Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XGioAz35Hh4&list=PLOQvdw7d0cd9RZZkd2lZy2hmrnJv-cfLI&index=70
Evan: So we are back here on the Choose Nine Five Four podcast episode 31 with local designer Laurie Phoenix, better known as Phoenix, here from her studios in Flagler Village. If you didn’t know about Choose Nine Five Four, we started a social movement to cultivate culture and community here in Broward County, where I’m from, in an effort to keep people in the know with all the great things that are going on and make this a better place to live and not just a better place to vacation. The point of the podcast is to connect you with incredible people like her doing amazing things in the community. So, without much further ado, why don’t you tell us a little bit about Mrs. Phoenix?
Phoenix: I moved here three years ago. Everything... art, easy confession... I’m originally from Philadelphia, and I’ve been a visual seller since I was a child. Just chopping stuff up and turning it into my life and career is my journey.
Evan: So how did you get started being a creative?
Phoenix: I grew up in Philly in an area where it was musicians and just really cool hippy-chic shops downtown. And I liked scissors, and I liked to cut. I wasn’t allowed to do [ ]
growing up—say [ ] Rapunzel, okay? But, uh, I had scissors, and we didn’t have that much money, so trying to alter your clothes... you get used to wearing the same three outfits every day at school because they would call you a Bobo.
Evan: So give me the scissors...
Phoenix: Give me scissors and a needle! You learn how to use a needle and thread, and I love the fact that you could cut stuff, add stuff, and, really, I would get lost in it for hours. But I didn’t come back to it until I got a lot older.
Evan: So what was that moment? How did that spark reignite?
Phoenix: My husband—we’ve traveled and moved to so many different states, and, uh, he’d be gone. So, I’d think, “What should I do?” Let me just jam out to some music, pop a bottle of wine, get some scissors, and I just cleared out my closet. It was like a puzzle. It was like I imagined Kenny, a riot, how he cuts his stuff up. I’m that way with fabric—cutting it up and visualizing it in a different way. I started doing that and actually not even finishing the next day because it’s a puzzle of joy to make something from birth that’s like Frankenstein—birthing clothes—because I love fashion, but I like different stuff. I don’t like that face walking around.
Evan: That’s great. I appreciate the arts and one-of-a-kind pieces. So they’re all one of a kind?
Phoenix: Yeah, they’re all one of one, and I don’t copy anybody’s stuff. Everything I have is in its original form, so I don’t take somebody’s design and make a bunch of copies of it. I use that person’s art, so all the drawings and pictures—that’s not me—that’s the original form it came in. But the way it’s formed and the additions and shapes—that’s me. There are some talented people in this area, which I really appreciate.
Evan: Which we’ll get to in a little bit. So from that point, why don’t you tell us a little bit about how you’ve developed from being a kid, stitching things together so you weren’t a Bobo, to where you are now with the designs and products you’ve developed?
Phoenix: It was taking a risk. We moved to Indianapolis, and they had a show. I was like, “Let me find out about the art scene,” and I volunteered. I worked backstage, did whatever. They had a show, and I thought, “I can do that.” I just remember having my stuff, and I entered the show, and it wasn’t even close to the caliber of these other people's fashions, and I wanted to back out. But I thought, “No, you have to take a chance, and even if you fail, take the chance.” My stuff was whack, but I had the best models, and I was like, “Please rock it.” I thought it was great, but I had a meltdown. I was crying, thinking, “Oh my God!” The worst thing was this chick backstage saying, “I can’t believe she’s in this, we just let her do it because she volunteered.”
Evan: You overheard her?
Phoenix: I overheard it, and I was so hurt, but I thought, “You know what? I’m not gonna be [ __ ], I’m gonna strut my stuff, hold my head up,” and I did. It wasn’t the best collection, it really wasn’t a collection, but it was that moment of saying, “From this, you’ll do better.” And so, each time, I have to do better than the last.
Evan: That’s a powerful story. So how long ago was that show in Indianapolis?
Phoenix: Like six years ago.
Evan: And from that show, how did you connect with our friend, Shebah Warren?
Phoenix: Shebah Warren and I were just meant to meet. We come from the same cloth, with our backgrounds, and her tenacity and everything about her is just beautiful. We’re totally opposite, but we’re the same.
Evan: Tell us about your collaboration with Shebah. I know you have a special collection with her.
Phoenix: Yeah, Shebah gave me photographs from back then. You had the white waiting room, everything was segregated, and the colored waiting room. So we incorporated that history, the stories of the Freedom Riders, into fabric.
Evan: And this collection is really something special. What was the goal of this collaboration?
Phoenix: The goal was to bring awareness and not forget these stories. These are Freedom Riders. These people went through so much to get us where we are today. And these stories should never be forgotten.
Evan: It’s a fashion statement with purpose.
Phoenix: Yes, exactly. If you can get a scarf that tells a story, it’s art, it’s wearable, but it has a purpose.
Evan: Where have these scarves been? Where have they been seen on or around the world?
Phoenix: We did have one for Jill, and I remember Shebah made a big deal about it. I don’t remember the name, but there was a big radio host—Karen Hunter. She got a scarf.
Evan: Oh yes, Karen Hunter, the Sirius XM host!
Phoenix: Yes, Karen Hunter. She’s been working with Shebah to tell her story because it’s pretty amazing. And we also did a custom one for one of the original Freedom Riders, Hank Thomas. We created it to celebrate his story and everything that he’s done. Shebah got the pictures from his family, and we put that into the fabric. So, it’s truly special.
Evan: Wow, that’s so powerful. These are important stories being woven into these beautiful designs. So you mentioned you moved here three years ago—how did you find Choose 954 and get involved?
Phoenix: Every place we’ve lived, it’s important to be part of the community. I thought it was fantastic that you and Andrew were so passionate about Choose 954. I’m not saying it’s the reason I moved here, but it made a difference. Seeing how you were giving awareness to everything that’s going on downtown, in the arts, music, and culture—it’s something people don’t think about. Now, I check it every weekend to see what’s happening. It’s a staple for me.
Evan: Thank you. We appreciate that, and I’m so glad to see it’s made a difference for you. So, you’re involved in a lot of things. What else are you working on in the community?
Phoenix: I’m a member of the Chamber of Commerce. They’ve got an Arts Council right now, which is amazing. The people there are having conversations to better Broward and make it more aware of what’s needed in the arts community. I’m also on the board of the World AIDS Museum, thanks to my friend Raquel Lopez. They’re trying to transform the conversation to the next generation for safety and awareness around AIDS. They’re also connecting more with the arts, which is a beautiful thing.
Evan: That’s wonderful. The work the World AIDS Museum is doing is so important, especially here in Broward County, where we lead the country in AIDS population. I’ve spent a lot of time supporting the Children’s Diagnostic and Treatment Center as well. It’s heart-wrenching to see the work they do with babies born with AIDS in Broward County, but it’s necessary.
Phoenix: Exactly. That’s why we’re working so hard to bring awareness. Merging the arts with causes like this really helps keep these important conversations going.
Evan: Absolutely. So, with everything you’re involved in, what do you want people to know about our community and the things you’re doing?
Phoenix: This area is filled with artists and visionaries who are passionate about making things happen. We’ve got incredible people like Stephanie Leyden, DJ Fluff, and Ed Burnett, who are all doing amazing things for our community. I’d love to see more connection between the art districts, from Miami to Broward, and even more collaboration between all the incredible talent we have.
Evan: Yes, that connection is key. And as we continue to grow, it’s important to keep supporting our creative community. The cranes are still rising, the developments are happening, and we need to make sure the culture and the arts remain a priority.
Phoenix: Exactly. The arts are what make these places vibrant. Without culture, people won’t stick around.
Evan: Couldn’t agree more. So, for those listening who want to follow your work, get a commission, or maybe even take a lesson from you, where can they find you?
Phoenix: You can find me on Instagram at @afrenikcozophrenic. On Facebook, I’m under the same handle. My studio is in Mass District in Flagler Village, so come visit me during Art Walk!
Evan: Perfect. So, if you want to see Phoenix’s incredible work firsthand, check her out at the next Art Walk. We’re leading a Choose 954 guided, curated tour of the Fort Lauderdale Art Walk. It takes place the last Saturday of every month starting at 6 p.m. We’ll start at the trolley stop in Mass District, and I’ll take you through the arts district, introducing you to artists like Phoenix. You can RSVP on Eventbrite or Facebook for the Choose 954 Guided Art Walk Tour.
Evan:: And don’t forget, we also host Creative Zen every second Friday of the month, a free breakfast lecture series with inspiring speakers. The next one is April 12th, featuring Ivan Dynamo De Jesus, the creator of Action Club. We’ll provide coffee, breakfast bites, and great vibes.
Evan: Another event to check out is SoFar Sounds, a secret music experience happening in venues around the city. You can RSVP for their April 4th event on their website. It’s a great way to connect with local musicians in an intimate setting.
Evan: So, lots of ways to get involved and support the local community. Thank you so much, Phoenix, for joining us today and sharing your amazing story. Keep up all the incredible work, and we’ll see you next time!
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