Working Crush Wednesday: Meet Alasia, A Clothing Shop Owner Turned Corporate Girl
In the first woman crush Wednesday feature, I introduced you to what this blog series is about, but there’s something I’d like to reiterate… These are girls in Los Angeles that I know personally. That’s what’s different about this blog series versus what you may find in other publications — often times something doctored up by a public relations specialist — with pieces on people the writer doesn’t know at all, they’re just trying to fill a content slot or meet a deadline. In media, people can paint whatever picture they’d like to paint for whatever purpose. This. Ain’t. That.
These are girls I’ve witnessed with my own two eyes, living here in Los Angeles. These are plain ol’ real stories from real women working towards their goals in Los Angeles. And I’m only going to put it up here if I know, what do y’all cool kids say these days…
There’s no cap in her rap.
I met today’s feature, Alasia Allen, some years ago when I was working at Neiman Marcus in Beverly Hills. Her little cute as a button self stood out to me and I watched her go from working jobs, to quitting and solely focusing on her own small online clothing store, to now having a role at a major clothing company based in Los Angeles.
Meet Lai!
Where are you originally from?
Brandywine, MD
What's an aspect of Los Angeles you love, that you can't get back home?
Definitely the weather and beautiful beaches!
What motivated you to open your own online clothing store?
I’ve always liked designing and creating my wardrobe so I was inspired to make my own line. Back then I also didn’t think I could get hired anywhere, so I created my own sh*t.
With so many shops on the Internet, what did you do to set your brand apart?
I created the TOMBOY line which people loved. It was something I hadn’t seen before and it was fun to do. Innovation is the best way to set yourself apart.
How would you rate the success of the run of your business?
an original Shalai design by Alasia Allen featured on model in digital run of Vogue Arabia | photo: @voguearabia on Instagram
Shalai is not where I would like it to be but it did really well when I was giving it my full attention. Over the years I’ve discovered new interests and set new goals so Shalai has now become more of a passion project. I drop whenever I feel like it.
Now you've taken a shift. Was it difficult to pull away from the business you built?
Yes, definitely. I had people asking where’s TOMBOY and when I’d be dropping again. Naturally that made me feel pressured to keep putting things out even if I wasn’t fully into it. Now I just don’t. TOMBOY was fun and represented a specific time in my life creatively…but I stopped enjoying it. The thing is, I’ve been designing this whole time (and haven’t stopped) just not for my brand. I’ve been doing design for other brands behind the scenes. I’ll always be a creative…I just need to discover what I want to create for myself. Maybe its a new brand, maybe it’s revamping Shalai.
Where are you now and what's your role?
I’m the PR & Talent Relations Manager for Revolve / FWRD. I manage press initiatives, and celebrity/talent partnerships, while contributing to the voice of the brand.
What do you appreciate most about the company you work for and/or your position?
I’ve only been with the company for a few weeks but I’d say that I love the fashion and events aspect. I’m excited to work on upcoming big projects.
Alasia Allen is a PR & Talent Relations Manager for Revolve / FWRD | photo: LinkedIn
How is your life different now that you've stepped away from Shalai Studios and into Revolve / FWRD?
It’s very different! When I was running my own business it was a lot of stress and heavy on my mental health. I know that’s what comes with it, but I think we put this weird pressure on being independent and owning our own businesses. There’s other ways of ownership. There’s also the assumption that when you’re an entrepreneur, you have more freedom than a “9-5”, but in reality you’re working 24/7 — especially when you’re building the business (which takes years). Social media makes people think everyone has everything and it’s not true. We are only showing our wins. Honestly, when I was the most active / poppin’ on social media is when I was the brokest. I’m in the best position financially now than I’ve ever been, and still going up!
If any, what are your regrets about changing fields?
None at all. I believe my steps are ordered through God and everything in my path is meant to be. I’ve made so many connections that can carry over into when I do my own thing. Like I said, I’m not done with design or creative projects, I’m just taking a different route.
We learn a lot from our parents, mentors, school, and even our peers, but other people can’t teach us everything. What is one lesson you’ve learned, or trait you’ve acquired, that being in the corporate world has taught you?
Relationships are VERY important. Mentorship is key. I’m always letting people senior to me know that I want to learn from them. More opportunities have resulted from that. I think people always feel like they know everything and have all the answers. It’s okay to learn!!!
What do you have planned, or see in your future, as a career woman or businesswoman?
It’s giving executive! The reason I haven’t kept up with Shalai is not because I didn’t see the potential in it. It’s because I realized that I don’t want to run my own business. I’d rather be creative director, or VP of marketing / PR for another company that’s already established. That’s the goal.
You may bump into Alasia being her ever-so-edgy self somewhere aroundLA, like shopping at an upscale streetwear store on Sunset Blvd. | photo: @alasiashalai on Instagram
And because this is a Los Angeles lifestyle blog after all, here’s an #aroundLA bonus question for kicks and giggles.
You're an edgy fashion girl. What is your go-to place to shop in L.A.?
When it’s not Santee Alley for a quick look for a trip or going out?? I’d say Dover Street Market or Kith.
Alasia’s story is a testament to the fact that it’s okay to change in your career journey. Taking a step away from something doesn’t mean you’ve failed.
Find Alasia on Instagram at “alasiashalai”.
