Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Alicia Hayes. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Alicia with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
My work ethic is a complex mosaic shaped by the remarkable stories of both my father and my best friend, Fashion Icon/Costume Designer Birgit C. Muller. My father, a true embodiment of resilience, transcended poverty to establish a thriving hardwood flooring company at the tender age of 21. His philosophy, “when you want something done right, you must do it yourself,” echoes in my approach to work. He instilled in me the principle that commitment knows no bounds, whether working for oneself or others. My father’s ethos, treating every task as if you own the company, has been the bedrock of my dedication and success in the professional world. His enduring legacy continues to be my rock.
On the other side of inspiration shines Birgit C. Muller, a woman of unwavering integrity and diplomacy in the entertainment world of Costume Design. Much like my father, she can make last-minute changes with the swiftness of a New York minute, demonstrating not only fearlessness and laser focus but also a diplomatic touch. Nominated seven times, Birgit clinched three consecutive wins at the Emmy Awards for Best Costume Designer. Her dedication, coupled with integrity and diplomacy, has left an indelible mark on my personal work ethic. It’s fascinating to note that both Birgit and my father share not only the same birth month but also striking similarities in their actions and the successes they’ve achieved. Their stories, woven together, form the rich fabric of my relentless pursuit of excellence in both work and life.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
Hello, I’m Alicia Hayes—many have called me a renaissance woman, however, I’m just a self-taught and endlessly curious artist whose journey in the world of creativity has been an ocean of diverse experiences. From gracing the airwaves as a radio personality in Los Angeles, Chicago, and Dallas to a successful makeup artist. My professional evolution eventually led me to the captivating realm of filmmaking.
Immersing myself in the intricacies of the craft, I seized every opportunity on set to observe and absorb the art of storytelling through film. In 2012, a revelation struck—visual storytelling could be harnessed with the device in my pocket, my iPhone! This newfound medium allowed me to explore my visions independently, marking the beginning of a thrilling chapter in my career and culminating with a win for my short film “Chasm” at the International iPhone Film Festival.
With a steadfast commitment to my craft and an unquenchable thirst for innovation, I’ve emerged as a multifaceted creative, encompassing roles as a writer, director, producer, and video editor. In the realm of filmmaking, I’ve ventured beyond the traditional boundaries, taking full control of the storytelling process from development and pre-production to production and post-production.
Editing, one of the most crucial aspects of storytelling, has become my artistic playground. As a video editor and filmmaker, I recognize the transformative power it holds. It’s the final brushstroke that shapes the narrative canvas, bringing stories to life with cinematic finesse. This comprehensive involvement in the creative process allows me to seamlessly weave my vision throughout the entire journey, ensuring that every frame resonates with the breath of my storytelling. My latest project, “Pripyat,” a screenplay that has garnered 44 awards, including Best Short Script of the year at the Vegas Movie Awards, I continue to push the boundaries of storytelling.
Beyond the realm of filmmaking, I extend my artistic prowess to painting and voice-over artistry. My self-taught exploration as a painter has resulted in works exhibited in prestigious galleries like the Gallerie Michaelangelo at Caesars Palace and The Regis Gallery in Las Vegas. As a voice-over artist, I bring narratives to life, further expanding the dimensions of my storytelling capabilities.
The transformative power of cinema, where artistry meets impact, is where my passion thrives. My dedication to the entire creative process, from conception to the final edit, reflects my commitment to delivering compelling and resonant stories. “Imagination is the language of creation” in my world, where every project becomes a stage for entertainment and creation. Currently immersed in the vision for the film “Pripyat,” featuring the acclaimed ballet dancer Elina Golde, I’m actively seeking funding to bring this cinematic masterpiece to life on the big screen, with shooting set for the summer of 2024. Join me in a world where creativity knows no bounds, and every expression is a brushstroke on the canvas of imagination.
I paint with the pigments of my imagination:)
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Being self-taught, I constantly sought to understand and adapt to the ever-evolving landscape of the entertainment industry. Embracing change, staying curious, and being open to learning new skills were essential. My advice to those early in their journey is to foster curiosity, be adaptable, and view challenges as opportunities to grow. Don’t be afraid to explore new avenues and embrace the unknown. For those starting out, my advice is to seek mentorship or opportunities to learn from experienced professionals. Be a keen observer, ask questions, and immerse yourself in the environment. Learning from those who have mastered the craft is an invaluable shortcut to honing your skills. In addition, I can’t stress enough about embracing technological advancements and understanding how they can be harnessed for creative purposes is essential. My advice is to stay updated on industry trends and technology. Experiment with new tools and platforms, as they can be game-changers in expressing your creativity. One of my favorite quotes to live by: “A lion never concerns itself with the opinion of the sheep.” Stand out, and NEVER be afraid to explore unconventional methods…be a pioneer! You were made with a unique destiny, go unravel the extraordinary purpose that awaits you!
Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?
For me, the Bible has been the cornerstone of my beliefs and the source from which my creativity flows. It serves as a guide, providing timeless wisdom and insight into the deeper aspects of life and creation. I would encourage anyone, no matter their journey, to explore not only the technical aspects of their craft but also the spiritual and creative dimensions. Embrace the idea that your creativity is a unique gift, it’s not only a reflection of who you are, but most of all who God is – Ephesians 2:10. Let your imagination take flight, guided by the wisdom that speaks to your soul, and allow it to be the language through which you bring your artistic visions to life. This is the birth place of my quote “Imagination is the language of Creation” it is the manifestation of my identity.
Finally, my favorite nugget of wisdom: Philippians 4:13-14 – I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me. This encapsulates a powerful mindset, emphasizing strength derives from faith. It underscores the idea that, with spiritual strength, there are no limitations to what one can achieve. This perspective can be a ‘north star’ for anyone facing challenges in their creative or professional pursuits.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.aliciahayes.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realaliciahayes/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RealAliciaHayes/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/realaliciahayes
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/realaliciahayes
- Other: https://www.vero8pictures.com