Today we’d like to introduce you to Alecia Wilmore.
Hi Alecia, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was a little girl who loved baby dolls only to do their hair. I would draw hairstyles and then try to recreate them on my dolls.
I went on all throughout middle and high school doing hair for my classmates, especially for Prom… when French rolls, barrel curls, pin curls, and waterfalls were popular. I took Cosmetology in high school but I failed the exam.
I tried and tried multiple times, but still couldn’t pass. So I just gave up and that was around 2001. But crazy thing, I didn’t see it as a career. I saw myself in the law field. I had my son when I was 18 and started at the University of South Carolina – Lancaster when he was a few months old.
I got a criminal justice degree but couldn’t find a job. I worked multiple jobs and just could never find my passion or my place. I was lost. My mom used to always tell me I should be doing my hair and I didn’t want to listen. So when she passed in 2010, I really took some time to think about things she said to me. I felt it was time I really get serious about my life. I still wanted her to be proud of me.
So I and a cousin went to Kenneth Schuler School of Cosmetology. I took my exam and passed with flying colors! This time around was more special to me. It meant more to me. I felt like my Mom was right there with me. That was in 2012 and I’ve been at it ever since.
Trying to grow and evolve right along with the trends throughout the years for my business to thrive. I’ve worked in a few different salons, I owned my own salon in 2019 right when Covid hit. I had my daughter in 2019 as well. I lost my salon and I am now in my own suite. I also construct wigs and I teach lace classes.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Just having to go back to cosmetology school after 10 years and having a young child was a challenge.
I didn’t want to go back to school. But I feel everything happens for a reason and all was in alignment. I was blessed that I had my parents when my son was younger. They helped him a whole lot while I was working, trying to build my brand.
I’ve also always been very very shy so it was a little struggle for me to meet new people, deal with different personalities, try to communicate effectively and have good customer service, and be professional.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a hairstylist and I specialize in extensions and wigs.
I am known for my lace frontals and custom wigs. I have worked really hard at upgrading my lace front skills. I was one of the first stylists to start making wigs and doing frontals in my area. But I knew they could be better.
I knew I needed more work. When I look back on my work throughout the years, I’m very proud of myself for how I’ve grown. Sometimes it can be hard to motivate yourself. Sometimes it seems much easier to give up.
What sets me apart from other stylists is that I like to have personal relationships with my clients to the point where I hardly have more than 1 client in my suite at a time.
My clients are not waiting on me to come in. My clients are not there all day. They are in and out. We talk, we laugh, we hug, sometimes we even cry.. but they leave slew, loved and feel appreciated.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
My booking site is aleciawilmore.as.me IG@ iammiss_alecia.
Anyone looking to take my lace class email aleciawilmore@gmail.com.
Contact Info:
- Website: aleciawilmore.as.me
- Instagram: @iammiss_alecia
Image Credits
Chareo Hinson and Rarity Media Group
