C A R A A L W I L L L E Y B A
GIRL CODE: Unlocked Alicia DiMichele, Entrepreneur/Mom Boss/Trendsetter
There is nothing I love more than a fierce, fabulous, and down-to earth woman. When I found Alicia DiMichele, entrepreneur and star of VH1’s season 4 of Mob Wives, I was immediately drawn to her vibrant personality and her warm heart. Alicia’s struggles involving being married to a man who was convicted of criminal activity and wound up in jail were made public on Mob Wives, but despite everything she has faced in her personal life; she has persevered and proved to us that your past does not define your future. I knew I had to include Alicia in this book because she lives by the principle “Women Empowering Women.” Get your highlighter, and get ready to dig into this juicy interview.
Tell us a bit about yourself:
I am Alicia DiMichele, a hardworking entrepreneur and single mother raising my three beautiful sons to be badass gentlemen. My entire life is centered around “Family Over Everything.” Known as “The Boss” to my employees, I truly love working in my self-named store, Alicia DiMichele Boutique. I spend countless hours looking for fresh and unique pieces to carry. I recently started designing my own fashions. I have my own collection full of inspirational items and apparel that I carry in my store and on my website. You may have watched my struggle on VH1’s Mob Wives during the most difficult time of my life. I made a decision to walk away from the spotlight and the fame that came with it, to leave the past behind and embrace my storm. When you embrace your fear, you become fearless, and that is exactly what I did to get to where I am today. “Women Empowering Women” is one of my most valued statements. I strive to impact lives positively through my business, social media sites, and kind words.
What inspired you to start your brand?
I was inspired to start my own brand because of all the little sayings that I would keep reminding myself of throughout my difficult time. For example, “Family Over Everything” was my first tank because it was the unconditional constant love and support from my beautiful family that got me through my journey. Next was “Fearless” because I finally learned that to become fearless you have to face your fears, and I am now proud to say that I am one fearless mama. “Warrior”—I say that I am a warrior because I was left to protect and support my three sons all by myself. In order for them to feel okay, they needed to see that I was okay. “Love Conquers Hate”—this is something I firmly believe in; love can cure almost anything. “Empower”—my favorite saying, “Women Empowering Women,” is beautiful. You know a woman is strong, beautiful, and secure by the way she empowers and inspires others.
What is your mission statement, and where did it come from?
My mission statement is: “This symbol embodies all that I am and the woman I have become. It is not where you have been, it is where you are going. To inspire and empower yourself, and above all to love who you are, as you are in control of your own destiny. She is a warrior, she is a goddess, she is love. . . . Fall in love with your life.” My mission statement comes from me celebrating the woman that I have become. At the end of the day, it is those last six words that pushed me forward. Instead of being angry about what I have been through, I now embrace the woman that I am and have become.
How do you handle feelings of envy or competition?
If I envy someone, that means I am inspired by them. I do not see myself in competition with anyone; I love to see other women succeed and be powerful. I believe in uniting with each other, not competing.
What do women need more of?
Women need more self-love. Women need to learn to empower one another. If you see a beautiful woman, tell her. If a woman is being a great mother, tell her. Wearing cool shoes? Tell her. Lost weight and looks great? Tell her. There is nothing more empowering than that. Women need to start acting like ladies again.
What do women need less of?
Women need less jealousy and gossiping. Women need to learn that when you speak ill of someone, it is only you that looks bad. Stick with the motto “If you have nothing nice to say, say nothing.” Men despise a woman with drama; it’s a huge turnoff and shows that you are insecure.
What is inspiring you right now?
I am inspiring myself at the moment. I am so damn proud of myself and how far I have come. I have certain goals that I have set for myself and keep achieving. That is inspiring me more than anything. I have three beautiful, hilarious, badass sons, and I will not let them down.
What does your morning routine look like?
Rise and Shine! I am definitely a morning person, maybe because I have no choice. I have a lot to do in a short amount of time. I wake up early, get my boys’ lunch ready for school, empty the dishwasher, do some laundry, all while trying to con my boys into getting up and dressed for school. After my Lil’ Lovers are on their way, I get a brief moment of me time. I grab a cup of coffee along with my laptop, plop myself on my big, comfy bed, and spend the next hour ordering more merchandise for my store, as this is my passion. I get a natural high from knowing that my store is so successful because of what I pick for it. My time is limited. Before I know it, I’m up, in the shower, and picking out my #OOTD (outfit of the day). Then I’m out the door and headed to my boutique!
How do you balance your family with your work?
My family and my boutique are the two most important things in my life. That being said, my boys always have and always will come first. I make sure I’m home every morning to kiss them good-bye on their way out the door and every evening to make them dinner. I hustle to get to my store before it opens. I merchandise and organize in the few minutes I have before the doors open. When my customers are in the store, I want to give them my undivided attention. I know some of my customers come in hoping to catch me here, and I love to see the look on their faces when they realize that I am here. I have a blast talking with customers and styling them. I’m a one-woman show. My plate is full, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
How did you conquer fear when building your brand?
I believe in no regrets. I do what I want. I have a vision for myself and my brand. I am going hard for it. I conquer the fear because I want it all. If you’re scared, you’ll live the rest of your life not knowing whether you’re going to be successful or not. I’d rather take the risk and see if I can do it than always wonder if I could. And guess what, my friends—it worked!
What is one piece of advice you have for a female entrepreneur just starting out?
To be fearless. Embrace who you are and believe in yourself. When you’re scared of something, whatever it is, you have to go at it head-on. You create your own destiny. Don’t hold yourself back from what could be your beautiful journey.
