We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Alicia McKay. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Alicia below.

Alicia, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. One of the toughest things about entrepreneurship is that there is almost always unexpected problems that come up – problems that you often can’t read about in advance, can’t prepare for, etc. Have you had such and experience and if so, can you tell us the story of one of those unexpected problems you’ve encountered?

One of the most unexpected challenges I faced in my business was the closure of my brick-and-mortar cafe due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Originally, my concept revolved around creating a space where kids could engage in tutoring and Lego activities while their parents enjoyed coffee and snacks. When the pandemic hit, I had to quickly pivot to virtual programming, which was a significant shift from my initial business model.

However, this challenge turned into an unexpected opportunity. By transitioning to a virtual format, I was able to reach a broader audience and ultimately secured contracts with the Detroit Public School District and other youth organizations in the city. This shift not only allowed my business to survive but also to thrive in ways I hadn’t anticipated.

To resolve the initial issues of adapting to a virtual environment, I invested time in learning new technologies, developing engaging online content, and building partnerships with schools and organizations that needed support for their students. This adaptability and willingness to innovate enabled my business to grow in a direction I had not initially envisioned.

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.

have always been fascinated by how things worked—why the sky was blue, how plants grew, and the magic behind simple items like my CD player or my walkie talkies . It was this insatiable curiosity that led me to gather the neighborhood kids for impromptu lessons in my backyard. I’d set up chalkboard that my mom salvaged from the trash and teach spelling with games like hangman.

Looking back, I realize that these kids weren’t just learning; they were having fun. Their faces would light up when they guessed the words. I saw how their eyes sparkled with excitement and it filled me with a sense of purpose. It was in those moments that I understood the power of education and the importance of nurturing young minds.

However, as. I dived into education as a tutor, interventionist, and a teacher, I also noticed that not every child had the same opportunities. Many families in our community struggle to access technology and quality STEM education. I felt a deep-seated desire to change that, to ensure that every child, regardless of their background, had the chance to explore the wonders of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics and pursue the lucrative STEM field.

Through No Fear Cafe, I create programming that would engage and empower kids aged 5 to 21 in Detroit. I envisioned a series of workshops and activities that would not only teach them essential STEM skills but also ignite their passion for learning. I wanted to create a space where they could tinker, experiment, and collaborate—just like we did in my backyard.

With the support of local organizations and volunteers, I began organizing events that combined fun with education. We had “STEM Saturdays” filled with robotics challenges, coding boot camps, and science fairs that showcased the kids’ incredible projects. I watched in awe as they built robots, created apps, and conducted experiments, their confidence blossoming with each new skill they acquired.

How did you build your audience on social media?

Building my audience on social media was a transformative journey for my business, and it all started when I decided to hire a friend to help me consistently post and develop a cohesive brand identity. Initially, I underestimated the power of social media, but as I began to connect with others in the STEM education space, I realized how crucial it was for reaching my audience.

By regularly sharing images and updates about the activities and programs we were offering, I was able to showcase the value of our services and engage with our community. This consistent presence not only attracted new followers but also fostered connections with like-minded individuals and organizations, amplifying our reach.

As I began applying for grants, the importance of a strong social media presence became even clearer. Funders often look for verifiable online images that reflect the impact of a business, and having a well-curated social media profile helped establish credibility and trust.

For anyone just starting to build their social media presence, my advice would be to focus on consistency and authenticity. Regularly post content that reflects your mission and engages your audience. Don’t be afraid to showcase your journey, including both successes and challenges. Connect with others in your field, collaborate, and share each other’s work. Building relationships is key to growing your audience, and over time, you’ll see your community flourish.

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

One book that truly reshaped my approach to business and management is The 4-Hour Workday by Jon Robert Quinn. As an entrepreneur juggling multiple ventures, including STEM education consulting, community programming, and small business consulting, I’ve often felt the pressure of endless work hours. This book challenged my thinking and made me reevaluate the way I structure my time, prioritize efficiency, and leverage systems to maximize productivity without burning out.

One of its key lessons—working smarter, not harder—has directly impacted how I manage my business. Instead of being trapped in the daily grind, I now focus more on delegation, automation, and high-impact tasks. This shift has not only improved my work-life balance but also allowed me to scale my business more effectively. By implementing some of the book’s strategies, I’ve gained more freedom to innovate, lead, and focus on long-term growth while maintaining sustainability in my business.

For anyone feeling stuck in the cycle of overwork, this book is a game-changer. It reinforced the idea that success isn’t about working the longest hours—it’s about working intelligently and intentionally.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.nofearcafe.com
• Instagram: @nofearcafe

Image Credits

Arthur King