Alishia Lee on Life, Lessons & Legacy

Alishia Lee shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Alishia, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What is a normal day like for you right now?
Right now, I am planning the relaunch of my Signature model program for the 25/26 season as well as preparing for MACC Fashion Week and Dress for Success Cincinnati events. I spend about 10 hours at my studio daily, sewing, planning, preparing, meeting with my assistant, and working my 9-5. My days are packed, so I have to be very protective of my time and energy.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I tell stories through fashion. My work is expressed across three unique brands:

Alishia Lee Designs – one-of-a-kind avant-garde pieces created for the bold and fashion-forward.

Luxe & Long – a collection that celebrates and empowers full-figured women with style and elegance.

Me By Lee – my flagship brand, inspired by cultural appreciation and heritage, thoughtfully woven into every design.

What truly sets my work apart is the process—I handcraft about 90% of my pieces, carefully selecting textiles, creating patterns, and finishing each garment with an eye for detail. My goal is to design wearable art that is not only high-quality but also sustainable, ensuring beauty and meaning in every piece.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
Bonds between people are often broken by misunderstandings, unresolved conflicts, and breaches of trust. When communication breaks down or someone feels unheard, resentment can quietly grow, creating emotional distance. Sometimes, pain from past experiences, betrayal, or unfulfilled expectations can erode the closeness that once felt unshakable.

Yet, the beauty of human connection is its capacity for renewal. Bonds can be restored when both people choose openness—speaking honestly about their feelings and truly listening to each other. Taking responsibility, offering sincere apologies, and forgiving each other are powerful steps toward healing. These genuine acts can gently repair even deep fractures, making room for trust to blossom again.

Rebuilding a relationship often calls for patience, empathy, and shared positive experiences. Reconnection is nurtured not only in grand gestures but also in small, everyday moments of kindness and understanding. When people invest in showing up, making amends, and growing together, bonds are not just restored—they’re often made even stronger than before. I have lived through this, even now, and pray for resolution.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes, after selling my home and downsizing, I felt as though I’d hit a wall and had lost control over my life. I realized I’d been viewing life as something I needed to control, rather than as a gift or special power I’m blessed to wield. To move forward, I had to let go of people and things that left me feeling depleted and instead focus on pouring back into myself—deepening my relationship with the Creator and choosing a better path ahead.

I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes and no—the public version of me is real, but only part of the whole. There are aspects of myself that I feel comfortable sharing with the world, both online and in person, while other parts remain private and are reserved for my closest relationships. There is also a perception people form from your online presence that may be skewed or stretched to fit how they interpret or digest you. I believe it’s important—and healthy—to keep some things just for myself, rather than sharing everything with the outside world.

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
Most people don’t do what they want to do, they do what they feel others will accept from them and that is a very limiting and closed off way of doing life.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://alishialee.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/me_by_lee/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alishia-lee/