Meet Alyssa Reece: Artist, Designer, & Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Alyssa Reece and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alyssa, what is the most important factor behind your success?
I believe that my success, especially the success of my brand, is strongly correlated with immersing myself in creative communities and uplifting other artists. I have found that natural growth and development as an artist is fostered best by supporting others that you look up to. It is important to me to find inspiration anywhere that I can and learn from others constantly. There is so much beauty in collaboration and success in supporting others and allowing others to support you. I believe that all great art is personal and unique and that any great artist is constantly growing, changing and adapting. I am so grateful for family, friends, and other artists who have supported me in many different creative endeavors along the way.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Yes! I have been creating art for my entire life. Not always good art, but I have constantly been drawn to creativity in many forms. I doodled made-up people and fashion of the early 2000’s as a child, I taught myself to face paint, and this progressed to my desire to take art classes all four years of high school. Still, by the time I went to college, I remained undeclared for my whole first year of school. Despite the support that I received, I convinced myself that majoring in the arts would be impractical. However, by the end of that year, after meeting a friend who was majoring in design, I knew that it was the right path for me. I had only been denying myself the right to pursue the one thing that I truly loved and found passion in. I quickly started to create work under the name Honeyy Lemon Tea, which was a name connected to a go-to comfort drink from my childhood lemon tree. That name felt right, as art has also always been a go-to comfort in my life. I have found that one of the biggest challenges for me has been embracing my love for working in many mediums. I know that I have never just excelled in one thing and had a distinct style/artists’ voice, like many friends that I envied. However, I have always preferred to spread my creativity into many different mediums. Embracing that is still difficult for me, but it is also one of my favorite things about my work. I love drawing, painting, graphic design, makeup art, photography, apparel design, making earrings, etc. I have to constantly remind myself that it’s okay to not have a niche thing/style that I am known for as an artist. I want the world to know that I am versatile and adaptable and interested in many things. I want the world to know that Honeyy Lemon Tea is all about art that is for anyone and everyone, art that is constantly changing and evolving as I grow.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Wow, honestly a difficult question to answer after almost a year of quarantining and not going out to the local places that I love. I would love more than anything to take a friend to one of my favorite local coffee spots, Steel Cup Café, for a cappuccino and pastry or sandwich. Then, we would go for a drive down PCH and make a stop at Main Street in Seal Beach to visit my favorite plant nursery, Brita’s Old Town Gardens. Next, we would visit 2nd Street for Simzy’s brussels sprouts, shoestring fries, and a sangria. Then, we’d take a lovely sunset walk or bike ride at the beach. Lastly, we’d visit Signal Hill at night to see all of the city lights.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Yes absolutely! I would love to dedicate my shoutout to a few different people. I have been inspired so much by my friend who uses the artist name Clown Paint, who has the kindest heart, most beautiful soul, and so much artistic talent in many mediums. She creates work under the name @clownpaint on instagram. Secondly, my friend Kiara, who makes amazing jewelry under the name @gentlesunjewelry on instagram or gentlesunjewelry.com. Third, my friend Yem, who makes incredible art and apparel, you can find their work on instagram @faceityem or faceityem.com. Fourth, my mom Tami, who crochets cute little animals, baskets, hats, etc. under the name @madewithheartbytami on instagram. Lastly, my lovely friend Maeve, who constantly inspires me with their style, design work, and makeup art. You can find their work @maevellisullivan and @scribblemaeve on instagram.

Website: https://www.honeyylemontea.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/honeyy.lemon.tea/?hl=en
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyssa-reece-a8a372141
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/honeyy.lemon.tea/