Today we’d like to introduce you to Alycia Levels-Moore.
Alycia, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I am a creative passionate about seeing others win and unearth their potential. My journey to getting there has been interesting and having to truly understand the importance of carving out your own path.
ASL Creative found its genesis as I studied the barriers that face black entrepreneurs from getting started or having the ability to scale. Which I found to be: funding, access to information & resources, and exposure to networks. I work in communities to help build more equitable entrepreneurial pipelines in communities of color. I saw the gaps and challenges facing the community and entrepreneurs. I recognized the organizations that were put there to serve them did not know the black entrepreneur and could not speak their language most economic development and governmental organizations are looking to assist the black entrepreneur, but programming and resources are not reaching this demographic. There is a gap in messaging, programming and tailored entrepreneurial education. Amongst many other things, by boosting entrepreneurship, we can help to close the racial wealth gap.
As a classically trained vocalist and former member of the Tuskegee University Golden Voices Concert Choir, I have trained in opera abroad and toured Europe. After returning home, I experienced three family members attempt suicide and I realized that there were not enough conversations happening or resources being distributed within our communities to break the stigma of mental health. I formed my music company ASL Music Group and wrote the EP “More Fight,” which is an EP full of lyrics and music that equip the listeners with hope and musical affirmations to remind themselves they have “More Fight Left” as they navigate life and all of its pressures.
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?
I think as with many entrepreneurs and creatives, the biggest challenge is getting started and not needing others to understand what you are positioned to do on this earth. In terms of fighting for equity in entrepreneurship, some organizations may not always understand the importance of the work but you must know the mantel and charge that you have been called to bring about the changes you wish to see in the world. I am also a mother of two beautiful girls so ensuring that I am always present for my girls and husband. I once read, “Nothing is more impactful to a child than the unlived life of a parent” I have made it my goal to ensure I live out the full meaning of my life. With the goal of being an example for my daughters of what it is like to ensure that we not just take up space here on earth, but that it mattered that we were here because we gave of ourselves to our mission.
Another challenge was following my own voice and being decisive about what I want. What I have learned is to choose who you want to be and how you want to show up. Do not allow the mumbles from the sidelines to deter or distract you.
ASL Creative Strategies & ASL Music Group – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
ASL Creative Strategies is a program and project management company that creates spaces, education, and partnerships with the purpose of eliminating the racial wealth gap by supporting the creation and scale of black-owned businesses. Not only focused on creating equity in entrepreneurship, classically trained and well-traveled. Alycia also operates ASL Music Group, where she released several projects, including More Fight. A musical project in partnership with AFSP (American Foundation for suicide prevention) aimed at breaking the stigma around mental health & wellness.
What I am most proud of is our focus on the needs of black entrepreneurs when it comes to scaling their business, which will assist in closing the racial wealth gap through entrepreneurship and the ability to hire. Most importantly, this translates into equity in actual black communities. Creating pipelines for entrepreneurship starting in our neighborhoods. ASL Music Groups exists for the purpose of using music as therapy. A Production company committed to releasing music that brings hope, joy, and encouragement.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
Witnessing entrepreneurs see the possibility of their dreams, launch, and have the audacity to try! Releasing More Fight and raising money for suicide prevention.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.alycialevels.com // aslcreativefirm.com
- Email: aslcreativefirm@gmail.com
- Instagram: alevels
- Other: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alycia-levels-moore-15447822/
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