what she has to share.

What is the name of your business? The Lord gave me the name: Alexander’s Well, years ago when I first sought to have a business of my own. Everything that lives is dependent on water. I was reminded of the wells that were dug by the Israelites in the times of the Old Testament. I believed that my business would be a resource for my family, for generations to come. Alexander's Well is comprised of my jewelry line called The Shezell Collection, as well as children’s books, poetry, songs, and other works that God has inspired me to write that will be coming later as well. The Shezell Collection is primarily necklace and earring sets (some have matching). There are earring and bracelet sets, individual earrings for pierced ears and clip-ons for ladies and children (upon request), and single fashion bracelets and pendants for men.

How did the idea for your business come about? I went from making 53K in 2005 to less than one thousand dollars per month, after a car accident. It was just not enough to live on. I continually found myself asking family for this, that, or the other and I hated having to ask, just as much as I am sure they got tired of me asking. As much as we love each other, I could no longer be a burden to them. Eventually, my sister, who has a small business of her own, sent me a “care package”. It had a set of tools and several bags of beads, findings, earring hooks, pendants other fun stuff to do. I took it as an opportunity to do something for myself and maybe someone else too! I have always been artistically and musically creative. The Shezell Collection became another avenue of expression.

What motivates you to do your business? What motivates me is the need not to be dependent on my family and children for support. I broke my neck in an auto accident in 2005 that left me unable to return to working in the care of the mentally and physically challenged. It took five years to receive the disability benefits I had paid into since getting my first job at age thirteen. The loss of the home that I was purchasing and had lived in for close to ten years left my family without a home of our own. My youngest son and I ended up moving to South Carolina, at the invitation of my uncle, but I still found myself often, in need of financial help despite the cost of living being cheaper. The Shezell Collection became a form of therapy. I had trouble approaching people to sell, so, I started giving it away to church members and friends. As more people began to see my work, they offered to buy from me and request certain colors. It gave me the opportunity to make women and men feel good about themselves.

What 2 major challenges have you come up against and how did you overcome them? I grew up and went to college when there was something called a “typewriter”. Most young people today do not even know what one looks like or that there was such a thing. Now I am living in an age where the computer I bought six months ago is obsolete, and I cannot seem to catch up fast enough. I am getting better at using a laptop now, as I am back in school, and have recently completed my first year at Victory Bible College in Suitland MD.

My second major challenge is maintaining a website with my lesser navigational skills on the computer. My sister and I would frequently go to different venues to market our products but, now that I am in school, most of my time is devoted to that. And since the advent of the Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent quarantine, no one has been able to go anywhere. I do believe that whatever God ordains, He will maintain. If it is His will, my business will grow as much as I am willing to commit to it. But He must come first.

Who? What has been your greatest inspiration and why? God Is my biggest inspiration. He gave me the gift of creativity. I am inspired by the beauty in His creation. The way God expresses Himself in life, in Man, and in the wonderous works of His creation, the mingling of light and color in the world and environment around us has always been fascinating to me.

What is the most satisfying aspect of your business? The Shezell Collection has given me the opportunity of sharing my testimony and the love of Jesus with people when they ask, “how did you start doing this”? Secondly, when people wear my jewelry, it makes them feel good because they look good in it. I take pride in making something of good quality and I guarantee. I will repair or replace any piece of my jewelry that brakes under normal wear, up to 90 days of purchase. (End)