Today we’d like to introduce you to Alicia Harper
Hi Alicia, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Honestly, if someone had told me I’d become a content creator, I wouldn’t have believed them. Growing up, I struggled with self-image, especially when it came to taking photos or videos of myself. A lot of that insecurity stemmed from wearing braces for years and battling hormonal acne during puberty. It wasn’t until my skin cleared up and my teeth were straightened that I finally started to feel beautiful.
Looking back, social media can seem like a façade. People see the content I post and assume I’m brimming with confidence, but they don’t see the hard work and emotional struggles behind it. Many think I’m naturally self-assured because of the amount of content I produce, but the truth is, it took a lot of dedication to get here.
When COVID-19 hit and uncertainty filled the air, I unexpectedly decided to take on a new venture. That’s when I launched Aesthetic, my clothing brand. I know what you’re thinking—“Not another clothing company!”—especially in the Black community, where so many women are pursuing similar paths. But I wanted mine to be different.
Growing up, I have vivid memories of my mom dressing my sister and me in stunning Italian outfits for church. We were known for our impeccable style, and I always believed we deserved nothing but the best.
After finishing university, I felt a strong urge to start something of my own. I began designing my own pieces, but quickly realized the financial demands were beyond my reach. So, I took a different approach. During my trips to Los Angeles, I connected with suppliers and learned the ins and outs of fashion and retail.
Aesthetic was officially born in January 2022. Although I’ve had to put it on pause, the experience of building it awakened a new part of me that I hadn’t known existed.
As a content creator, social media manager, occasional brand ambassador, and now business owner, some people told me I was spreading myself too thin and needed to slow down. Eventually, I did take a step back, realizing that despite all the love, effort, and resources I had poured into my brand, it wasn’t quite where I wanted it to be.
Ironically, nearly three years later, I’m still not exactly where I want to be, but I’m excited for the journey ahead. I believe that with hard work, passion, and perseverance, I’ll end up in places I never thought possible.
I know this might sound a bit vague, but trust me, there’s so much more to my story.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
This journey has been far from easy. I’ve faced online harassment, battled with insecurity and self-doubt, and dealt with rejection. There were brands I once dreamed of working with that turned me down, and times I’ve shed tears while filming a campaign—I’ve been through it all.
As humans, we often struggle to handle disappointment and defeat. For me, my faith in God has been a constant source of strength during those moments when I felt inadequate. But that doesn’t mean I haven’t questioned Him. There were times I cried out, wondering how He could allow certain things to happen if He truly cared about me. It’s easy to feel that way when things don’t go as planned, right?
Despite that, by leaning on my faith and my support system, I’ve managed to keep going when I felt like giving up. Even in my darkest moments, God has always shown me He had my best interest at heart.
Social media can be a tough space, full of comparisons. There’s truth in the saying, “Comparison is the thief of joy.” Even when we try not to, it’s easy to fall into that trap.
Here’s my advice:
- Ignore the opinions of people who add no value to your life or your future.
- Surround yourself with like-minded individuals who genuinely want the best for you, with no hidden agenda.
- If there’s something you’re passionate about and can’t let go of, pour everything you have into making that vision a reality.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
After earning my BA in Environmental Studies, I was honestly unsure about my next steps. I knew that a traditional 9-to-5 in the government sector wouldn’t allow me to fully tap into my skills and passions.
I owe my path of self-discovery to my friend Martina, who, back in 2014, was finishing a Corporate Communications program that piqued my interest. She encouraged me to apply, and that decision changed everything.
After completing the program, I found opportunities in marketing that allowed me to connect with people, curate events, and uncover my true passion. Since then, I’ve been fully immersed in PR, event curation, and marketing, and I wouldn’t trade it for the world.
What makes me unique in the marketing space is that, aside from my 9-to-5 in marketing and branding, I’m also a content creator. I’m able to blend the knowledge I gain at work with my lifestyle content, and my early love for photography and videography has been a huge advantage, helping me grow both professionally and creatively.
Right now, I’m in my era of being intentional—focusing on what makes me happy and truly honing my craft.
Hopefully, in the next few months, all this hard work pays off, and you’ll see me as the face of a major campaign.
Only time will tell. <3
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ohthatslici/
