Each & every Wednesday for “Woman Crush Wednesdays”, an entrepreneuHER is selected to be featured in the “Boss Babe Spotlight” Series. This series has been curated to shine some light on the small businesses of women who are unapologetically and authentically being themselves while leaving a footprint behind in the world that they live in..

WHO’S UP NEXT?

Today, I am featuring: Addlia Edwards who is a hairstylist, makeup artist and the winner of Finding Ashley Stewart 2019! Recently, I had the chance to interview Addlia and learn some new and exciting things about her. I want to thank her for taking the time to speak with me so that I could shine some light on all of her dopeness and share it with you all. I certainly look forward to continuing to curate, collaborate, create and celebrate with her in the future! Sit back, relax, pour a glass of wine and read about what she shared with me:

What does being a “boss babe” mean to you? 

Being a “boss babe” means being about your business! Handling your business whether personal or professional, and doing it in a way that is thorough, on point and effective to the point that it makes a major impact on everyone involved. Being a “boss babe” means to me that whatever hurdles, hindrances, setbacks or storms that come your way, you withstand them with grit and grace.

What do you want people to know about you and your endeavors?

I want people to know that I am a fighter, a pusher and an overcomer. I believe with all of my might and I push my way to the finish line whether it’s a smooth sprint or an exhausting crawl. If I put my mind to it I give it all I got and there’s no stopping me. I like to do big things that make big impacts. I understand that it’s not all about me. Whatever I accomplish it’s not to just benefit me but to benefit those around me as well.

What drives you? What/Who is your WHY?

My passion for people drives me. My passion to help others through situations I’ve gone through. My passion to be a light to others and lift others up is what drives me. My son and my Legacy is my “why”. It’s important to show my son the importance of not giving up, work for what you want and build up others while you are doing it. I want to leave a Legacy that those after me will be proud of. 

What kind of legacy/footprint do you want to leave behind?

I want my footprints to be a blueprint for resilience, strength, dignity, humility and LOVE. Love is my driving force through everything that I do. I struggled but I still loved. I was hurt, betrayed, lied on, talked about, abandoned, and misunderstood, but I still loved. I felt unloved, but I still loved. I felt alone and I felt at times I would never be successful, but I still loved and made sure others didn’t feel alone, and I helped others in their success as if it was my own. Love kept me resilient, strong and humble. 

If you had to pick a phrase to serve as your words of affirmation, what would it be?

“May Your Character Shine Brighter Than Your Lipstick!” – Addlia Edwards

Are there any other special gifts or talents that you have that you’d like to share?

I am extremely artistic. Most people ask “what don’t you do?” I bake, I bling things, I sing, I act, I am a dancer. I’m actually a certified Zumba instructor. I used to be a choreographer. I am a writer. I am actually working on 2 books and a journal. I draw and paint. I do a little fashion designing and I make bracelets. I like creating things.

Please check out The Finding Ashley Stewart finale press release announcing Addlia’s incredible journey. This “boss babe” and Neighborhood Girl Gone Global is this year’s “Ashley Stewart 2019” winner!