Alisa Rayford’s life is a tapestry woven with diverse experiences, each contributing to the unique story of a woman who dared to dream and make those dreams a reality. Born and raised in Bainbridge, Georgia, Alisa’s journey has taken her from serving in the army to the suburbs of Atlanta, where she balances life as a full-time realtor and a passionate entrepreneur in the world of golf fashion.
At 53, Alisa has already accomplished much. She resides in Lithonia, GA, a suburb of Atlanta. “Living here offers a perfect balance of urban amenities and suburban tranquility,” Alisa explains. “It’s the ideal place for my family and my businesses.” Her educational background, a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management from Strayer University, laid a solid foundation for her entrepreneurial ventures.
In 2021, at the age of 50, Alisa founded Asila Golf, a company dedicated to providing stylish golf apparel for women of all sizes. “I was turning 50 and created a bucket list of things for that year. One of the courses on the list was TPC Sawgrass. As someone that is a size 16, I could not find something stylish and in my size,” Alisa recalls. “The opportunity came again to play at Silverado in Napa. I thought to myself, ‘Dang, I can’t be the only one having this issue.’ And so it began.”
Asila Golf, based in Atlanta, offers ladies’ golf apparel in sizes ranging from SM to 3XL. The company’s website, asilagolf.com, and social media handles, @asilagolf, serve as portals for women seeking fashionable and functional golf attire. Alisa is the sole owner, having self-funded the business’s inception. “It was important to me to control the vision and direction of Asila Golf,” she says.
One of the biggest challenges Alisa has faced with Asila Golf is raising awareness about her brand. “Getting the word out has been tough,” she admits. “With our new Peach Sunset Collection, I brought in a consultant to help with a marketing strategy.” This proactive approach showcases Alisa’s commitment to overcoming obstacles and achieving success.
Alisa’s love for golf began on a dare. “I was introduced on a dare,” she laughs. “I fell in love with the look of nature on golf courses.” Despite her enjoyment of the game, Alisa plays for fun rather than competition, often joining friends for rounds at various courses around Metro Atlanta. “I really play all over Metro Atlanta,” she notes. “Maybe once or twice a month with friends and an occasional tournament.”
In addition to her entrepreneurial endeavors, Alisa is also a devoted family woman. She is married and has three adult children, one teenager, and three grandchildren. She enjoys playing golf with her sister and friends, fostering bonds through shared activities. Although she doesn’t belong to any golf organizations, her passion for the sport is evident in her business and personal life.
Apart from golf and her business, her background as an army veteran has instilled in her a sense of discipline and dedication that she applies to all her pursuits. An avid reader and coffee lover, Alisa finds joy in simple pleasures like beautiful sunrises and sunsets.
In a world where finding stylish and size-inclusive golf apparel can be a challenge for women, Alisa Rayford’s Asila Golf stands out as a beacon of hope and innovation. As Alisa continues to grow her brand and inspire others, her story reminds us that dreams, when pursued with passion and purpose, can indeed become reality.
