Photo by: Mark Mulville
Alexa and Edreys Wajed
Co-founders of Eat Off Art
Founded company in: 2018
Born in/live in: Buffalo
College: (Alexa) AAS, culinary arts, SUNY Erie; B.S., hospitality management, Canisius University; (Edreys) B.A., graphic design, SUNY Buffalo State University; MFA, fine arts, University at Buffalo
Spouse: Married 25 years
Children: Eman, Emeka
Community involvement: Offering “creative retreats” for companies, organizations, nonprofits and more to recharge, refocus, recenter and discover their unique creativity. Operating a studio and place for community to participate in workshops that center and prioritize art as a healing tool. Creating a space that encourages people from all generations to partake in community events, concerts, art classes and open art studios. Starting a nonprofit (Cultrue Inc.) that serves the community by offering free art classes and workshops that highlight emotional intelligence and prioritizes art as a healing tool accessible to everyone.
Proudest professional accomplishment: Paying off our mortgage while being full-time, arts-based entrepreneurs, raising two children that have grown into exceptional artists respectively, positively contributing to the arts community and continuing the creative Wajed legacy.
How to make workplace more inclusive: The Eat Off Art Studio + Place establishes an authentic sense of acceptance for whatever stage of life and development people are in, without judgment and grants grace for growth and evolving, which creates a welcoming environment for all. Leadership sets the tone of most workplaces. As the co-founders of Eat Off Art, we’ve made certain to lead with empathy, humanity and respect, which is baked into the DNA/culture of our work and place.
Most people don’t know: We were the first black-owned stationery boutique and art gallery on Elmwood Avenue, operating as Gallery 51 from 2004-09. Alexa is a certified chef having worked in Switzerland and Italy along the Amalfi Coast. She is the designer and creator of Fleathers earrings, which are light-weight, signature style handmade leather accessories. Edreys is a second-generation jewelry craftsman, an accomplished hip-hop artist and producer, playwright and video director.
What’s next: Have Eat Off Art expand its reach and impact nationally, building networks of empathic humans through creativity and arts-based experiences as a profitable, sustainable business model.