22 April 2025
By Ryan Whirty
Contributing Writer
As the Trump administration continues its vitriolic assault on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) programs and funding across the country, companies owned and run by people of color and women have seen official support, financial and otherwise, drying up, placing a strain on businesses that might have already been fighting to find their place in the national and global marketplace.
Ale’Jandra Breaux, a native of New Orleans, however, has been defying the odds with her company, the Ale’B Collection, a luxury handbag brand. But in addition to producing stylish, functional unisex handbags, Breaux also hopes to use innovative business operations and creative marketing methods to establish a model for ensuing entrepreneurs of color to follow.
“Navigating a successful business in today’s complex social, financial and political landscape requires a steadfast commitment to my brand’s core values and mission,” Breaux said. “I prioritize staying true to what I want my brand to represent, ensuring that our identity remains consistent and resonates with our audience.”
But, she added, doing that involves staying in tune with the zeitgeist and being aware of and adaptive to the day’s news and social trends, a practice that leads her to create community relationships, engage in audience outreach and stay updated on consumer needs and tastes.
“I pay close attention to the current events and trends that shape our world,” she said. “By remaining aware of these dynamics, I can adapt our strategies to address the evolving needs and concerns of our customers. This responsiveness allows us to stay relevant and connected to our community while maintaining our integrity.
“Ultimately,” she added, “balancing my brand’s vision with an awareness of the broader environment enables me to navigate challenges effectively and sustain a successful business.”
Her well-planned, and well-timed, efforts appear to be working. In the first six months of her business’ operations, her company has generated more than $30,000 in revenue, with her handbags being worn by “Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta” star Bambi, business mogul Supa Cent, and fashion designer Milano of Milano di Rouge.
The company has also been profiled in Pop Out Magazine, and an article about the Ale’B Collection earlier this month in Upscale Magazine called Breaux “a dreamer crafting purpose into every stitch.” The magazine described Ale’B bags as “sleek, unisex designs that speak to all walks of life” through which “Ale’B isn’t just creating accessories – she’s building a movement” that lets “your child to dream big.”
Breaux has reached such heights by smartly navigating a political, social and economic environment that’s attacking the ideals of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, with such official hostility endangering the funding and support for businesses and organizations whose purpose is to uplift women, people of color and their communities.
“The recent backlash against DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) programs has certainly influenced my approach to business,” she said. “I’ve recognized the need to remain steadfast in my commitment to these principles, as they are integral to my brand’s identity and values.
“Rather than shying away from discussions about diversity and fairness, I’ve doubled down on creating an inclusive environment within my company and ensuring that our messaging reflects these ideals.”
Challenging current trends and her success in the face of them are informing Breaux’s plans for the future as well. Her goals for further growing her company include establishing her brand as a household name recognized by people from all walks of life; collaborating with other successful companies as a path to further expanding her brand; and exploring the creation of a broader range of products, including an upcoming travel line, luxury sunglasses, apparel and slides.
“To accomplish these goals,” Breaux said, “I find that setting personal deadlines is an effective strategy for keeping myself focused and aligned with my vision.”
If all goes as planned, the Ale’B Collection and its vision will hopefully inspire aspiring attributes to succeed in the business world in the face of any challenge as well.
This article originally published in the April 21, 2025 print edition of The Louisiana Weekly newspaper.