Today we’d like to introduce you to Alexis Anderson.
Hi Alexis, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Ever since I was a child, I have led a creative life! I was always wanting to express myself in every way possible and art has always helped me do just that. At the end of 2020, I realized my life was too short to not take chances on the things that made me happy, so I decided to pursue my passion, art.
It wasn’t until I started my small business (Beneath Twisted Ferns) in 2020 that I realized my creativity could really help others stand out in such a big way! The impact my artwork has made on other small business owners in just two years is astonishing and heartwarming to me.
Since the start of my business, I have painted murals and windows, for now, dozens of businesses. Some of which span over 30ft in length. I hope to grow my business to help many others in the future!
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?
One of my biggest struggles with getting to where I am now was not realizing earlier that I could make a career for myself with art. It’s very common to be told at an early age, especially in high school that you need to find a common/ serious job that requires higher education if you want to be successful.
My opinion of success has completely changed since taking my leap of faith into the creative small business community. Your success is not limited by your level of education, but by your amount of passion and your soul’s fulfillment.
I do not say this without knowing you can become a true starving artist as I once stretched one $10 pot of spaghetti into 15 separate meals. Frugality knows its way around my home for sure, that is part of what got me where I am today and I am always proud to share that it wasn’t always easy.
I have always been grateful for what I once had and where I am now.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
When I started Beneath Twisted Ferns, I sold my personal artworks of various sizes and mediums at craft shows but as time went on I decided to also offer my services to others in the community in the form of painted windows and murals. This blew up!
Before I knew it I had painted half of Downtown Dickson’s Mainstreet helping so many small businesses “pop!” There are countless times I can recall hearing someone say to me “I had no idea this was even here!”, or “Oh wow! I need to check this place out!”. Now two years later after starting Beneath Twisted Ferns, I have painted all over middle Tennessee.
I would have to say the one thing that I am most proud of would be the number of people my artwork has affected. Dozens of small businesses getting the attention they deserve! I’m just happy I can help be a part of their story. I feel very lucky that I am able to add my whimsical style everywhere I go and I feel like that sets me apart from other artists!
I’ve gotten to meet some of the most eccentric people on my journey so far and I’m always excited to see what’s next.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
My favorite childhood memory as an artist was when I was in 4th grade, I believe.
We were asked to draw a vase with flowers in it. I of course gave this project my creativity in its entirety, and by the end of the class, I had the entire room staring at what I had done in awe. I was not impressed as it wasn’t what I had in my head, and I was expecting it to look better.
I couldn’t understand why everyone was so excited but that taught me something very important that day. Try your best, love what you do, and your art will do the rest.
Contact Info:
- Website: beneathtwistedferns.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beneathtwistedferns/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beneathtwistedferns/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/BeneathTwisted
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmHt4fKxQHuGMugQQFsEZiw
Image Credits:
Karen Fox with Karen Fox Photography
