Meet LaRita South | Retired Military & Creative

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

Hi LaRita, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I pursued a Creative Career because creativity is the very essence of who I am. Ever since I was a little girl, making things, building things, poetry, drawing or pretty much any thing that involved me using my mind and my hands, I did it.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Wow! Where do I began? I am a Retired Military SSG turned Serial Entrepreneur who simply loves to Create and help others through my passion of Creativity. Upon returning from a tour in Kuwait in 2013, I was overwhelmed with my Army Life and looking for a creative outlet. Through this desire, I founded Alise O’Neal Enterprise which is comprised of 3 Small Businesses;

Alise O’Neal Enterprise is where we specialize in Branding Merchandise and Apparel to enhance your brand message. We work with other businesses, brands, churches and organizations. This includes but not limited to Tents, Tablecloths, Apparel, Accessories, Banners and more;
Alise O’Neal Apparel ( what we are most known for) is our Mobile Boutique. Its the Only Black Owned, White Labeled, Mobile Boutique in Alabama and maybe the Southeast, where we specialize in Women’s Apparel and Accessories. If we are no loner the only, we are definitely the first and that alone sets us apart, We also offer a one of a kind Personal Boutique Concierge service that is unparalleled and has kept us in business during a Pandemic where everyone else was closed.

Door Decor and More is where we specialize in custom wood décor for your home to include Welcome Signs, Charcuterie Boards, Door Hangers and Wreaths.

Our biggest lesson has been to Stay True to Our Brand and Our Gift. That alone has helped us rise above all challenges with Inventory issues, Quality vs Quantity, Market Saturation, etc. Its definitely not east but my Faith, Resiliency and attention to detail that I credit to my Military Service helps me to adapt and overcome situations where others may fold.

We want the World to know that “Your Business is Our Business”. This means whatever your business needs today, we are a resource. We are here and constantly evolving as our customers evolve.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Oh Man, So let me say this….. Birmingham is definitely Bringing the Magic back to the City. Every time I go out there is something new to explore. I would put them up in one of our guestrooms here at my home. Maybe breakfast and Mimosas by the pool as this saves time and sense of rush in the morning. Next I would take them to Downtown Birmingham and maybe enjoy a Scooter Ride or Pedal tour to see all the new establishments in the city to include the new Lakeside district. It includes several Pubs and Entertainment Spots that I myself don’t know the names of. We may go over to the Summit Shopping area for shopping at some of my favorites like South Boutique, Sephora, Saks, Belk. Maybe return to my hometown of Trussville for a light swim at home or a few drinks at Ferus. Of course a nap and return to Birmingham for the night city scene at places like HUSH Hookah Lounge or Cassanova.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Whew! So my support system has been so amazing since the very beginning! Leading that charge is my husband Christopher who has been my banker, my manager, assistant, my everything. My Pastor Dr. Derrick Jordan as well as my friends and family. They continuously cheer me on, support me at events and even send new ideas of things to create.

Website: www.aliseoneal.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/iamaliseoneal

Twitter: www.twitter.com/iamaliseoneal

Facebook: www.facebook.com/iamaliseoneal

Image Credits
Marquita Washington of Marq Photography ( Park and Pose Edition) Stylist – Elle J Boutique Birmingham Hair- Lorinda McIntyre of L Michelle Attire- Alise O’Neal Apparel