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There’s just no two ways about it: Timeekah Murphy is an American success story.
After serving her country proudly for twelve years, there were a number of avenues for Timeekah Murphy to explore and, to her good credit, she chose a path which might have surprised a few folks – In just a short period of time and after a ton of hard work and determination, she has gone straight to the head of the class in the world of fashion, becoming one of the most in-demand designers on the scene with her storied brand Alani Taylor (launched in 2016). The respective acclaim she achieved came via her innate and seemingly effortless ability to bring together a potent cocktail of both regal fashion and everyday street clothes. The end result has been nothing less than a showstopper: Among the multitudes that have flocked to own a piece of her fashion-forward aesthetic are such well-known names as Beyonce, Nick Cannon and Cardi B.
Vents was fortunate to have some time to chat with a woman who is singlehandedly changing the way people think about – and wear – clothes.
Vents: We’re excited to be speaking today with one of the rising stars in the fashion world, Timeekah Murphy; greetings and salutations, Timeekah! Before we dive into the deep-end, how has your 2022 been treating you thus far?
Timeekah Murphy: Thank you for having me. My 2022 has been very prosperous. I cannot complain.
Vents: We underlined your breakthrough work in the world of fashion in our introduction above, but you’re a lot more than just a fashion wunderkind: You’re an Army veteran (thank you for your service, by the way!), an actress and an influencer! With all of these talents, is it safe to say that fashion is your first true love?
Timeekah Murphy: Thank you. If we’re looking at it from this list, yes. Fashion would be my first love out of all of these.
Vents: You’re the proud founder of the renowned Alani Taylor Co., a luxury high fashion streetwear company that can boast among its clientele the likes of Beyonce, Cardi B, Nick Cannon and Da Baby. Can you talk to us about how Alani Taylor Co. first got started? What’s the Secret Origin story behind one of the world’s leading fashion outfitters?
Timeekah Murphy: Alani Taylor came from the birth of my daughter Alani Taylor Murphy. After teaching myself to sew in 2011 while serving in the Army I would sew as a hobby. Once I got out the military, I pursued it further by going and getting my Fashion Degree in 2016. After that the brand started to get noticed by a lot of people. I knew this was my path. When my daughter came I named the brand after her, which made a switch from just street clothing to high fashion. The aesthetic of the clothes had to match the name, and her name was so elegant and strong. That’s how the aesthetic came about.
Vents: What can clients of Alani Taylor Co. look forward to in the future?
Timeekah Murphy: They can look forward to seeing the brand go global. The opening of The Lab, Alani Taylor own store in Miami Circle Atlanta, the new collection dropping in August, and so much more to come.
Vents: You’ve taken a special interest in encouraging and inspiring the youth of today to become future entrepreneurs in their own right via your own upcoming Fashion program. What can you tell us about this Fashion program?
Timeekah Murphy: Absolutely. My business partner Gibson and I are opening up a creative space/ production company where we will be teaching the youth how to sew, do production work, machinery operations etc. with that we will also be teaching them how to create a legitimate business by getting their EIN, Duns number, Trademark etc. eventually taking this from just a teaching to an actual full blown program were they can earn scholarships, grants etc. it’s a big deal to me and I’m excited about it.
Vents: Along with the above-mentioned work-load, you’ve also got an upcoming clothing line which is designed with an eye towards the average consumer to buy in local retail outlets. What sorts of fashions can we expect to see come out of this eagerly-anticipated clothing line?
Timeekah Murphy: The line is already out actually. And just like any other Alani Taylor piece you’ll know it when you see it. With the popping colors, unique fabrics, etc. I want all of my customers to feel different. When they buy from me they can walk around know you can find this in the mall. The prices are reasonable/ affordable but you’re still getting that Alani Taylor swag.
Vents: Your work in the fashion industry has been rightly celebrated in other media outlets the world over. Have you been surprised by the extremely positive reaction your work has garnered?
Timeekah Murphy: Absolutely, I still can’t believe it today. I didn’t grow up with fashion being a part of my life, so for God to bring me down this path and see the love behind it amazes me daily. I’m grateful for it 100%, which is part of why I cannot stop outside of my daughter being my main reason.
Vents: Is fashion something to be learned, or is it something that a person is innately born with?
Timeekah Murphy: I think you have to be born with style. Fashion can be taught to anyone but to actually have a style of your own, that comes from within.
Vents: For those of us out there feeling the inflation pinch, how can we achieve a Beyonce-like look on a meager budget?
Timeekah Murphy: Lol. I honestly can’t say. I wouldn’t know how to create the looks we’ve done for Beyonce on a budget lol. But as far as style on a budget that’s easy. I tend to see people really styling up with thrift shop items. You can find a lot of amazing stuff at thrift stores you’d be surprised.
Vents: What sort of upcoming pop up shows do you have in the planning stages?
Timeekah Murphy: Right now I am so booked this summer with headlining other people’s shows. So right now I have a show in Atlanta June 18th, a show June 25th in South Carolina, then Vegas etc. I’m set to open up my production/creative space in August so we are looking to have the grand opening at the end of August.
Vents: What sort of summer styles do you see as being a big thing this summer? Any trends you can advise us to look out for?
Timeekah Murphy: Honestly I don’t follow trends and maybe that’s one reason why my brand stands out. I haven’t followed the fashion rules. I consider myself a rebel lol. Whatever they feel is hot or trending I go the opposite way. I stick to what Murph does. I want to be known as one that don’t follow trends but sets them.
Vents: You’re a champion and supporter of mental health in the LGBTQ Community. Can you talk with us about this particular passion and what it means to you?
Timeekah Murphy: Yes, I’ve struggled with mental health for majority of my life. I’ve been through suffering from deep depression, to suicide, anxiety you name it. To be blessed to still be here and still talking about it is why I’m so passionate about helping others. Everyone doesn’t make it through and it’s my responsibility to do Gods work and help others through.
Vents: How does your family feel about your success in the fashion world?
Timeekah Murphy: My mom is my biggest fan. My family is beyond proud. Coming from where we come from it’s not easy to escape that world. So to see me and a few others make it not just my family but everyone’s proud.
