Patrice: What motivated/inspired you to start a business?
Alicia: What motivated me to start Alidib Beauty was me actually starting my own natural hair journey. Back in 2009 I decided to big chop my heavily heat and relaxer damaged hair. After experiencing CCC a form of alopecia. I decided to become not only an example to myself. But my 3 beautiful black daughters who were following my destructive hair and skincare regimen. On how to embrace and care for what naturally came from my creator. Which was my naturally kinky curly 4b/4c hair. And oily acne prone skin.
Patrice: What makes you a pretty woman that hustles?
Alicia: I am a pretty woman that hustles because I believe in embracing my independent, go getter energy. I feel like I have a story to tell to my assigned audience. That not only will encourage, but motivate and inspire other beautiful women and men to attract their life of abundance. Through entrepreneurship and setting intentions to build self-sufficient generational wealth.
Patrice: What is the name of your business(es) and what are they all about?
Alicia: The name of my business is Alidib Beauty. I decided to give my brand this name because it’s a combination of my actual legal name. And what better way to introduce my consumer to my brand than sharing with them who I AM as a CEO.
Alidib Beauty is an all -natural herbal infused hair and skincare brand. That promotes and encourages the use of natural and organic ingredients. That help to nourish and replenish our bodies. Through our largest organ which is our skin. I believe healthy hair and skin start with what we 1st think about our bodies. Followed by what we put into or onto our skin. That’s why my brand motto is “Be You. Be Beauty+Full”!
Patrice: Have you faced any challenges in your business?
Alicia: The challenges I’ve faced so far as a business owner has been making the public aware of Alidib Beauty. Again, the mission is to promote healthy hair and skincare from the inside out. And as a small business or new business owner who has been used to being a stay at home mom of 9 since I was 14 years old, I’ve found it to be a challenge with marketing and getting my products into the hands and homes of the people who can truly benefit from them. Let’s just be honest, modern tech skills such as Tik Tok and Instagram isn’t my lane of expertise!
Another challenge of being a new business owner has been accepting the fact that I can’t be like Noah and build this Ark alone. Meaning, growing a sustainable brand isn’t a one -woman show. So I had to learn how to seek and ask for help. And that was my sign of growth as CEO. Admitting I needed help even when I was used to being independent and always in control.
Patrice: What projects are you currently working on?
Alicia: The projects I’m currently working on with Alidib Beauty is staying ready for overflow! That means preparing for continued sale out and restocking once my brand grows. So, I’m learning to clarify my brand image and gearing up for summer and fall with future pop- up shops and small beauty business expo events rather than be in person or online. Also, working on two new products that will join the roster and help my customers feel amazing and beautiful! Stay tuned for the big drop June 1st!
Patrice: How do you face diversity as a woman entrepreneur?
Alicia: I face diversity as a woman entrepreneur first and foremost by being a minority. We all know that women in general aren’t taken as seriously or paid as equally as our male counterparts. So, I make it a mission to have Alidib Beauty be as credible and high quality as possible so my brand and I are seen and taken seriously.
Secondly, I am a mom of nine which means I am always on the move. I’ve seen so many opportunities for collaboration and partnerships for myself and my brand not come together simply because someone had reservations about if I would have time or stamina to meet goals,
Patrice: Is balancing your personal life, work life and business life difficult for you at times?
Alicia: Balancing my personal, work, and business life has always been a priority for me. One thing that I decided even as a kid that “I can have it all” If I learned how to organize and plan my time accordingly. I am very good at time management and have a scheduled alarm for everything! That’s how I keep my sanity. I stay organized and as close to time as possible. I was taught very early on by my bonus dad that if I stay ready, I’ll never have to get ready. So it’s definitely a skill that I utilize daily.
Patrice: How would you say your business differs from others in the same industry you work in?
Alicia: How Alidib Beauty differs from other beauty or self- care brands you ask?
Well, as Founder and CEO of Alidib Beauty again I wanted to be sure I wasn’t just selling a product but an actual lifestyle. Most hair and skincare brands push products claiming to be natural. Yet the consumer can’t even pronounce the ingredients and the ingredients purpose. Every ingredient in my products are all natural and of highest quality. You can pronounce the ingredients as well as understand it’s intended benefit.
Our products are handmade in my kitchen with spoken intentions over every batch and that this product will improve the quality of life for its customers. I am a huge believer in law of attraction and manifesting and every herb and oil sacrificed has been given new life and purpose to heal. Not to mention, my products are made to order, not pre- batched or machine manufactured. That means my customers get the freshest product possible when it reaches their doorstep.
Patrice: What does being an entrepreneur or business owner mean to you?
Alicia: Being an entrepreneur means freedom to me. Whether it’s freedom of time or financial independence, I get to have a bit more control over my destiny. That means I get to gain, grow, and, share more leadership skills in my family and community. I have an opportunity to inspire and motivate those coming behind me; That if you must work to earn and it can be achieved at your own standard. There’s more than one way to obtain my idea of success; punching in a 9-5 and missing opportunities to be a full -time mom was not my idea of success.
Connect with Alicia:
Website: http://www.alidibbeauty.com
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/alidibbeauty
http://www.instagram.com/alldayalidib
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/alidibbeauty
TikTok: http://www.tiktok.com/adbbeauty
