We had the good fortune of connecting with Alicia Claiborne and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alicia, how do you think about risk?
The way that I approach risk-taking is simple. Without risk, there is no reward!
When I decided to go into business for myself: I took the biggest risk I would ever take.

In 2014, I was diagnosed with Bipolar 2 depression and PPD. I had seporation anxiety from my oldest son Xavier and could not keep a job longer than 90 days.
I was giving my all to companies thinking that being loyal would keep my job. Boy, was i wrong.

I gave birth to my now 7-year-old twins Kyleigh, and Kendrick became permanitly disabed due to the epidural procedure being done incorrectly.

Now, a single mother of three on public housing and welfare, mentally unstable and disabled I had no future for my babies.

So, I took the risk and a leap of faith on myself.

in 2021, I started my journey into self-employement. I took my income taxes, obtained my EIN, and strted Lovely Lash Lip and Body.
Thanks to TikTok, I discovered i could start a homebased business.
I decided to then take another risk and go back to college online. Attending Strayer University taking online classes after being out of school for over 15 years.
Business did not do as expected, and I switched niches 3 different times in the course of 3 years, but i never gave up.
Went from being unemployed and even at one point homeless living in a hotel with my 3 babies.

Fast forward to 2025, I am fully employed working from home and have my AA Degree in Art and Business Administration.
I now have several Affileate deals and more in the making.
I am working with repreputal agencies, and my TikTok, along with other social media platforms, are taking off all because I took a risk on myself.
Faith without work is dead.
Take the risk!!!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
June 12, 2025, made 2 years with my company, Concentrix.
During my time here, I have scalled the latter in 4 different departs, becoming a Sr level advisor.
I really love my job in tech support.
I enjoy making other peoples lives better and easier.
Tech support gives me a natural high knowing that I was able to help.
I take pride and integrity in my work performance.
I am a born teacher therefore, the next level with my company will be the head training position. I want to work with the upcoming advisors and show them the ropes so that they can do their jobs more effectively.
Working from home requires a lt of indipendance, so if you are properly trained, you will be able to perform without little assistance as well as I do.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If you are into food trucks, one of my favorite places to go is the Galleria Food Truck Park
OMG, this park has all kinds of food trucks, from chicken tender fries AUTHENTIC STREET TACOS! as well as sweet treats.
It’s a casual environment, family-friendly, music playing. It’s just such a good vibe there.
And who doesn’t love a good food truck?

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
God: For keeping me strong and giving me the wisdom and understanding that things happen for me NOT TO ME!

My Babies; Xavier, Kyleigh, and Kendrick. My biggest fans. You guys motivated me to be the best mommy. I lovber you guys!

My Niece: Beonka you’re a Rockstar thanks for all your help and support. You’re The Best!

Instagram: octobers_finest_82

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alicia-c-194b55162

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@lovelyllbllc1127?si=TvQ13n7NqlcubL13

Other: https://www.amazon.com/gp/profile/amzn1.account.AHTXEVYVYOS6TW4LBSPVNQIBSQ4A

@lovelyllbllc

@alicia821217

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutHTX is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.