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

Hi ALYCIA, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I’ve always had a creative mind as a young child. I love to identity problems and find a solution. I’ve always remeinded myself of a few statements when becoming an entrepreneur:

1. “You cannot work a 9-5 go home and be tired; that’s not tired that’s uninspired”
2. Either you work on your goals and become a millionaire or work on someone else goals and make them a millionaire
3. If you associate yourself with 4 millionaires you will become the 5th one; if you associate yourself with 4 procrastinators you will become the 5the one

When starting a product business you have to find the gap in that industry to determine if there’s s need and if not you create the need.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a serial entrepreneur. I own several businesses ( A1 Mancave Barbershop, Sweet Kraving Donuts, Hairo Products) and i invest in several businesses (ecommerce, real estate, luxury car rentals, restaurants and more). I was able to build my business portfolio because I solid foundation in education and a great support system. My team understands my vision and the goals we set each quarter to stay successful. Obstacle come but i teach my team and myself that obstacles present strategy to grow. I am building my brands so i no longer have to introduce myself when i walk into a room.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
We’re going to New Orleans! Our food is the best in the United States and full of flavor.

Cafe du Monde for beignets breakfast.
There’s always a festival to attend.
Desi Vegas Steakhouse 5star restaurant
(During Mardi Gras we have parades and eat king cakes).
The river walk and the french quarter has local shops to have a real louisiana culture experience.
And during football season we live and breathe our New Orleans Saints

In South Louisiana, we are fun party people who live to eat and love our Saints Football Team!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
A1 Mancave has become successful because of my team. I created the Barber Shield because my 5 year old son dislikes the cut hair falling in his face. After developing the product, I approached two barbers, Kardale Marshall and Sam Farmer (Blessed Barbershop Houma, LA) who agreed to use the product on their clients. Their positive feedback stated the Barber Shield reduced the time barbers have to stop and dust the clients face, provides a luxury barber experience and the kids no longer complain about falling hair on their face. Next, i created a website, social media (Instagram video has over 786k views), went on tour with Celebrity Barber Chris Newson. The feedback allowed me to know there was a need for the Barber Shield! A1 Mancave Barber Shield is available on Walmart, Amazon, beauty supply stores, barbershops and used by Jay’s Barber College in New Iberia.

Website: www.a1mancave.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/a1mancave

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100084898175033

Other: https://www.walmart.com/ip/A1-Mancave-Barber-Shield/1695848450 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B9Q87T8K

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