Today we’d like to introduce you to Alicia Harris
Hi Alicia, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I was diagnosed with scarring alopecia in 2009 and for a woman that had never had hair loss in the past, this diagnosis was devastating. I spent 9 years and thousands of dollars, hiding behind wigs, weaves and locs trying to cover up the area that was bald. I suffered in silence for years as I attempted to conceal my hair loss, and it affected my self-esteem and self-worth. I did not date for a very long time because I was concerned about someone finding out my secret. I also did not participate in any water related activities because I did not want to get my hair wet.
The pivotal moment was when I had to have health related imaging of my sinuses and was told that I would need to remove all metal. I immediately took my earrings off but refused to remove the bobby pins from my hair because I did not want the technician and doctor to know I had alopecia. When I left that appointment, I was overcome with emotion as I considered my willingness to place myself at risk just to keep a secret. It was at that point that I decided to take back my power and reveal to those around me that I had alopecia. I left work on a Friday with hair, and I returned on Monday as my authentic, bold, intentional self. It was pretty scary walking into the office that day as I did not know what people were going to say. Thankfully, I was received with outpouring support and compliments of how beautiful I was. From that day six years ago until today, I have worked hard to encourage and support other women who are dealing with alopecia or some form of hair loss. I have created a non-profit by the name of Pieces a Soulful Journey with Alopecia. The name was derived from the fact that alopecia affects every piece of your life (emotionally, physically, mentally and spiritually). These were areas that I had to work to restore back to healthy levels and the work continues. I now create psychologically safe spaces for people to show up authentically within a village of individuals who support them.
September is National Alopecia Awareness Month and this year I wanted to do something different to bring awareness. I hosted a project called BeYOUtifull and the concept was to encourage women to embrace all of who they are, promoting self-love and self-acceptance. BeYOUtifull translates to: Be You to The Full! It was not just for women dealing with hair loss but all women, all shapes, sizes, ethnicities, races, cultural practices and spiritual beliefs. The goal was to interrupt the negative messages sent by society regarding what signifies beauty and to contribute to the increasing of self-esteem and self-worth for participants. There were nine women total, including me who had a flying dress photo shoot here in Columbia at the Riverfront Park downtown and then those photos were revealed alongside our personal bios throughout the month of September. Each woman had their special day for highlighting and it was shared across multiple platforms (Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin, and threads).
The project caught the attention of our local news station WISTV, and I was invited to discuss alopecia as well as the project. I did have one of the participants accompany me to the studio because I wanted her to share her story as it was moving and inspirational. I had the opportunity to do two segments that week, Soda City Live and Awareness, both with Billie Jean Shaw. From those episodes, women have contacted me, thanking me for my vulnerability as well as my courage. I am thankful to have the opportunity to inspire others to live authentically and I appreciate the ability to spread awareness and encouragement.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely has not been a smooth road. I went from being a woman who has always had hair as a large part of her identity to having no hair. Initially, it was hard to deal with the stares I would receive while in public as well as the questions like, “do you have cancer?” There were days that I just didn’t want to go outside or to certain functions because I was concerned about how I would be received.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a licensed professional counselor and a licensed addiction counselor. I have worked with women that were dealing with issues like mine as well as depression, anxiety, intimate partner violence and addictions. I am known in my community as the Alopecia Warrior, and I lead the charge here in Columbia of de-stigmatizing hair loss. There have been cruel statements, bullying, and unfortunately suicides that have taken place among girls and women dealing with alopecia and it is my mission to normalize the conversations and appearances for those who choose to show up bald.
The BeYoutifull project is a component of the 501 (c)3 and the event takes place annually. This year was the first of what I hope to be many more. We also host a Fedorable Brunch during the winter months, and this is an opportunity for people to come together with good food, sporting a nice fedora. My love for hats grew after embracing alopecia, not to hide myself but to have other accessories to accentuate my beauty.
I am also a champion over domestic violence and almost lost my life because of it. Now, I’ve turned that pain into purpose, and I use my voice to speak out against it by spreading education and awareness as well as supporting individuals who have experienced it along with the agencies that work tirelessly here in the midlands to address it.
What sets me apart from all the rest is this is legacy building work for me. Meaning I would do it even if I never received a dime because I am so determined to help individuals break free from societal norms and boxes so they can live their lives the way it was intended and that is authentically and unapologetically.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
I do not believe in luck, but I do believe in divine order, and I know that there is a purpose for all of us in this world. I believe that we each are the answer to a problem in this world and I just happened to be the answer for alopecia and domestic violence.
Once I embraced that and developed a different perspective as to why I experienced both, I was able to move into my purpose and begin to answer the call on my life. The worst thing a person could do is live their entire life and not recognize their purpose. I am happy to say, I know mine.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Pieces_asjwa
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559852034431
