We’re looking forward to introducing you to Alisha Hayter. Check out our conversation below.
Alisha, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: Who are you learning from right now?
Oddly enough, the person I’m learning the most from is my three-year-old. I’m constantly in awe of her. She moves through the world with this lightness and happiness that’s hard to explain – everything is new, exciting, and meaningful to her.
She reminds me how fun life is supposed to be with how she sees such magic in the world. Watching her has taught me to shift my view on life — to look at things with more happiness, more patience, and more gratitude. She laughs without hesitation and loves endlessly. She has pushed me to slow down, be present, and love harder. In a lot of ways, she’s teaching me how to be more human.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi! I’m Alisha, the owner of a boutique in downtown Salem, OH built on a simple but powerful mission: to normalize normal bodies. I’ve created a space where real women feel seen, included, and confident — without the pressure of perfection. Everything I do, from the pieces I bring in to the way my storefront is decorated, is rooted in the belief that fashion should celebrate every shape, size, and stage of life.
I’m a firm believer that the number on the tag is just that, a number. You’re worth more than that. When you come into my store, I want you to feel welcome, beautiful, and confident in the season of life you’re in.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
The relationship that has shaped how I see myself the most is the one I’ve built with myself. I’ve shared before that I struggled with an eating disorder starting in my early teenage years. I spent a long time hating my reflection, picking myself apart, and feeling incredibly self-conscious.
As I got older and went through years of therapy, I began rebuilding that relationship. I learned to give myself grace through every season of life and to speak to myself with the same kindness I’d give anyone else. Now, even on days when my confidence dips, I know how to love myself through it — not in perfection, but in acceptance and growth.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
You are enough. You always have been enough. You always will be enough.
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?
Absolutely. If you’re not true to yourself through and through, then who are you really? I think being genuine matters, because when you’re putting on a façade, eventually you burn out trying to keep it up. It’s okay to be human—we all mess up, we all have good days and rough ones.
When you walk into my store, some days you’ll see me dressed up and put together. Other days, you’ll see a tired mama in leggings with no makeup. Either way, it’s me. I’m a real person, just like you.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
It’s not my story but I hope they always remind my Oaklee Grace how much her mama loved her, how much her spark lights up this world, and how she can do anything she sets her mind.
I also hope that I left enough of an impact that that my customers continue to love themselves through all seasons of life and give themselves grace.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://nevaehgraceboutique.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenevaehgraceboutique?igsh=MWJleDUzdnNxcTAybw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/16zY7rhN2s/?mibextid=wwXIfr
