Alicea Joy Davis is a spoken word poet, author and artist who began writing poetry in her childhood and has been successfully creating work for over 25 years. Her mind shifting creativity inspires inner healing and racial reconciliation. The Detroit native has been named one of nine women making black history. She is also a nationally recognized social entrepreneur.
Davis is not a stranger to victory! She is strengthened by her faith in God and humanity after having a personal testimony of inner healing from the mental distress of racial division and unrest, which came about while she was also overcoming generational patterns of trauma.
As the founder of the “March Forth” racial reconciliation movement, she established a new national racial healing and reconciliation Christian holiday. It is celebrated on each March 4th, because the date commands us to “March Forth” towards unity throughout the year.
She even created a sister holiday, March First, to inspire the nation to pursue greater career goals as racial equity is achieved and maintained.
She is listed on PeopleMaven’s List of Fantastic Public Speakers. Her powerful poetic performances have been featured on a variety of television shows, radio shows, college campuses, public schools, church events and more.
She currently resides in Pontiac, MI with her wonderful husband, Ben.
Where did the idea for In Our Lifetime come from?
The idea for my racial healing clothes started off with images in my poetry book that so many others reported they were moved from. By request, we put the images on t shirts so that others can spread unity without saying a word. People who wear our racial healing clothes are ready to have constructive and refreshing conversations filled with unity!
What does your typical day look like and how do you make it productive?
A typical day for me has a broad range of responsibilities because I am still primarily a speaker/poet. I have office hours that I keep track of t shirt orders. I often go over my spoken word and seek ways to spread both messages (words and images) by partnering with local boutiques while also promoting ads online. Each day has different duties that rotate.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I bring idea to life with good old fashion follow through. If I do not know how to make a concept tangible, I will seek experts who can consult or collaborate. For example, I wanted to do lyric video for one of my poems, yet I am not proficient in this realm of creativity, so I hired someone whose work portfolio was close to what I imagined in my head. The end result was amazing!
What’s one trend that excites you?
A trend that excites me is that young entrepreneurs are rising throughout the country and more people are gaining more control over their lives and finances.
What is one habit of yours that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?
One habit of mine that makes me more productive as an entrepreneur is that I hardly procrastinate. If I see I should do something, I either do it right away or actually schedule it in my calendar.
What advice would you give your younger self?
I would tell my younger self to trust her judgement more, you don’t need a consultation for most things as a visionary. Trust the plan that God has given you even if only a few people see it.
Tell us something that’s true that almost nobody agrees with you on.
It is true that the division in this country was a set up for us to be more united. When we face the truth about our festering wounds, we position ourselves to heal properly.
As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?
As an entrepreneur, one thing I do over and over and recommend everyone else does, is I pray all day long, little, short two second prayers. I say “Help me Lord.” or “Is that good God?” Often a peace comes over me as I create something new.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business?
One strategy that has helped me grow my business is that good old fashioned “hitting of the pavement”. Waking up in the morning, making cold contacts face to face, explaining why a partnership would be beneficial has helped me expand my t-shirts into an upscale local boutique, with more open doors on the horizon.
What is one failure you had as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it?
One failure I had as an entrepreneur was for so long, networking events did not pay off. I would make introductions without viable connections for years. Then I pivoted to conferences where I met like-minded people with the same goal in mind and my career grew exponentially as a result.
What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?
One business idea that I am willing to give is for someone to start a pharmacy delivery for over-the-counter medicine. Many insurance companies handle mail-order prescriptions, but often widows, seniors, and the sick and shut in may need something for an upset stomach but have no way of getting to the store for their relief.
What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?
The best $100 I recently spent was on a jacket that I will be able to wear throughout my weight loss journey. It fits nice now, but it will fit even greater later!
What is one piece of software or a web service that helps you be productive?
One web service that helps me to be productive is Canva. It helps me create social media memes of excerpts from my writings. I can move when I am inspired and share them easily.
What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?
I recommend that our community reads the Book of Proverbs. It contains so much ancient wisdom that helps entrepreneurs with a compass for their judgements if they are unsure.
What is your favorite quote?
My favorite quote is by the Apostle Paul. “Now unto Him who is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,” It lets me know that even though I am at the top of my company, It is not lonely at the top because God is with me. He blesses the works of my hand with results beyond belief!
Key Learnings:
• Listen to your customers. Their ideas can help you expand your services and reach your goals from angles you may not have imagined.
• Tailor make your company to fit around your strengths and multiple talents.
• Trust in God and trust in yourself to help the new vision come to pass.
Mario Schulzke is the Founder of ideamensch, which he started a decade ago to learn from entrepreneurs and give them a platform for their ideas.