Meet Alicia Francis | Artist

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

Hi Alicia, why did you pursue a creative career?
Looking back on my life I’ve always been surrounded by creatives and have felt most at ease in the presence of artists. Their views of the world and what consists of a “work environment” made sense to me.

At 17 and already living independently, I made the choice to study hairdressing.

I still remember my thought process- I can have pink hair, tattoos, be creative and know I will have a steady income. I didn’t realize then that it would shape the next 24 years of my life and redefine my own expectations of an artist.

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.
There’s a quote I love from Coco Chanel, “A woman who cuts her hair, is about to change her life.”

It’s more than just hair, it’s an identity.

What I do is a unique form of art. My canvas moves, grows, thinks.
It’s an outward representation of a person’s inner feelings, of the way they want the world to view them.

What is the first thing you think when I say mohawk? A hairstyle can represent a movement and has done so many times throughout history.

I’ve learned that hairstylists hold immense power.

Although creating does not come easy.

Appointments consist of considering my personal aesthetic, current trends, a clients dialog and “therapy session” to really understand what will represent this version of them….,

In religion we call it spirits, In science we call it energy, and on the streets we call it a vibe.

Good hair, good vibes.

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.
I actually had a very good friend visit recently, she was a housewife on a notorious reality show and we had conquered Miami together while living there.

I Knew I had to give her a very Dallas experience.

We started the evening at the Virgin Hotel rooftop pool for a sunset house music series.
Danced to Balearic and soulful house music while watching the sunset over the Dallas skyline.

Ate Thai food at Pakpao then headed to Cedar Springs and into Round Up Saloon. Because where else except Dallas can you dance at a gay cowboy bar ? Ended the night at 2 am inside The Rose room laughing and singing with some extremely talented drag queens.

My closest friends know the only constant about the things I do and places I visit is the complete randomness of them.

I have a deep affection for music and tend to find myself in tucked away places off the beaten path following sound.

Art shows tend to take me all over the city but currently fascinated with the East Quarter.

The Rachofsky Collection and The Dallas Contemporary are favorite museums.

My next dinner date will definitely be at Cry Wolf.

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?
My story would have a much different ending if not for my sobriety.

As a former heroin addict, sobriety and the process of living as an addict, hitting rock bottom and starting over shapes every aspect of my life now.
I wouldn’t be the person I am now without that experience.

In my twenties I believed that being an artist and my own creativity went hand in hand with drugs.

Look at every famous artist I would say, they battle addictions. It’s who we are, we view the world differently, we have heightened senses, it’s over whelming.

like being a super hero who needs to be dialed back in order to function in regular life.

Senses were dulled for sure, and I had to face the reasons for that.

Sobriety and the sober community give me the ability to experience my true existence.

Website: https://aliciafrancis.glossgenius.com/

Instagram: @aliciafrancishair

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hairaliciafrancis?mibextid=LQQJ4d

Other: personal IG @Hairmiami