We were lucky to catch up with Alicia Allen, MBA recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alicia , appreciate you joining us today. What do you think it takes to be successful?

I think it takes several things to be successful. The most important is PATIENCE, nothing comes overnight nor will things just fall out the sky. We literally have to work hard and reach up and grab it! Next is DETERMINATION, one must decide to achieve their goals and do everything in their power to get there. ENDURANCE is a MUST when becoming successful. There will be times where you will feel like giving up but remember Philippians 4 :13 ” I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”! Last but not least we all need the STRENGTH to endure, be patient, and determine our destiny!

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m a native of Nashville, TN who is a mother of two, HR Professional, small business owner, vocalist, career coach, and so much more. I like to call myself a “Mompreneur” because I LOVE being a MOM before the ambitious business woman. To begin, I have a 14 year old daughter and an 11 year old son. They are my motivation behind achieving my goals. My daughter aspires to become a Pediatrician specializing in Pulmonology to save children who experience respiratory challenges like herself. My son dreams of becoming an architect who will build his mom a home someday!

Outside of “Mommyville” as I call it, I am a self made business woman. I’m a vocalist by genetics who goes by the name of “Cordially Yours”. I love MOST genres, in particular I perform LIVE Gospel and R&B music ranging from special events to homegoing celebrations. It started at the age of 6, my first performance was at my aunt wedding alongside my Mom and sister. We all have a beautiful voice!

In addition to singing, my latest focus is my appointment based Career and Coaching Business. I have been in the field of Human Resources for the past 10 years. I’ve held mid to upper level management roles in the field, as well as earning a Master of Business Administration in Human Resource Management in 2014. Coupling the two provides competitive edge for my clients. My services include Resume Writing and Critique, Career and Coaching Sessions, Mock Interview Techniques and more.

I’m most proud that I get to make a difference in someone else career. I provide the platform to dig deep within and grow to their fullest potential professionally! What sets me apart is my realistic human approach as most take the “Human” out of Human Resources! I’m most proud that I have a 95% success rate with my clients! Almost every client has landed employment and some are still working at the same company several years after the initial consult!

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Well, I’m a Licensed Cosmetologist by trade as of 2011. During my journey from then to now I’ve endured ALOT and my ability to be resilient was highly tested.

I opened my very OWN salon Enhanced Image Hair Studio on Dickerson Pike in Nashville, TN. The salon accompanied 5 hairstylists and the vibes were warm, family-oriented, filled with love, and a “queendom” ship (that’s what I call it).After being in the salon business for one year, my HR career had taken off causing me to travel 50% of the time. It became difficult to balance my two children and family, my full-time professional Human Resource Career, and running a business full-time. Thankfully, I had an AMAZING Salon Manager who was my rock, especially when I was away. She maintained the day-to-day operations, stylist, issues, discrepancies, vendors, etc.…I could ALWAYS count on her! Unfortunately……. She passed away due to a tragic car accident one evening… I was completely heartbroken…I struggled in different aspects of my life afterward and so did my business. This led to me not renewing my lease and closing my salon…

In 2018, my cosmetology license expired because I never renewed it during my time of personal fear and doubt! Once I found that out it didn’t sit well with my spirit. I knew my deep passion was for enhancing images by “bringing beauty to the forefront” (my salon tagline). I couldn’t believe I had given up on my talent, a trade that I went to school for 18 months, racked up some thousands, and STILL paying the monthly student loan payments WHEW CHILE…I said ” Girl you better get it together and get back to your root no matter how challenging it may be” Long story short, in 2020 I took both the written and practical exams all over again, passed, and reinstated my license! My resilience shined bright in the midst of it ALL!

Any advice for managing a team?

The best advice I can give in regards to managing a team is to “Ensure your management(teaching) style matches the employee’s learning style!” There is no “One size fits all” approach in management. I believe the best way to maintain high morale is to promote work-life balance as family is highly important to me. Not to mention, going above and beyond for your employees. Although some prefer simplicity. Its the art of knowing the difference.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.styleseat.com/aliciaallen5
• Instagram: the_natural_hair_queen
• Business Line: 615-207-0368
• Other: Email for Career and Coaching: [email protected]