Today we’d like to introduce you to Addlia Edwards.
Addlia, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I was born and raised in Atlanta, GA. I am a true Southern Belle, a real Georgia Peach! I am the middle of 3 girls. Growing up, I was always the dancing and singing one. 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! My parents were married until I was ten years old. My dad became a functioning drug addict and my mom became a single mom. My love for sparkle has always seemed to reflect through my personality and interactions with others. I always strive to make others feel important and special. I graduated from Cedar Grove High School in Ellenwood, GA and went on to attend Savannah State University until I became pregnant with my son, Jaiden. It has been him and I ever since.
Has it been a smooth road?
The road has not been smooth at all! It has been a rocky roller coaster ride! A topsy-turvy train wreck and a one-lane only construction zone! Experiencing the trials of rape, church hurt, depression, anxiety, burn out, being suicidal, homelessness and being a single parent, I know exactly how it feels to “Push through the Pain!” Raising a son without his biological father, working three jobs at a time just to barely pay the bills, and overexerting myself until my uncontrollable, severe hypertension nearly stroked me out, it has not been peaches and cream life for me. But through it all, I refused to look like what I was going through and I was determined to always stare adversity in the face. I was not backing down! I had to show my son that quitting was not an option! My faith allowed me to gain wisdom, knowledge and acceptance of my God-given identity, gifts, calling and purpose. So on my journey to Rise from Rock Bottom, I gained a passion to encourage and empower others so that they, too, can stare adversity in the face. They, too, can push through their pain and fulfill their purposes in life. I have a heart to speak life into others, pushing them into finding and accepting their God-given talents, identities, purposes, callings and personal treasures that they hold within. Instead of allowing all that I have endured to stop me, I let it push me into a Better Me instead of a Bitter Me.
What do you do, what do you specialize in, what are you known for, etc. What are you most proud of? What sets you apart from others?
I am a hairstylist and makeup artist at Textures Salon in Buckhead. I specialize in natural hair care and I focus on building the health of your hair from the inside out! I am a makeup artist specializing in beauty makeup. I was an artist for Sephora and MAC Cosmetics for over eight years. I provide hair and makeup services for weddings and special events. I am a dual artist, so you get the best of both worlds through me! I am known to not only enhance your outside beauty but your inside beauty as well.
I became a plus-size model for a friend of mine who had launched a vintage boutique. This is what led me to entering the Finding Ashley Stewart Contest. I was one of three finalists out of 131 women here in Atlanta, Ga. I went on to be one of 24 semifinalists, and after a week of campaigning through the voting round, I became a Top 8 finalist where I went on to compete in the Finding Ashley Stewart Finale in Brooklyn, New York where I won the title of Finding Ashley Stewart 2019! As Finding Ashley Stewart 2019, I get to serve as an ambassador, representing the brand. I get to travel and positively impact the lives of other women who have a story just like me.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
Success, to me, is overcoming whatever hurdles, hindrances, setbacks or storms that come your way. Not only do you overcome them, but you do it with grit and grace. You exceed your own expectations. When you level up, you reach your hand back to help others level up and become successful too. The more you gain, the more you look for ways to give and help others gain. Success is knowing that in order to lead, you must know how to serve. Success is knowing you’re not better than anyone, you’re just a better version of yourself. Success is being teachable, selfless and transparent. Success is not what you have, it’s what you do with what you have.
Contact Info:
- Address: Ashley Stewart
The Mall at Stonecrest
2929 Turner Hill Road
Lithonia , Georgia 30038 - Website: www.ashleystewart.com
- Phone: (770) 484-5117
- Email: nrafajac@5WPR.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/byashleystewart
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/byAshleyStewart
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/byAshleyStewart
- Other: www.youtube.com/channel/UCSCQ9Gk2ZEYuIQtnv8vWw3g
Image Credit:
Ashley Stewart
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