Life & Work with Anastasia “Lillie M.” Williams of Cleveland, Ohio

Today we’d like to introduce you to Anastasia “Lillie M.” Williams

Hi Anastasia, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
This journey began with a vision I had back in December 2016—a dream to create a beauty and wellness spa dedicated to enhancing external care. At the time, I had just graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology (with a minor in studio art) from Cleveland State University. I was filled with ambition, yet I had no clear path to turn this vision into reality. So, I set that dream aside while I focused on becoming a mentor and a social worker, all while providing full-time care for my mom.

Over the years, my dream of owning and operating a wellness space continued to linger in the back of my mind. I immersed myself in research on wellness topics, prioritized my personal fitness journey, and even explored modeling to express my beauty side. Then, in 2020, while on furlough due to the Covid-19 pandemic, I took a leap of faith and launched my skincare line, “Lillie m. Collections.” This venture became the catalyst I desperately needed to dive into the realms of entrepreneurship, beauty, and wellness.

Though I encountered some challenges that led me to hit the pause button on my brand, I didn’t lose sight of my aspirations. By 2023, after my role as an Art Counselor came to a close, I found myself at a crossroads, unsure of what to do next. It was then that I knew it was time to revisit my entrepreneurial dreams. Reaching back into the archives of my goals, I am now pursuing that original beauty and wellness vision through “Lillie’s Beautè.”

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Embarking on my journey in the beauty industry has largely been a positive experience; however, I have encountered a few unforeseen challenges throughout the process.

I’ve had to navigate state regulations, rearrange my finances, and find the right time to move forward. Plus, I’ve dealt with the challenge of shifting my focus from helping people with their mental and emotional struggles to concentrating on their outer appearance.

After a lot of reflection and years of serving different communities, I’ve realized it’s time to go for it and pursue my dream of opening a beauty and wellness spa. I believe that through my spa, I’m still helping my community through beauty and wellness services, which also plays a big role in supporting their mental and emotional well-being.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Throughout my professional journey, I have dedicated myself to working with youth, supporting their mental and behavioral health through the transformative power of Visual Arts. Now, I am proudly stepping into the world of beauty as an eyebrow artist, with plans to expand Lillie’s Beautè to include more wellness services.

I take immense pride in finally pursuing a personal goal that has been close to my heart for so long. This new chapter allows me to blend my passion for creative arts with the beauty industry.

What truly distinguishes Lillie’s Beautè is my deep understanding of mental health. Here, we prioritize creating an environment where clients can relax and unwind during their beauty and wellness treatments.

What was your favorite childhood memory?
Wonderful question! A treasured childhood memory is of my mom, Warnetta Bonner, and I exploring local libraries together. In those spaces, we immersed ourselves in books, enjoyed learning games, and even participated in a quilting circle at the East Cleveland library before its relocation. My favorite library was in Cleveland Heights, off Lee Road, even before the connector bridge was built. The reason it captured my heart was its enchanting children’s area.

One standout feature was a stunning floor-to-ceiling glass case filled with over 100 Barbie dolls, showcasing a beautiful array of styles, outfits, ethnicities, ages, colors, and decades. Visiting this magical doll case was an experience I cherished, a glimpse into a world of diversity and beauty.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://AnastasialWilliams.com
• Instagram: Lilliesbeaute
• Other: Lilliem__