Meet Christina Alexander-Jiles | The Original Pilla Pusha

We had the good fortune of connecting with Christina Alexander-Jiles and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Christina, what do you want people to remember about you?
I would like my legacy to be that of love. I pour love into everything I create in hopes that that energy transfers to the recipient. I have thought about this question for as long as I can remember. As a little girl I always tried to make people feel loved, appreciated, and accepted. I’m sure that stems from my childhood but for every new kid in class, there I was befriending and trying to ease their anxiety or discomfort. That hasn’t changed much. This is why our Gentle Reminder Collection is so near and dear to my heart. With the mental/spiritual health challenges many of us face these days I just want to act as the change I’d like to see in this world. I want people to know that they are not alone on this journey called life and that we all struggle and there is no shame in that. The thing is to never count ourselves out the game. I’m just here to encourage and inspire always…in all ways.

What do I want people to remember about me? That I gave with my whole heart.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Creating for me is much like meditation. I’m sure to have some sort of meditation music playing in the background from one of the many apps I’ve downloaded. It’s my Zen; my peace.

I haven’t always known how to sew but thanks to handy dandy YouTube University I learned the basics and began to apply what I learned. Of course, there were mistakes made. One of the best mistakes turned out to become one of our best sellers. I completely screwed up a pillow, was being very hard on myself but once I was done, I was like wait, I think I have something! That’s when our Pocket Pillows were born. I’ve learned to take it all in stride and most importantly to trust the process and be gentle with myself.

I want the world to know that this brand was created to encourage and inspire. Many of our products act as affirmations so you’re affirming while possibly not even realizing it! You’re affirming yourself when you hug one of our pillows on a rough day and read the message through your tears. You’re affirming yourself and others when you wear one of our ‘Gentle Reminder’ shirts. I think that’s some pretty beautiful stuff and I’m just thankful to be a part of bringing those ideas to life!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Ha, I’m such an Introvert so this will be good. Once my bestie arrives, she better bring her appetite because we’re paying The Foodie Barr a visit to put something on our bellies before our excursion begins. I feel like there’d be a nap thrown in there shortly thereafter but for the sake of a good time let’s then proceed to Freedmen’s Town Market for some shopping because supporting other small business owners is important to the bestie and me. After we spent the day shopping it’s time to wine down to meet some friends at The Greasy Spoon Soulfood Bistro. We enjoy the band (Pearland location) that’s playing and the food (there it is again) and overall vibe.

For the remainder of the week, it would be all about sharing my favorite small businesses with her because surely, I’ve already mentioned it. We’d have to check out Crumbville Texas and Betty’s Homemade Goodness for some sweet treats. More shopping at some of my favorite local boutiques Too Prissy Too Prime and Melodrama Boutique. We’d explore Houston with one of those scavenger hunts, check out the Cockrell Butterfly Center because we like pretty things and love nature, and maybe catch a comedy show at the Improv. Naps cannot and will not be excluded from this experience. Ok, that’s all I got! lol

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have to thank my husband, Mr. Quentin Jiles. Oh, the countless hours spent at the fabric stores and grabbing supplies has been endless, but he never complains. This is why I always say this is more of a family affair. He helps me tremendously in a myriad of ways when it comes to NGC Pillows & More and that’s no small feat because he is a business owner as well! Our motto is a family that grinds together; shines together and I’m thankful to have his help. I don’t know what I would do without it!

Website: https://ngcpillows.storenvy.com/

Instagram: https://ngcpillows.storenvy.com/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christina-jiles-19337b189/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nerdgirlchic

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-rQmDO0miiqDaDPK3ZqObA

Image Credits
Joshua Curry