Meet Alicia Justine: Model/Actress

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

Hi Alicia, can you tell us about an impactful book you’ve read and why you liked it or what impact it had on you?
I’ve read many books, fiction and non changes my view of life more than one I read more than 20 years ago as a child. When I was in 6th grade I read the book The Giver, it is set in a society which at first appears to be utopian but is revealed to be dystopian as the story progresses.

As I read along learning about Jonas and his upbringing being groomed to be what their society and government deemed them to be born for I realized that although a fictitious story that many societies do that in reality. That by promoting and governing “sameness” it stifles ones true destiny and would ultimately allow for greatness and enlightenment.

Part of this futuristic society was as I continued reading and learned that the character Jonas was burdened with the job of the Receiver of Memory, the one and only person would would have the memory of all the past, including full depth of emotion, history before sameness, which became over whelming and he struggled. Through this I realized that as humans and as friend I should be respectful of both making sure my friends have the mental space before unloading my stress on to them and also making sure I get the help I need to cope with the struggles and trauma I have.

We cannot eliminate trauma from this world, control or prevent it from our own lives but we can control what we do next. We can be considerate of others capacity and responsible enough to get help when we need it. No need to be a savior, we will be able to move forward faster and stronger when we heal properly and end the cycle of generational trauma!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As a model I strive to be as real as possible without fear! As a mid 30 (GULP) model I struggle with self image but find it important to find the beauty in it all. That includes not just the end result but also the creative process to get there. Scouting locations, creating the scene with wardrobe and putting the right photographer there to bring my vision to live! I got here by being consistent and not holding back, knowing my boundaries and taking time to consider the outcomes. Learning my value and also holding my own when I need to.

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.
I live in Birmingham and my favorite spots are always local places with innovative cuisine and fresh ingredients or craft cocktails. My top places are Shu Shop, Queens Park, Chez Lulu, The Essential, Pilcrow, Mayawell, The Atomic, Yo Mama’s and Rojo. Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Besides a huge shoutout to my kids who inspire me everyday to life live on purpose and with joy! I want to shout out the Birmingham area creatives who work together without ego (or as little as possible) to create the best outcome and ending, such as B. Panda Photography, OHits Productions, So Visionaire (Rico Shay), Blu Ambitions, Roger Chaney, IPush, Cr8te to Live. Hill Media (Daniel Hill) and Shy Soanti.

Instagram: www.Instagram.com/_alicia_justine

Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCJv8MevcAMGS3OiZjWVZvTA

Image Credits
B. Panda Photography Alcole Studios Kabdad