Life & Work with Ali Brown

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ali Brown. 

Hi Ali, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
By the time I was 15, my bedroom had been reimagined at least half a dozen times. New colors, DIY paint trends (hello stencils and sponge painting), and always the latest boy band wall poster. I still haven’t grown out of this creative pattern of obsessing over a trend one moment, then being ready for something different the next. Besides the whole boy band wall poster part. For as long as I can remember, I’ve been a creative. A maker. Being drawn to all things visual regarding homes, interior design, decor trends, and architecture. Prism KC sparked from a grown-up version of wanting to reimagine my home decor, but not being able to find what I was envisioning available for purchase. I knew I wanted something textural, like macramé fiber art, but colorful with a modern vibe. Fiber art and macramé trends lean more neutral with busy designs, not so much clean lines and color. So, I decided to design and create something original and that’s where it all began. The very first wall hanging I made still hangs in my entryway to this day, nearly three years later. 

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
If it had always been a smooth road, it wouldn’t be nearly as rewarding. In the beginning, I had a boost of confidence from the support of friends and family to move forward on this creative path. But, just two and a half months after making my first design, I found myself signing a contract for my own space at Bella Patina. Sure, I was beyond overjoyed, but there was also an internal struggle with all the “what ifs” (thanks, anxiety). What if no one likes my designs, what if no one buys any, what if, what if…what if? It’s one thing to be creative in your own home, but it’s a whole other thing to be vulnerable and share something you created. Oftentimes, my primary challenge was getting in my own way; second-guessing new designs, color combos, over-thinking all those what-ifs. As I pushed through the self-doubt, I came out the other side with a new sense of confidence that was all my own. Prism has been a source of personal growth and taught me to have zero Fs. Overcoming these obstacles meant accepting that not everyone will love what I create, and that’s okay, but to make the dang thing anyway. I like to think I’m 95% out of my own way now and because of that, more open creatively than ever. 

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Prism KC specializes in all thing’s fiber art. I’m most proud of Prism KC for being innovative and unique. Having these original, modern designs and marrying them with color has meant standing out amongst more traditional fiber art. Prism KC is most known for the modern macramé style dream catcher but has grown into hand-dyed wall hangings, fiber rainbows (giant to mini), and dip-dyed accessories. 

In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
I’m not sure what the future holds for the maker industry, fiber art, and boho trends overall, but I do feel confident in Kansas City always supporting creatives. Having lived here my whole life, it’s awesome to see KC grow overall and to personally experience the community of creatives and small businesses. Collaborating with local retailers like RE and Bella Patina has been a dream. 

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/prismkc/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prism.kc/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/prismkcdesigns/