Check Out Alexandria Monet’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alexandria Monet.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Please use what you’d like / edit how you see fit.

I’m Alexandria Monet, and I was born and raised in Hamden, Connecticut—primarily by my grandmother, who played a major role in shaping my perspective on style and womanhood. She taught me how to show up with class, grace, and sex appeal, and introduced me to iconic women like Diana Ross, Coco Chanel, Pat Cleveland, Eunice Johnson, and Angela Davis. These women weren’t just fashion icons—they were trailblazers who redefined beauty and self-expression. From them, I learned not just to admire style, but to own mine and carve out a space that reflected who I truly was.

As I grew into my own, I found myself drawn to other unapologetic rule-breakers in fashion—Grace Jones, Vivienne Westwood, and Alexander McQueen. Their work resonated with me on a deep level. They confirmed what I already knew: breaking boundaries was embedded in my DNA.

I relocated to North Carolina in 2014 to pursue my degree in Fashion and Marketing at The Art Institute of Raleigh-Durham.

My career path wasn’t linear. I made a conscious decision to walk away from parts of the fashion industry I didn’t align with. After graduation, I found myself in a strange limbo—confused about my direction and unsure of my next step. For three long years post-grad, I bounced around in retail management, feeling unfulfilled and out of alignment with my purpose. And then—boom—the pandemic hit. The world stopped, and so did I. But in that stillness, I finally made a decision to start my first business.

She Thrifty Apparel had been in the works long before COVID-19. I’d been obsessed with vintage since I was 14, but I kept putting off the leap. The pandemic stripped away every excuse. I realized I had a vision, a skill, and a voice that didn’t require compromising my values. I was no longer content with being a cog in the machine—I wanted to build something of my own.

She Thrifty Apparel became my outlet and my mission—a reflection of where I’ve been and everything I’ve chosen to leave behind. It’s more than a brand; it’s a commitment to sustainability, individuality, and saying no more to the industry’s outdated rules.

In 2022, that commitment expanded with the creation of Unorthodox Vintage, the sister brand to She Thrifty Apparel. Unorthodox Vintage is your neighborhood vintage shop in downtown Raleigh—a space rooted in community, creativity, and the celebration of personal style without limits. Both brands work hand in hand to divert fashion waste, uplift bold expression, and make timeless fashion accessible for all.

So, let’s just say—I’ll be slinging vintage and rewriting the rules for many years to come.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Smooth road? Absolutely not—and honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way. Growth rarely comes from comfort, and my journey has been full of lessons that shaped who I am and how I move through the world.

One of my biggest challenges has been believing in my own capability. As a Black woman, society often sends the message—directly or indirectly—that your place isn’t valued or prioritized. Unlearning that and choosing to see myself as powerful, worthy, and capable has been a necessary and ongoing part of my journey.

Another challenge was deciding to become an entrepreneur without a roadmap. I stepped into this world without formal training in business operations, and there’s been a lot of trial and error along the way. But I’ve learned to embrace every mistake as part of the process.

Wearing all the hats is another major adjustment. I’m the stylist, creative director, editor, curator, tailor, marketer—you name it, I do it. That level of responsibility is empowering, but it can also be overwhelming when you’re building something from the ground up with limited resources.

And finally, scaling a brand while trying to stay on top of everything is its own beast. There’s always more to do, more to learn, and more systems to build—but it’s all worth it when I see the impact my work has on the community and the culture.

Every challenge has pushed me to grow, pivot, and show up stronger—and I wouldn’t trade that journey for a smoother one.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a vintage curator, stylist, and advocate for circular fashion, specializing in vintage and preloved apparel. My brands—She Thrifty Apparel and Unorthodox Vintage—are both in their early stages, but they’re rooted in a deep commitment to sustainability, self-expression, and shifting how we engage with fashion. I’m known for spreading joy through vintage clothing, advocating for more mindful shopping practices, and using fashion as a tool for self-expression, empowerment, and sustainability.

I’d like to think I’m also recognized for pushing boundaries with vintage style, speaking truthfully about the realities of the fashion industry, and encouraging those who connect with my work to embrace self-love and authenticity through it all.

What I’m most proud of is creating a space that empowers people to question what they’ve been conditioned to believe—about themselves, about style, and about consumption. As I’ve grown more aware of the environmental impact of our lifestyle choices, it’s become clear that our way of life is harming the very planet we live on. Being able to play a role in changing that narrative by educating others and presenting untraditional, intentionally curated thrifted fashion is my personal “why.”

What sets me apart is my willingness to share my journey with vulnerability and honesty. My personal style evolves as I do, and I believe that evolution is a reflection of the freedom I want others to feel when they engage with my work.

What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
Over the next 5–10 years, I see the fashion industry continuing to shift toward sustainability, transparency, and individuality. Consumers are becoming more conscious of their impact, which is pushing circular fashion—like vintage and preloved apparel—into the spotlight. I believe we’ll see a stronger emphasis on slow fashion, ethical sourcing, and personal storytelling through style. The future of fashion is rooted in purpose, not just aesthetics.

Pricing:

• Price Points for Both brands start around $15

Contact Info:

• Instagram: She Thrifty Apparel / Unorthodox Vintage