Daily Inspiration: Meet Addlia Edwards

Today we’d like to introduce you to Addlia Edwards.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
A true Georgia Peach, I was born and raised in Atlanta, GA! I graduated from Cedar Grove High School and attended Savannah State University. I became pregnant with my son and dropped out of college. I have been a hairstylist, makeup artist and hardworking single mother in survival mode ever since.

One of my friends launched an online vintage boutique and asked if I would be her plus-sized model and that is where my plus modeling began. In 2019 I auditioned for Finding Ashley Stewart and ended up being crowned Ashley Stewart 2019. I have been empowering and inspiring people through fashion as an influencer and model ever since!

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No, it has not been smooth! Covid arrived in the middle of my Ashley Stewart reign which put a stop to everything! Lanes switched to social media which making content for is like having two or more extra jobs on top of the jobs I already had. You have to be your own hairstylist, MUA, cameraman, photographer, marketer and so much more all in one. It can be extremely exhausting but the finished product is so worth it. Balancing modeling, your 9 to 5 and motherhood are tough shoes to fill.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I have been a hairstylist for 17 years specializing in natural hair. That is a Long time! I am ready to come from behind the chair because there is so much more to me. Becoming Ashley Stewart 2019 and modeling has become so refreshing to me and I want MORE! More collaborations! More brands! More opportunities! More lights! Cameras! Action! My son is graduating high school and getting ready to go off to college. As a single mother, I am so proud I can now celebrate raising my son, who is such an amazing young man, into adulthood! I am about to be an empty nester! I don’t plan on sitting around, watching life pass me by! I want to explore every gift that has been placed inside of me and I want to inspire, encourage and pour into others along the way! I’ve been told many times I am the “Total Package.” I come with good vibes, uplifting, joyful, positive energy, a unique eye for fashion and the confidence and beauty of queen!

Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Although I was extremely shy growing up, I was always the dancing and singing one. I knew every word to every song and I knew all the choreography to every music video. I was always ready to pose for the camera and I was always about having fun. I loved music and I loved being a girly girl! Clothes, shoes and press on nails made me super excited! I was obsessed with Michael Jackson and homemade hair extensions from the hair of my Barbie’s. My progress report always talked of how much of a pleasure I was to the class but I had a habit to talk too much! I was captain of every dance team I was a part of and I received standing ovations in every play I was a part of. I won awards for my writing and speeches. I never met a stranger. My love for sparkle has always seemed to reflect through my personality and interactions with others. I have always strived to make others feel important, beautiful special and loved.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: https://iamaddliaedwards.com/
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/i_am_addlia?utm_medium=copy_link
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/addlia
• Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/LivLuvSparkle
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/user/makeuprockstar
• Other: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMe3PvLtj/

Image Credits
Photographer Timothy Phillips Ashley Stewart Retro Soul Vintage Cedar Grove High School Photographer LaSondra Spears