Today we’d like to introduce you to Alicia Spalding
Hi Alicia, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey has been anything but traditional, shaped by unexpected turns and exciting opportunities. I graduated from Pattonville High School in 2020, initially planning to become a K-12 music and art educator and a retail business owner. However, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted those plans and steered me toward a new passion: the beauty industry.
In 2023, after completing my associate degree at Florissant Valley STLCC and a semester as a business major at Lindenwood, I fully committed to enrolling in cosmetology school. My decision was driven by a personal experience on my 21st bday with poorly done tape-in extensions, which motivated me to master the craft and ensure others received exceptional results. I devoted myself to honing skills in hair extensions, styling, and other transformative techniques.
In August 2024, I graduated from cosmetology school and earned my license as a professional cosmetologist at The Salon Professional Academy in St. Charles, MO. Shortly before graduating I began my journey as a professional model in June after doing hair and makeup for ShutterFest models at Union Station in STL as a cosmetology student a few months prior, showcasing my alternative, goth, and Y2K aesthetic and asking models about how they got to this point as successful models. Modeling became an extension of my creativity, allowing me to merge bold, edgy looks with my expertise in beauty.
Today, I juggle a demanding schedule, working full-time at Great Clips, part-time as a food supervisor at Lindenwood University in St. Charles, and pursuing my modeling career. Balancing three roles has taught me resilience, time management, and a deep commitment to my growth in both beauty, fashion, and serving my community.
Looking ahead, I’m thrilled to be participating in New York Fashion Week in February 2025, marking one of the most significant milestones in my career. This opportunity represents not only how far I’ve come but also the endless possibilities of blending my passions into a thriving future.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It hasn’t been a smooth road by any means. Like many others, I’ve faced significant challenges along the way. After graduating high school, I pursued a business degree at Lindenwood University, building on my 4.0 GPA at Florissant Valley STLCC. However, my transition to a four-year university was anything but seamless. I nearly failed my first semester, earning Cs and Bs across the board—a sharp contrast to my previous academic success. To make matters worse, I later found out that some of the classes Lindenwood had given me didn’t even align with my degree, which led to the loss of scholarships and grants due to my grades. This was a huge blow, and I didn’t want to be like so many Americans burdened with massive student loan debt. It was frustrating and disheartening, leaving me questioning my direction.
At the same time, I faced a financial nightmare. In my desperation to find a new place to live in 2022, I was scammed out of $5,000 through Zelle and another $4,000 through Cash App. That period felt like a quarter-life crisis—I was overwhelmed, unsure of my future, and trying to navigate a path that didn’t seem to align with my goals.
During that challenging time, I was also supporting a close friend who was facing his own struggles, which added to the emotional weight I was carrying. Even in difficult moments, I believe in standing by the people who matter to me, especially someone who has been there for me in meaningful ways. Despite all of this, I found strength in embracing change and rediscovering my passions. Shifting to cosmetology and modeling gave me a fresh start, but it wasn’t easy. Balancing multiple jobs, school, and personal growth required resilience and determination.
For anyone going through a tough time, my advice is to trust the process and remind yourself that setbacks are temporary. It’s okay to pivot and explore new paths, even if they feel uncertain at first. Seek support, learn from every experience (even the painful ones), and focus on building a future that excites you. Life is unpredictable, but with patience and self-belief, you’ll find your way forward.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I specialize in styling, vivid hair colors, and creating bold, alternative looks, and I’m also known for my modeling work. As a licensed cosmetologist, I take pride in transforming hair into a work of art that expresses each client’s individuality. I’m recognized for my expertise in vivid, vibrant hair colors—from electric blues and fiery reds to pastel pinks and purples—designed to make a statement and stand out and at the moment am building my hair cutting skills in St. Charles at the Mark Twain Village Great Clips and University Commons Great Clips.
My passion lies in pushing the boundaries of hair fashion and helping clients step out of their comfort zones with edgy, alternative styles. Whether it’s creating intricate color patterns like raccoon stripes or color-blocked designs, I aim to give people a look that reflects their unique personality.
What sets me apart is my ability to combine my skills in both cosmetology and modeling. Modeling allows me to showcase my styling work in an entirely new light, blending beauty and fashion into one. I bring my knowledge of hair color and styling to my modeling, creating looks that are visually striking both on and off camera.
I’m incredibly proud of how far I’ve come in my career, especially considering the hard work and determination it took to get here. From juggling multiple jobs to mastering my craft in both cosmetology and modeling, I’ve put in the effort every step of the way. The journey hasn’t always been easy, but my resilience and commitment to pushing through challenges have led me to achieve things I once only dreamed of. I’ve built a career I’m truly passionate about, and I’m excited to continue growing and reaching new milestones.
I also feel it is importany to add that I am also incredibly proud of my grandma. Despite facing her own health challenges, she has risen above and beyond to support me in every way possible and this story would not exist without her. She has gone out of her way to ensure I have the tools, encouragement, and love needed to reach where I am today.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
Risk-taking has definitely played a significant role in my journey, and I strongly believe it’s a necessary part of growth. I don’t always see myself as a reckless risk-taker, but I’m not afraid to step out of my comfort zone when I feel it’s necessary for my personal and professional development. One of the biggest risks I’ve taken was switching career paths entirely—going from music education to business to cosmetology. I left a familiar path I had been on since I was 9 and dove into something completely different, which was scary at the time, but it’s been one of the best decisions I’ve made.
Another risk I took was pursuing modeling, which felt like a leap into the unknown. It’s an industry that’s often unpredictable and competitive, but I believed in my unique aesthetic and my ability to stand out and many others did as well. I also put myself out there in both the beauty and fashion worlds, where I’ve been fortunate to combine my passions for styling and modeling.
For me, taking risks isn’t about being reckless; it’s about trusting myself and my abilities. Everything I do is with purpose. I think you have to be willing to embrace uncertainty and be adaptable, especially when you’re trying to carve your own path. Every risk I’ve taken has helped me grow stronger, and even when things don’t go as planned, I’ve learned valuable lessons. It’s not always easy, but it’s worth it to pursue what feels right.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @alinyxofficial for modeling and @alitheupdoqueen for cosmetology
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/19jz2ALHPS/?mibextid=LQQJ4d
Image Credits
Road Image by Joshua Manning on IG@virtual.image.photography
Rainbow Hair by Alicia Spalding IG@alitheupdoqueen
Dark Angel by Steve Frank on IG @spf54
Mad Hatter by Connie LaFlam on IG @connielaflamphotography
Yellow Dress by Pras Luebke on IG @pekaiphotography
The Salon Professional Academy image by Pras Luebke on IG @pekaiphotography
Playing Viola by Pras Luebke on IG @pekaiphotography
Flapper Girl by Pras Luebke on IG @pekaiphotography
Moana Inspired Photo with Ami Lu (left) on IG @amilu_model by Pras Luebke on IG @pekaiphotography
