Meet Alicia Mason | CEO

We had the good fortune of connecting with Alicia Mason and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alicia, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
The thought process behind starting my own business was the focus of my future and doing what I loved. I wanted the opportunity to create my own pursuit to embrace fashion and provide the service of helping others to embrace their own sense of fashion. I believe Fashion is a way to express yourself and it reflects who you are. I genuinely believe when you look good, you feel good. I wanted to start my own business where I can provide the latest fashion pieces to help woman look and feel good. Since I was 10 years old, I have been strongly attentive to fashion. I would cut pictures out of magazines of blouses, jeans, dresses, and shoes just to put together outfits for fun; If I loved how the models were dressed, I would cut out the models and tape them on my wall for decoration.
Growing up, I wanted my career to be in the Fashion industry. My first job was at a retail store as a Sales Associate. I enjoyed giving customers advice on items and how to wear certain pieces of clothing. However, as I got older, I disliked working for someone else. I realized I did not want to continue to work for someone else to pursue their dream when I had one of my own. As a result, I quit my 9-5 and began to take the risk of creating my own entity. I made the decision to become an entrepreneur to follow my own dreams and passion.
After I graduated High school, my plan was to go to college for Fashion Merchandising. Unfortunately, I changed my major because I did not believe I would make good enough money in that field. Instead, I obtained a degree in Business Administration minoring in Health Care Management. I have learned over time that it is not always about money. I would rather wake up every day doing something I loved, as opposed to having an occupation where I am making good money, but I am miserable.

What should our readers know about your business?
My business is an online boutique that sells the latest trends of Fashion. What sets me apart from others is the way I conduct my business. I make sure I provide the best customer service possible, which includes fashion advice as well. I’m all about celebrating woman and cheering them on to look their best even on their worst days. I not only promote fashion, but I promote lifestyle also. We all live different lives but there’s so many of us that go through the same things. There are so many things that we go through as woman and as a CEO, I want to let me my customers know they’re not alone. I connect with my customers through my marketing strategies. I promote self-love, self-worth, etc. Certified Beauty Boutique isn’t just about Fashion but it’s about lifestyle as well. I was able to get to where I’m today by bringing my vision to life and most importantly doing research. It most definitely has not been easy because being in an industry where so many people do the same thing as you, you must ask yourself “what will set your business apart from others?” I overcame the challenges I endured by staying true to myself and my vision. Most importantly, I stood consistent. Some lessons that I’ve learned along the way is to not pay attention to who’s not supporting you but to pay attention to those who are. I want the world to know that Certified Beauty Boutique is a black owned business. It isn’t just about the latest fashion pieces, but we value quality as well. I want people to view my story as motivation. As a young single mother, it’s hard to stay focused on your dream at times. There are days where you want to give up and get discouraged because you’re pressured by the things you’re going through. But I want my story to uplift woman to keep going and to follow their dreams.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
After my best friend had a weeklong trip, I would take her to Sojo Spa to hang out and relax and then I would take her to Mastros for dinner. Mastros has great food and drinks. The restaurant also has a nice relaxing vibe to it. Some of the most fun and interesting things to check out are the Sex Museum, The Edge, Area 53, Summit One Vanderbilt, 100 Fun Karaoke and Sea the City for a jacuzzi boat ride.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
One person that I dedicate my shoutout to is my mother. She’s someone that has taught me to never give up and to always go after what I desire. Most importantly, she’s taught me to be independent. My mother is my prime example of what strong is. Further, she prays for me through my downfalls and cheers me on through my success. She’s literally my number one fan.

Website: Www.CertifiedBeautyBoutique.com

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