Meet Alexia Dillard | Administrative Specialist, Student, & Small Business Owner

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

Hi Alexia, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
The thought behind starting my own business was to begin creating multiple sources of income for myself. I wanted to have multiple sources of income because it aides my bigger goal of having financial freedom. I wanted something for my little sister and future kids to look up to and aspire for themselves one day. I hope to be able to show my little sister and future kids different world experiences by using the extra money that my business brings in. Growing up, I was never the kid to be the most social, but I loved making and designing different crafts, paintings, etc. With my business, I wanted to turn that hobby into consistent cash flow. I wanted a business where it did not feel like work at all. My business allows me to express my creativity in ways I did not know I had within me. I am able to help others bring their vision to life and seeing their reaction when I am done with their custom product means the most to me.

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.
I will say throughout high school, I thought I had my future planned out perfectly. I thought I knew exactly what I wanted in life and for myself, but little did I know everything that I thought my life would be like after I graduated high school was not at all what it is today. Throughout high school, I worked 25 hours plus a week, very actively involved in AVID, enrolled in Pre-AP, AP and dual credit courses, and a student athletic trainer. I did not have much time to think about any other hobbies outside of what I was involved with in high school to determine any other potential career fields for myself. During that time, I was going through different friend and family issues that got to be quite overwhelming at times. However the summer after I graduate high school I found out I was having a little sister and it seemed like my whole world changed for the better. I had always wanted to be a big sister after losing my little sister when I was four years old. I looked at life a lot differently once she was born. For college, I made sure to apply for as many scholarships as I could to ensure that my family would not have to pay for anything out of pocket for my education. I graduated a year early in my undergrad and with honors, cum laude. I received my degree in exercise and sports science with the hope of pursuing a career in athletic training. However, God showed me the path I was made to be on. I applied for a job at Tarrant County College, working with their Intercultural Network. Intercultural Network is designed specifically for students of color and providing them with different resources and experiences that positively impacts their experience at the community college level. In addition, preparing them for their lives after Tarrant County College both academically and personally. Working with that department, my coworkers, and my supervisor lead me to the decision to work on obtaining my masters degree in student development and leadership in higher education. I am projected to graduate my masters in spring of 2024 at the age of 23. I would have never thought I would be so passionate about closing the racial equity gap within higher education and really providing resources to students of color that may not have had the support I was given throughout my involvement in AVID and from my family. As a first generation college student, I know how hard it can be to try to navigate college without any guidance and if I did not have AVID, I would have been a deer in the headlights. My goal and mission has become to bridge that gap with first generation, low income, and/or students of color and push them to achieve any goals, academic and personal. I learned that it is okay to not know your next step as long as you don’t stop believing in yourself and don’t stop trying to find your purpose.

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.
Monday: I like to chill for the most parts on Mondays, since it is the first day back at work. However, I have always been a big painter. I would plan to have a paint session with Chick Fil A at a park or local lake. Tuesday: I love going to the movies on Tuesday since the tickets are cheaper. So I would definitely go out for tacos from Peppers Tacos or any taco spot that has good birria tacos. Next stop would be Cine Mark to watch any movie because the best part about the movies is always the popcorn with extra extra butter and a large blue ICEE.
As far as Wednesday and Thursday, I would want to chill in the house and play different board games or build a fort with my little sister. Either cooking a home cook meal together or ordering some Chinese food is always my go to for a chill day.
Friday-Sunday: I would go to Downtown Dallas for the whole weekend. Some of the spots I would visit would be Andretti indoor go kart racing, Sandbox VR, axe throwing, night life in Deep Ellum, mini golfing at The Puttery, and the aquarium to name a few spots. One of my favorite food spots to eat at is Vidorra.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First, I would like to give credit for my success to God before all. There has been moments in my life that I truly believe He was the only one that was able to keep me pushing forward. Within that, God has blessed me with many people that have been placed into my life to grow me not only as a professional, a student, a small business owner, and most importantly a person. Beginning with my mother, being a single mother for most of my life she continuously pushed me to be better than I was the day before. She always made sure I knew that I was given this life to be great. Throughout every dream I had growing up, she always encouraged me to go for it and offered help in any way she could. She has continued to be in my corner during times that I felt like no one else was. For that, I am forever grateful. Next, my boyfriend has helped me seen how much I am capable of within myself. He showed me that I am a butterfly that is ready to show the world the beauty that is within in me. He continuously pushes me to not let my mind be my weakness or downfall for not being successful in life. He has shown me that your biggest enemy can be your mind and has really lead me to transforming my mindset. He is the reason I truly took that extra step in starting my business. With out him, I truly would not have grown into the young woman I am today. He has taught me things that I will forever remember and apply to my daily life. Finally my work family has taken me out of my shell socially. They have given me confidence within myself and has pushed me to become a better leader not only for them but for myself. They have blessed me with many laughs and friendships that I will always cherish. Working with them, unlocked a passion for working with students of color in higher education that I truly believe would not have happened without all of their fun personalities making work feel less and less like work every single day. To all of you, thank you for helping me become better in every aspect of my life. I truly am forever grateful for all of you.

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