Meet Alicia Brown

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Alicia Brown. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Alicia, so excited to have you with us today and we are really interested in hearing your thoughts about how folks can develop their empathy? In our experience, most folks want to be empathic towards others, but in a world where we are often only surrounded by people who are very similar to us, it can sometimes be a challenge to develop empathy for others who might not be as similar to us. Any thoughts or advice?

Growing up, I was very sheltered and thought that everyone shared the same upbringing, beliefs, and perspectives that I had. I didn’t realize how much I had been insulated from the diversity of experiences and challenges that others face.

When I went out on my own, life had a way of showing me that the world is much bigger and more complex than I imagined. Through my own struggles and missteps—sometimes winning, sometimes losing—I began to see that other people’s journeys were just as nuanced and meaningful as my own. Those moments of “bumping my head” helped me realize that empathy comes from being open to other people’s stories, listening to their experiences, and acknowledging their unique challenges and triumphs.

Over time, I learned that real connection happens when you take what you’ve lived through and use it to relate to others, while also being open to learning from them. Empathy, for me, has been about creating space for shared humanity and understanding that everyone’s path is different but equally valuable.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

My name is Alicia Brown, and I’m the owner and CEO of The Wick and Wine Experience, as well as an advertising professional. One of the most important things I want people to know about me is that my journey—both in my advertising career and as an entrepreneur—has taught me the value of compassion.

Life can be challenging, and I’ve made it my mission to bring compassion and joy into the spaces I occupy. Whether I’m creating memorable experiences through candle-making or crafting meaningful campaigns in advertising, my goal is to leave people feeling seen, valued, and uplifted.

I’m deeply passionate about creating positive experiences for others. In advertising, I see myself as an advocate, ensuring that the voices and stories of the people I represent are authentic and accurately portrayed. For me, it’s always about the bigger picture—connecting with people, understanding their needs, and finding ways to contribute something positive to their lives.

At the core of everything I do is a desire to help others find moments of connection, joy, and reflection, even when life feels overwhelming.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

1. Be Flexible and Open to Change
Entrepreneurship requires adaptability. The ability to pivot when new information or feedback shows that change is necessary is crucial for long-term success. Sticking rigidly to one idea or approach can limit growth, so it’s important to stay open to possibilities, even if it means stepping out of your comfort zone.

2. Develop Mental Toughness
The road to entrepreneurship is not easy. It takes resilience to handle challenges, setbacks, and criticism—especially in the court of public opinion. When you’re pursuing something you’re passionate about, you have to double down on that drive and put on blinders to block out negativity. Focus on your mission and keep moving forward, even when things get tough.

3. Maintain a Positive Attitude and Prioritize Customer Service
I truly believe that serving people is at the heart of any successful business. A positive attitude is key—not just for yourself, but also for how you engage with customers. People want to feel valued, and they deserve to know that their time and money are being well spent. By going above and beyond, creating meaningful connections, and delivering exceptional experiences, you can build loyalty and trust with your customers. Always aim to give them more than they bargained for.

As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?

One of my favorite books as an entrepreneur is “The Art of Client Service” by Robert Solomon. It’s a book that really stuck with me because it breaks down how to build strong, meaningful relationships with clients, which is something I value deeply in both my business and professional life.

Here are three highlights from the book that really hit home for me:

1. “It’s Not About You; It’s About Them”
This is such a simple concept but so powerful. The book reminds you that it’s not about pushing what you think is best but about listening—really listening—to your client’s needs and goals. It’s about putting them first. That’s how you build trust, and that’s something I carry with me in everything I do, whether it’s creating candles or strategizing campaigns.

2. “Be Reliable, Always”
One of the biggest lessons for me was how much reliability matters. People need to know they can count on you to deliver—on time, every time. It’s a trust-builder. In my experience, being reliable is how you stand out and keep people coming back.

3. “Little Things Matter”
This one really resonates with me. The small things—attention to detail, going the extra mile, showing people you care—those are the things that create lasting impressions. For me, it’s about making every interaction special, whether it’s with a client or a customer.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.Thewickandwineexperience.com
• Instagram: Thewickandwineexperience
• Linkedin: Http://www.linkedincom/in/aliciabrown

Image Credits

Alicia Brown