We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Alycia Hill a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Alycia thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What do you think matters most in terms of achieving success?

I believe success starts with a strong and disciplined mind. Controlling your thoughts is the foundation for so much—your belief systems ultimately shape your reality. You need mental strength to create a consistent routine, stay disciplined, and develop the willpower to persevere through challenges. I also think it’s important to remember that the ideas and inspiration placed in your heart are there for a reason; the world needs what you have to offer.

That said, success is subjective and deeply personal. For me, success is waking up each day feeling fulfilled by my life and knowing I’m making a positive impact on others through my unique gifts. It’s about using what I’ve been given to leave a meaningful mark, and that’s a definition that continues to guide my journey.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

From a young age, I knew designing clothing was my calling. I taught myself to sew at the young age of seven, repurposing old clothes into handbags. By the age of ten, I knew I wanted to start my own clothing label. That passion stayed with me throughout my life, leading me to study Apparel Design at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. After graduating, I moved to New York City, where I worked in custom-made-to-measure clothing. That experience taught me the art of design, fit, and styling, while deepening my understanding of how clothing can empower and transform.
Today, I run a women’s clothing brand, VITE, where I design eco-friendly collections using only sustainable fabrics. My mission is to create timeless, versatile pieces that not only look beautiful but also contribute positively to the planet. VITE tackles the growing issue of waste in the fashion industry by using natural fiber fabrics, free from harmful chemicals, and manufacturing ethically in the United States. My work stands out because it merges style, sustainability, and mindfulness, offering women clothing that aligns with their values.
In addition to clothing, I also create sustainable, reusable jute tote bags, affectionately called the “Go Green but Make It Fashion” totes. These bags were inspired by the growing plastic problem and the need for practical, reusable alternatives that can drastically reduce single-use waste. Made from natural fiber fabrics, these totes are not only environmentally friendly but also stylish, proving that you don’t have to sacrifice fashion for sustainability. These totes are more than just accessories; they are conversation starters that encourage others to embrace sustainable living without compromising on style.
What I’m most proud of on my journey is my willingness to embrace challenges and step out of my comfort zone. Running a business and building a brand is no small feat, but I’ve grown through every obstacle. I take pride in my ability to stay flexible, doing whatever it takes to better myself or make the necessary adjustments to move forward. This mindset has pushed me to become more active on social media, create my own content, and launch a YouTube short series entitled Designing a Greener Future. Through this platform, I share my story, the mission behind VITE, and my vision for a sustainable future.
At the heart of it all, I’m proud of the positive impact I’m making on my customers, the planet, and the broader conversation around sustainability. My goal is not just to design clothing but to inspire others to make mindful choices and show that style and sustainability can coexist seamlessly.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect of being a designer is that I genuinely love my craft. For me, it’s like dressing life-sized Barbies, a playful yet meaningful way to bring my creativity to life. I also cherish the privilege of being part of major milestones in people’s lives, whether it’s designing something for a special occasion or simply creating pieces that make someone feel confident and empowered.

What makes it even more fulfilling is the ability to fully express myself and embrace a non-traditional career path. It takes boldness to chase your dreams wholeheartedly, and I feel incredibly grateful to do what I love while also making a positive impact. It’s truly double bliss, combining passion with purpose.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

Some of the resources that have significantly shaped my entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy are The E-Myth by Michael Gerber, The Magic of Thinking Big by David J. Schwartz, and The 12 Week Year by Brian Moran.

The E-Myth taught me the importance of creating systems and processes in business—how operations should flow, the power of delegating tasks, and building a duplicatable structure for growth. The Magic of Thinking Big was pivotal in helping me shift my mindset, training myself to focus on possibilities and opening my mind to the belief that anything is achievable with the right perspective. The 12 Week Year introduced me to a unique way of structuring my goals by working in 12-week increments, which has helped me accomplish more in a shorter amount of time.

I also find inspiration in motivational speakers like Neville Goddard. His teachings on the power of thought and manifestation have helped me quiet my mind, embrace peace, and trust in the process of growth. These resources and teachings have been invaluable in shaping how I approach my business, my goals, and my daily decisions.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.vite-apparel.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/viteapparel
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ViteApparel

Image Credits

Shots with dress from by Clara Zhu