Adore March 2022

Toni Point & Alysia Fields THE COLLECTIVE SHOP, STATEMENT GOODS, THE MODERN BLOC & NOVEMBER FIELDS 3512 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70115 | statementgoods.com

B efore friends Toni Point and Alysia Fields owned a shop and several creative collections of work, they were students studying architecture and design at Mississippi State University. They officially began working together a few years later on humorous holiday cards which led to launching a full stationery collection, art prints, and products. Alysia illustrates and manages The Collective Shop on Magazine Street and Toni focuses on design and business. When they aren't challenging themselves through their work or laughing at one another, they are trying new restaurants in New Orleans, dancing, or watching reality TV.

What do you love about what you do? Toni: I love that I get to be creative almost every day, whether it is figuring out a new display at the store, working on some new stationery ideas, or even taking some time to paint. All of this brings me joy! What about New Orleans inspires you? Alysia: I love being able to walk around the city and seeing something new and interesting every time. This is such a beautiful city to live in. What is it like working with each other? Toni: Working with Alysia makes my day 10 times more fun than it would normally be. She's so funny, she's an amazing illustrator, and so easy to work with. I think that we truly complement each other because I am kind of her opposite. I'm a lot more analytical and I tend to have a more modern aesthetic. The combination of all of these things makes it a truly unique friendship/partnership. Alysia: Toni is probably the most talented artist I know. We are definitely complete opposites when it comes to how we create and design. I have always admired her ability to think and create modern design with such ease. She's the "magic" and I'm the "sauce."

What is the greatest upside to working with a partner? Toni: I was actually a freelance artist/designer for a few years before Alysia and I decided to start working together, so I know that working solo can sometimes be lonely. There are so many things that get thrown your way and things that you just don't see coming (good and bad) that it's always nice to have someone that you can bounce ideas off of or share amazing moments together. Alysia: When you have a business partner, you don't have to explain how difficult or how amazing a situation can be. That person already knows exactly how you feel. It can be really frustrating explaining your hardships about being a small business owner to others who aren't in the same boat. What makes your partnership work? Toni: I think that in our case, we knew each other for almost eight years before we ever decided to work together. We really had an understanding of who the other person is, but of course nothing is perfect. We actually disagree all of the time, but we really don't let a difference of opinion keep us from accomplishing our goals and we really try to hear what the other person is saying. Alysia: A good solid friendship has really made a difference. Not only understanding who the other person is, but also knowing who you are as well. And I actually disagree with Toni, because we only disagree with each other most of the time, not all of the time.

ADORE • MARCH 2022

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