Meet Alicia Cash

I just wrote today in my journal, I was thankful for my work ethic, so I feel this is an amazing question to start off with and answer. I get my work ethic from the person I do it all for; my why, my rock, my queen: My mom. She has demonstrated and instilled the two main ingredients that’s are embedded in me today. Drive and Strength.

Having to watch her raise two kids on her own, working multiple jobs to put food on the table, while playing both roles and loving us with everything she has, has been nothing short of amazing and admirable. Nothing stood in her way to make sure we were taken care of. The obstacles she endured day in and day out, would have crushed or broken down the normal person but she always kept a smile on her face. It’s my time to take care of her.

I have always sent her the lyrics from ‘Dear Mama’ by Tupac, that says “If you can make it through the night there’s a brighter day. Everything will be alright if you hold on. It’s a struggle every day, gotta roll on. And there’s no way I can pay you back but my plan is to show you that I understand, you are appreciated.” These lyrics couldn’t explain or describe my reason or drive more perfectly.

I started working as early as I could, cleaning houses with my mom. When I was legally able to work at 16, I got a job and handed over my paychecks. Ive held multiple jobs as well, to make sure I took the stress off of her when she needed help. Working hard is all I know because of her. That doesn’t just pertain to my job(s), it’s anything I put my mind to. I go after what I want because she showed me the value it has when you do it. No one can take that away. I currently work two jobs myself. Juggling the corporate 9-5, owning a business, and taking care of myself has been rollercoaster of learning. She did this while having two kids. I’ll never be able to take away her pain or fully understand her struggles, but my dream has always been to have her live out her remaining years on earth doing whatever makes her happy. As a little kid I told her one day I was going to build a house on a piece of land and build her a little house behind me. She would have a golf cart to drive over to me whenever she wanted. I haven’t been able to do that yet but I am well on my way. I truly believe I will accomplish all my dreams and she will be right by my side to see it all come to fruition. My mom will reap the seeds of my success because she is my why. You can ask anyone closest to me, why I work so hard. They will confidently say, “Alicia does it for her mom.”

Let me introduce myself, I’m Alicia, a certified Balloon Artist and owner of AMC Designss. Yes you read that correctly, designss with two S’s. I like to joke it makes the same sound when air is being released from balloons. However, the real reason my company name has two S’s is because AMC Designs with one S, was already taken. So here we are.

Some may think balloon artists, only blow up balloons for parties or make balloon animals, but that’s not necessarily the case. Being a Balloon artist is whatever definition/description you want it to be. It’s whatever it means to that specific artist. It’s an expression of art. For me, it’s a representation of myself, complex, intriguing and intricate.

I still have a lot to learn, but I specialize in organic balloon garlands. This technique doesn’t have any specific shape or style. It’s whatever comes to mind and how I connect with the balloons. Organic garlands have their own unique flow. I also feed off the vibe of the venue. If I can walk into a place and feel at peace, I believe that’s the moment where some of my best work is displayed. Working and creating art with balloons has been such a positive and rewarding outlet. It has allowed me to physically show my love to the people around me. Its more than balloons for me, that’s why its so special and I’m so passionate about what I do.

Another thing that is so special to me about what I do, is that I get to be a small part of my clients celebrations. I am chosen to create something memorable for whatever occasion and that right there is the best compliment.

If you would have told me 2 years ago, I would have my own business AND I started that business by creating art with balloons, I wouldn’t have believed you. All this happened in a blink of an eye. I had people speak life into me and that gave me the confidence to start this dream and I’m doing it.

I am starting to explore different outlets and paths with my business. Not only do I do balloon garlands, I now have a bubble house, a small bounce castle, backdrops and always looking to add more services. I have a few things up my sleeve and I can’t wait to see where my business goes.

I still have a lot to learn along this entrepreneurial journey but here are a few pieces/areas of knowledge that have helped me thus far. One is that, you may not end up where you thought you were going but you will always end up where you’re supposed to be. Nothing can disrupt that. Just like this dream of mine. There are thousands of other balloon artists out there but this is my path, my journey and my door. All of this wouldn’t be happening if it wasn’t for me to have. Another reason I don’t stress when I see people in my area or throughout the world doing the same thing as me. There are tons of people in the same industry making it every day. We are all different and that’s what sets us apart. We live in a world of comparison fueled by social media. This is where I continue to keep my eyes on the prize and not worry about what everyone is doing around me. Stay authentic and true to yourself.

Secondly, continue to invest in yourself and your business. Be consistent in learning. Wether that’s attending seminars, conferences, coaching/mentor groups, classes, watching TikTok and YouTube videos. Whatever your preferred method is, never stop learning. You don’t know what you don’t know until you are taught whatever it was that you didn’t know. Knowledge is power. We’ve heard that time and time again, but it’s a true statement. When you invest in the tools to better yourself and your business, majority of the time there is always a return of investment. Also, you have to spend money to make money.

Lastly, I’m currently learning to run my business and not have my business run me. This is hard to grasp at moments, especially as a newer business owner. Knowing how and when to prioritize tasks. Resting your body. Being present in your partner, friends and family’s lives is also important. Just overall not be so consumed with work. It’s a constant learning curve. You have to find what works for you. Running a business is hard, it is not for the weak. But with that said, you can do anything you want when you put your head to it and action behind it. The first part of failure is not trying.

I some what highlighted this topic on the last question when I spoke on learning work-life balance and having the knowledge to know what works for you. This is my biggest and current challenge that I face. I work the corporate 9-5, own a business, in a relationship, have a house to run, take care of my dogs, being a friend that is present and wear many other hats, all while trying to take care of myself is hard. I am pulled in many different directions to the point I get so overwhelmed and break down. However, I am currently using and doing a few tools/resources that are helping me to overcome this current challenge.

First, I am being consistent in therapy. Mental health is something that is not really talked about due to its stigma but many of us deal with this on a daily basis. I have to have my mind right and put myself first before I can do anything that pertains to my business and/or relationships. I can’t be the best me if I’m not treating myself like I am also important.

Another tool I am using is completing a calendar or task tracker of some sort before my day starts. Planning out my day is causing less stress for me because I can see what I need to do while not forgetting what I needed to do.

Creating boundaries for myself and my business one, limiting phone usage. I am guilty for being glued to my phone majority of the time. so I am trying to schedule content prior and/or have certain times of the day where I am on my phone to do the other tasks related to the business. I have created a rule to take at least 1 weekend off a month where I do not do anything business related. Learning to say no, on jobs that I really can’t take on or that I don’t want to do. It’s ok to be “choosey”. I have worn myself out time and time again by doing so much. Im trying to listen to my body, so when it says rest, I rest. It’s going to be a consistent challenge but as one of my coaches said “Prioritize peace over the war in your head”. By doing some of the above, this has helped me prioritize that peace.