We were lucky to catch up with Aalia Lanius recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Aalia thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. So, naming is such a challenge. How did you come up with the name of your brand?

In the ever-evolving world of media and communication, choosing the right name for your company can be a journey of self-discovery and creativity. For me, the birth of “UNSUGARCOATED™ Media” was a journey that blended my values, aspirations, and a touch of serendipity.

The inception of our media venture was driven by a desire to provide unfiltered, honest, and transparent content in an age where sensationalism often overshadows the truth. I wanted a name that would encapsulate our mission: to deliver stories, news, and insights without any hidden agendas or sugarcoating.

The first word that struck me was “UNSUGARCOATED.” It was a term that resonated deeply with my vision for media – authentic, raw, and devoid of the embellishments that often dilute the essence of stories. The word itself is powerful, evoking the image of something unadulterated and true.

To ensure the name had a broader appeal and could encompass various forms of media, we decided to add “Media” to the end. It was a simple, yet effective way to convey our core purpose.

As we embarked on our journey under this banner, the name “UNSUGARCOATED™ Media” became more than just a brand – it became a promise to our readers, viewers, partners, and community. It stands for transparency, authenticity, and a dedication to sharing stories as they truly are, unvarnished and unfiltered.

In the world of media, where trust is paramount, “UNSUGARCOATED™ Media” serves as a constant reminder of our unwavering commitment to delivering the truth, no matter how bitter it might be. It’s a name that has guided our editorial decisions, shaped our company culture, and resonated with audiences who seek the unvarnished truth in a world inundated with sugarcoated narratives.

In essence, “UNSUGARCOATED™ Media” is not just a name; it’s a reflection of our values and a commitment to a higher standard in media.

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?

My name is Aalia Lanius and I am an businesswoman, founder, investor and multiple award-winning Creative Executive. I enjoy my role as a producer and it has been my honor to create works and curate experiences that both inspire and educate others through novels, short documentaries, films, live events and our social good talk show, “UNSUGARCOATED with Aalia”.

My background is multicultural, and through my mother, I’m a deeply entrenched Californian, with a familial connection to historical contributions in shaping the state during the mid 1800’s as part of the Figueroa Pioneer family. Growing up, I was surrounded by creatives and business savvy influences, like my mother, who owned her own financial consulting firm when I was a young girl. I was so good at reading, she would have me proofread her marketing brochures before they went to the printers.

At  22 years old I began my first career as a solopreneur in the music industry and eventually moved into other sectors of business. At times, I was an employee, others a stakeholder, or owner. Now, I am grateful to focus on being a media executive as the founder and president of UNSUGARCOATED™ Media, and COO for Convergence Media Law Group.

For me personally, empowering voices and advocating for change started within my own life as the survivor of multiple traumas. I found that by sharing my story I was empowered and it made me want to help others to do the same. It is why I am committed to leveraging creative media for social good, especially in the face of adversity and trauma.

Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?

Managing a team and nurturing high morale is akin to tending a garden. It requires care, attention, and a deep understanding of what each unique ‘plant’ in our team needs to thrive. I’ll share some seeds of wisdom I’ve cultivated on this journey.

Lead with empathy. Your team members are not just employees; they’re individuals with dreams, fears, and aspirations. Take the time to understand their needs and concerns, and show genuine empathy. Be a transparent communicator because communication is the soil in which trust and morale flourish. Keep your team informed, involve them in decision-making when possible, and be receptive to their feedback.

Recognition and appreciation go a long way. Like sunlight and water to plants, recognition and appreciation nourish your team’s spirits. While doing so, be sure to foster a growth culture that encourages continuous learning and development. Be the role model you want your team to follow and understand that our attitude, work ethic, and enthusiasm set the tone for the entire group.

Just as a garden needs direction, your team needs clear goals and expectations. When everyone knows the destination and how to get there, motivation and morale remain high. Guide your team through changes with flexibility and adaptability and address conflicts promptly and constructively. A harmonious team can only thrive when issues are resolved, and relationships are mended.

It’s a good practice to encourage a healthy work-life balance. Burnout is like an invasive weed in the garden of morale. When your team is well-rested and rejuvenated, they perform at their best. Lastly, like a garden with various types of plants, diversity in your team is a strength. Embrace different perspectives and backgrounds, as they bring richness to your team’s collective wisdom.

Remember, managing a team isn’t about control; it’s about nurturing growth, both individually and collectively. When you tend to your team like a well-cared-for garden, you’ll see their morale flourish, and the fruits of your labor will be a thriving, harmonious, and high-achieving team.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

Absolutely, there’s a profound aspect of my journey as a creative within UNSUGARCOATED™ Media that can often be challenging for non-creatives to grasp. The majority of my non-creative peers are driven by the “what’s in it for me?” model, which I understand, from a practical perspective. We invest finances, and we want to see, feel and spend the return. I’ve lived that life and business model, but I’m grateful for the opportunity to be mission driven first, financially second.

I firmly believe that the creative spirit is not confined by financial gain alone. It’s about catalyzing meaningful change, fostering understanding, and amplifying voices that might otherwise remain unheard. It’s social currency and what we do at UNSUGARCOATED™ Media is a testament to the power of creativity to influence society in ways that extend far beyond the balance sheet.

It’s a journey that values impact over profit, representation over rhetoric, and truth over trends. And it’s a journey I’m immensely proud of, because it reaffirms the belief that creativity can indeed be a force for positive change, even within the framework of a 501c3 media enterprise.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.unsugarcoatedmedia.com
• Instagram: @aalia_unsugarcoated, @unsugarcoatedmedia
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aalialanius/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@UnsugarcoatedwithAalia
• Other: https://www.youtube.com/@unsugarcoatedmedia

Image Credits
Josh Fogel