Today we’d like to introduce you to Aliyah Hicks.
Hi Aliyah, 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.
Creativity is innate to my being. Within that, I have found and still find the most solace in musical and visual arts. I reached a point where I had to acknowledge that in the same way, I have found solace in these things, I can be a vessel to bring that same safe space to others. Whether that be through a song, a poem, or simply showing up authentically as myself in a room. That seed was planted in me from my upbringing by my beautiful parents and also within church. Since then, it has birthed into me writing and releasing my own music, as well as diving back into working with my hands to create moving visuals, and performing spoken word. Since the release of my first single ’48 Hours’ in January of 2022, and my first debut album ’30 Days of Healing’ in December of 2022, the amount of support, recognition, and community that I have gained is astonishing. I simply wish to continue to dive deeper into this space of creativity with the people that I love. I simply wish to continue to spread vulnerability, healing, and love through sharing pieces of myself as I feel called.
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?
Very few of the roads that I travel are smooth. Yet I have to admit, in the long run, I have so much gratitude for the bumps. Creating can be tedious and discouraging at times. I will say the biggest challenge I encounter is staying true to myself throughout my creative processes. There are so many days where I question: “Should I release this?” “Is this too much?” “Will others understand my heart behind it?” “Is the quality good enough?” I definitely have to take many breathers and moments of reassurance. As an artist, I have to trust that I know myself within my creation. I also have to accept the different versions of myself, which causes me to acknowledge how often that changes. Perception of art, once it is in the view of the public eye, lies outside of my control. I think that’s the most beautiful piece of it all. That people get to experience me in real-time and in all of the versions of myself through my work. People often receive based on the season of life they are in. Regardless of the bumps, I know my projects will ultimately be ones that can be revisited at different times and perceived and digested in various ways.
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?
To reintroduce myself, I am Aliyah Hicks (a.k.a LoveLi), founder of ‘LoveLi Exchange LLC.’ I am an up & becoming creative director, singer-songwriter, visual artist, poet, and model. Currently residing in Toledo, Ohio, my works and passions are centralized around “LOVE,” a perfect representation of who I am, what I do, and what I always aspire to spread. Through my works, I welcome you into my world of realism, rawness, and truth. Currently, I am heavily exploring the musical side of my talents. Since dropping my first album, I have been gigging locally around my city. I would have to say that I am most proud of having found confidence in the importance of my story, my voice, and the work of my hands. To be vulnerable as a creative is to first be vulnerable with self. What I do demands that I live in a space of self-work and awareness. And I am most proud to allow others to see my process. Most proud of the love that is being spread, the relatability, and the healing that is provoked. I was set apart at birth. I am set apart as long as I continue to walk on the path that was created for me specifically. I am set apart as long as I continue to aspire to move forward, to ascend as my name means.
Risk-taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
In my perspective, risk-taking is such a scary thing. And rightfully so. To take a risk is to literally put something or someone in a position that could result in failure. I think risk-taking becomes beautiful when one understands that it’s SUPPOSED to be a scary thing. To take a risk is to understand that “this thing means SO much to me that I am willing to put it in a vulnerable place that could potentially end in failure” and still decide to follow through with said action. I think that every time I release a piece of work, I am taking a risk. It never feels less scary, yet the reward from following through never fails me. EVEN in the case of it resulting in failure. I don’t always receive good feedback from what I produce. At times, my vulnerability hits too close to home for others and even myself. Ultimately, it’s just worth it. In some way, shape, or form, risks play a big part in my character development.
Pricing:
- Gigs- $100 per hour (price discussed upon meeting)
Contact Info:
- Website: linktr.ee/itsloveli
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_its.loveli_/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y%3D
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