Alyssa McKay Reveals the Creative Inspiration Behind Streetwear Brand, Beyond Lost
As a content creator, actress and entrepreneur, there truly isn't anything 24-year-old Alyssa McKay can't do.
Alyssa grew up in and out of foster homes during her youth in Portland, Oregon, finding an outlet in content creation and working her way to where she is today, with a billion views across her channels each and every month. She's also the co-founder and creative director of the streetwear brand Beyond Lost NYC, known for its ethically sourced, hand-sewn pieces with limited drops that sell out within hours. As massive fans of the brand ourselves, we just had to learn more, and Alyssa graciously answering all of our most burning questions about the brand and what it means to her in the interview below.
Name: Alyssa McKay
IG handle: @alyssamckayyy
Hometown: Portland, Oregon
1. Alyssa gets her sense of fashion from her favorite film classics.
"When I was younger, my favorite movies were Legally Blonde and Clueless. Since discovering those classics, I have been obsessed with all things pink, feminine and coordinated sets (thank you, Cher!)."
-Alyssa McKay
(Image courtesy of Alyssa McKay)
2. Her personal style is always evolving.
"One day, I could be wearing baggy jeans, a hoodie and sneakers, and the next day I could be wearing a micro skirt, crop top and chunky boots. I don't like to put myself into any specific boxes when it comes to fashion. I love experimenting and choosing how I wanna present myself in the exact moment."
-Alyssa McKay
Also read about: CEO Active Founder Victoria Nguyen Shares the Ethos Behind Her Viral Activewear Brand
3. Beyond Lost was born out of Alyssa's desire to put her own stamp on the streetwear world.
"My team (The Network Effect) and I have always loved streetwear fashion, specifically streetwear with a focus on rhinestones. We always loved to critique different pieces and looks and talk about what we would do differently. Then, eventually, we figured, why can't we do it better? Beyond Lost differs from other streetwear brands in the way that everything is unisex. All of our pieces are incredibly high quality with the highest quality rhinestones on the market, and we drop in limited batches to avoid waste—all at a fair price point."
-Alyssa McKay
4. When she's in a rush, her go-to outfit is baggy jeans, a Beyond Lost hoodie and some cool sneakers. She accessorizes with jewelry, sunnies and a bag to elevate the look.
(Image courtesy of Alyssa McKay)
5. The best advice she ever got was from Brian Nelson (her manager at The Network Effect), who told her to "Manage your intake."
"I always tell people this. The world can feel very overwhelming. Even more so when you have people in your life telling you what you should and shouldn't be doing with your life. My advice? Manage your intake! Block the haters. Limit your communication with people who don't fill your cup."
-Alyssa McKay
Also read about: Hairstylist and AIIR Professional Founder Jenny Strebe on 'Turning Routines Into Rituals'
6. Right now, her favorite pieces in her closet are baggy jeans from GARAGE paired with the blue or red hoodie from Beyond Lost's Royal Triad Collection.
"They're timeless and so easy and fun to style! Not to mention comfortable!"
-Alyssa McKay
7. Her favorite style trend at the moment is micro skorts(not skirts).
"Sexy with security!"
-Alyssa McKay
(Image courtesy of Alyssa McKay)
8. Alyssa wants people to know there's more to her than meets the eye.
"Despite the rich girl character I play on social media, I am actually a nice girl. Come say hi if you ever see me! 🙂"
-Alyssa McKay
For even more from our favorite founders, click HERE to read our interview with Mika Shino on her delicious brand, Issei Mochi Gummies.