TN10: Alexis Howard, Making Bigger Shoes Chic

Wearing a pair of Etta Grove shoes (Photo: Mike Nelson @thatdopeshot)

Age: 50.

Basic bio: Alexis is the owner and creative director of Etta Grove, a D.C.-based startup brand that designs and manufactures luxe, fashionable footwear in women’s size 7 to 14, — and unique handbags too. Alexis launched Etta Grove with her two daughters, Kayla and Haley, and the brand is named after her grandmother, Etta.

Beyond the bio: Getting older is nothing like what I expected. It seems like just yesterday I was 16, then 21, then 30. Today, I still have hopes and dreams and much left to do in my life. I have had great friends in life who are no longer here and I count it a blessing to wake up every morning. It can be challenging to figure out your purpose, but sometimes you just have to wake up and say my purpose today is to keep moving, growing, being. I’ve learned, at 50, I am still growing and learning and hope to continue to do so.

What makes you a grown-ass lady? Youth has its perks, but I feel I am the best I have ever been. I am working on retaining and improving strength, flexibility, and balance. When I walk in a room, as a total package, I count myself as one of the “bad bitches” there.

Here’s her TueNight 10:

1. On the nightstand: CPAP machine, reading glasses, lamp . . . and probably dust.

2. Can’t stop/won’t stop: Thinking about all that I want to do in this next chapter of my life.

3. Jam of the minute: Anything Afrobeats. Great for chair dancing and head bopping. Helps while trying to get work done.

4. Thing I miss: I miss when my daughters were babies/toddlers. It was a lot of work, but I loved those sloppy kisses, tight hugs, and adorable giggles.

5. ‘80s crush: Todd Bridges, Erik Estrada, Ralph Tresvant, Michael Jackson.

6. Current crush: All women who are working to make their dreams happen.

7. Latest fave find: Cute faux leather pieces at Banana Republic Factory. Very on-trend and sexy.

8. Last thing you lost: A $200 pair of Warby Parker sunglasses; I’m holding on to hope they are in my house somewhere.

9. Best thing that happened recently: I was named one of 10 finalists in the Summer 2022 Famous Amos/National Black Chamber of Commerce Ingredients for Success Grant. I did not win one of the three $50,000 grants but being named a finalist was a surprise and renewed my hope for finding funding for my business.

10. Looking forward to: The holiday season. I love holiday Hallmark movies, family gatherings, great food, giving to those I love and those less fortunate. I love the season of giving and the feeling the season gives.