We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Alexis Williams. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Alexis below.
Alexis , so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?
When you’re the only person in the room that looks like you, shine! There’s only one you anyways – now you get to bring all of your strengths and special traits and characteristics and amazing ideas to the conversation, to the room, to the table. You have to understand and know exactly who you are, what you’re here to accomplish and do it with grace and class. I’m in the rooms I’m in because I’m qualified. So when you know who you are and what your propose is – it’s easy to show up and dominate without worrying about who’s in the room.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I am Alexis Raquel – an artist. I wear many hats but some of my favorites are – licensed beauty professional/eductaor
– brand strategist for beauty entrepreneurs
– event curator bringing together business owners to network and expand their minds and brands
– model for my business and as a creative outlet.
I blended my love of beauty and business into The AR Experience because there beauty or business you’re the VIP with me. So just sit back relax and let me do all the hard work, and you enjoy the quality results.
As a graduate of Kenneth Shuler in 2018, I spent a lot of trial and error building my clientele and business and one thing I remember is the famous saying: “If you love what you do, you won’t work a day in your life” and this is the story of my life. Between marketing, branding, photoshoots, creating content and even creating a beauty podcast it all had come so easy because I’m walking in my purpose.
I created a beauty podcast called “Beauty R Us” the safe space podcast for beauty industry entrepreneurs to talk, laugh, and grow together.
I also am a licensed instructor- educating eager, hungry bosses to turn their hobbies into real functioning businesses is my thing.
Everything I do I love so it just feels like even more of a confirmation of my purpose when I see happy clients in business or beauty.
I’m in my own lane- watch out now!
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Having your own identity was something I had to understand and learn. It’s so easy to have imposter syndrome in the beauty industry, but that only held me back.
I had to remind myself of my strengths, the areas I excelled in and work on making those my highlights.
I had to go back to the drawing board and remember my why and who I’m doing it for- everyone’s is different.
Having a strong support system of women or people you admire or look up to was something I learned later rather than sooner- but better late than never. Being around people who are as passionate and hungry as you are willl keep you passionate and hungry and make it easier to reach your goals. Birds of a feather flock together.
Continuing education. Never stop being a student. The beauty industry is always evolving and changing so you have to stay relevant. It’s great to have a niche or specialize in something, but you want to have some versatility and expertise to back up your work. You have to invest in yourself.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
I am looking to collaborate with hair and product brands. I am also looking for beauty influencers in the industry to collaborate with to help spread my services for business and my services for beauty. I would love to partner and host business events with the city of Columbia or other leaders in the industry to create a space for beauty network to thrive and grow. I have created a BEAUTY R US podcast for beauty professionals launching April 1 on Facebook. I’d love to have more beauty professionals and guests to grace the episodes this season.
Contact Info:
- Website: The-arexperience.com
- Instagram: Thearexperience
- Facebook: MILLIONDOLLAR Raquel
- Other: Ig: iamalexisraquel_ Ig: beautyrus Fb: beauty r us the podcast
Image Credits
Myself .
