Today we’d like to introduce you to Alicia Bouie.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I am a fashion enthusiast born and reared in Columbia, SC. In my adolescence, I aspired to inspire others aesthetically. While my peers were at the mall snatching up the latest trends, I was avidly thrifting in my mother’s closet. My looks were sure to stand out wherever I went, whether school, church or even while volunteering at the local shelters and daycare centers. My interest in fashion was piqued further through inspiration from the small fashion mecca of Charleston, SC. During this time, my sorority sisters of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated served as my muse while I pursued my Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration at the College of Charleston. I returned back to my hometown and went on to receive a Master’s in Business Administration with an emphasis in Human Resources, but my passion for fashion persisted and truly blossomed when I volunteered for Columbia Fashion Week. This experience propelled my decision to become active in wardrobe styling, and in 2016, Allie B Styles began. More recently, the director of Columbia Fashion Week decided to pursue other endeavors and appointed me the new director starting in June 2020.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My transition into my true passion for fashion was a rocky road. I never thought that a hobby would become my career. The hardest portion of this career change is convincing others that it is just as important as other careers because perception is everything. The beginning of corporate America jobs compared to the late-blooming start of a fashion career is not comparable. The alignment of faith instead of fear has made this rocky road smoother.
What do you do, what do you specialize in, what are you known for, etc. What are you most proud of as a company? What sets you apart from others?
I specialize in personal shopping (selecting pieces from a retailer or designer that best fits a client’s wants and needs), wardrobe styling (creating a signature look for a client or company), event styling (fabulous look for a special event or experience), closet overhaul (revamp wardrobe), fashion show coordinator (assist in organizing and managing a succesful fashion event) and fashion event hosting.
The portion of my services that I most enjoy and sets me apart from other fashion enthusiasts, I not only am good at making people look good but build confidence and change lives. How you dress in your personal and professional life can set you up for love, success, promotions, new adventures, opportunities and more. I love being a part of that transformation.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
My proudest moment has been becoming the new director of Columbia Fashion Week. Columbia Fashion Week sparked the start of Allie B Styles and created long-lasting fashion colleague relationships that have shaped my career. I am able to provide opportunities for young and older fashion careers ranging from models to directors. Being able to do what I love in a place that reared me is amazing. My career has officially come full circle.
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.alliebstyles.com
- Phone: 8038144708
- Email: alliebstyles@gmail.com
- Instagram: Alliebstyles
- Facebook: Allie B Styles
- Other: Www.columbiafashionweek.com
Image Credit:
Varonika Brown – La Foto, James Cherry – Allicishue, Tameka Alicea- Tameka Alicea Photography
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