In a world where creativity and wellness often seem at odds, Aliya, the visionary behind La Bohème Noir Co., has seamlessly blended the two into a unique and thriving business. Inspired by her mother’s wisdom and driven by a passion for design and holistic well-being, Aliya’s journey is a testament to the power of following your dreams—no matter how diverse they may be. In this interview, she shares her personal story, the challenges she’s overcome, and the lessons she’s learned along the way. Her words are not just an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs, but a reminder that success is found in doing what you love, staying true to yourself, and never giving up.
1. What inspired you to start La Bohème Noir Co.?
Prior to starting La Bohème Noir Co. I toyed around with other business names however they were all specific to one trade. LBNC allows me to hold all of my ventures under one name without any confusion to clients.
2. Can you share a bit about your personal journey that led you to pursue this unique blend of interior design and wellness?
I had been told for years to pick one career path and focus on it. Thankfully I was raised by a woman that believed in pursuing all of your dreams…my mom Juanita. It was because of her guidance that I never gave up on any of my passions. I love design and realized when designing my own space that there is a huge wellness component that goes into that. Colors and how they make you feel. Belongings and the energy attached to them. The feeling of certain fabrics, lighting and so much more affects your wellness. This is why I take an integrative approach when designing client spaces.
3. Were there any specific challenges or struggles you faced when starting your business, and how did you overcome them?
The challenges I faced were all in my head. I didn’t go to school for design, so early on I felt like I was less than other designers who did have a degree in design. As far as wellness goes, it’s a bit of a struggle to get folks in the modern world to understand how important things like breath work, meditating and energy work are. Most people see it as a luxury so my job is to get them to understand how these things can drastically change their lives.
4. What advice would you give to other women looking to pursue their passions and combine different interests into a business or project?
Please please please do not fall victim to those that doubt you…not even those inner voices. Take your time to craft a business that makes sense for you and your passions. It may not be what you want it to right away but don’t give up, pivot as needed.
5. How do you balance creativity and business savvy in your work?
I used to be really bad at the business part. With owning a small franchised business on top of LBNC, in which the business part is extremely important, I’ve gained skills that have been very helpful with LBNC. Schedule out your time, have admin days, don’t be afraid to ask questions or for help. There is a network of women owned small businesses…lean on them.
6. What role does mindfulness play in your approach to design and wellness?
Mindfulness plays a main role both my design and wellness practice. I’m not a designer that has one style. I am always mindful of my clients likes and dislikes and we collaborate on the design based on my expertise and their desires. When it comes to wellness, I am mindful that Maria may be able to meditate the same way that Edgar does so I make adjustments along the way.
7. Can you share a memorable success story or moment that made you proud of La Bohème Noir Co.?
I’ll speak to one for each component of my business. I had a client seek me out in the early days of LBNC. She had seen my work when I was partnered in business with another designer. My first round of design ideas were not well received. Instead of sitting in feeling defeated, I went back to the drawing board and created a design so unique to this client. She now loves her home, as it is a true representation of who she is. With wellness, I’m so proud when people have that aha moment or the look of pure bliss all over their face. I’m also very proud to have recently completed my 200 hour ytt.
8. How do you stay inspired and motivated during challenging times?
I am so thankful to have such an amazing group of humans around me…many of which own small businesses. This is super helpful when challenges arise. Breath work, meditation and yoga are part of my regular life. Taking time for my total body wellness is a priority.
9. Have you faced any gender-specific obstacles in the industry, and if so, how have you navigated them?
I mean, there’s always that thought that I’m being thought of as less than or less capable because I’m a woman in business…a black woman in business. I use that as fuel for my fire to achieve my goals and create new ones. It does get you down sometimes, in those times I lean on my fellow woman business owners.
10. What are some key lessons you’ve learned about entrepreneurship and self-expression through your journey with La Bohème Noir Co.?
I’ve learned that it’s ok to do it your way! Your business doesn’t have to fit a mold. Be flexible, your business will have to pivot as the world does. It’s not easy however if it was, everyone would be doing it. Don’t give up, it’ll be worth all of your hard work.
11. How do you see the future of your business evolving, and what goals do you have for its growth?
For the future, I have some big dreams! I’d like to conceptualize the wellness center that I’ve dreamt of since I was young. I’d like everything from the decor to music to food to overall vibe to be welcoming to all people of all walks of life. Short term…I’m in the process of planning a yoga retreat for the fall/winter. I also want to better establish myself in both the yoga and wellness worlds by doing pop ups and workshops.
12. What strategies or practices do you use to foster creativity and innovation in your work?
I’m inspired by what I see around me. When I’m out and about, I’m typically staring off, observing both the beauty and tragedy of this world. Whether that be in people, animals, nature, architecture or those things that usually go unnoticed. I draw inspiration from other cultures as well, especially my by staying true to my design and wellness clients backgrounds.
13. Can you tell us about a project or collaboration that was particularly meaningful to you?
When I have clients that have had major blockages in their lives…whether that be spiritually, mentally, physically or emotionally…I am honored to be able to release those blockages and witness them have a long awaited release. When I was in the process of my own healing, those that helped me along the way hold a special place in my heart and soul. I want to continue to do the same for others.
14. How do you define success for yourself and your business?
I used to think that success was measured by the degrees you carried or how much money you had in the bank. As I’ve grown into the woman I am today, I believe success is doing what you love, having people around you that truly love and support you and having the ability to influence and/or change the lives of those that are still struggling.
15. What advice would you give to your younger self when you were just starting out?
1I would have told myself to quiet the inside voices a lot sooner. For so long I had self doubt and it crippled me. I’d have these amazing moments of inspiration and drive only to talk myself out of it. However I learned a lot during those times, so I guess I’m thankful for those times too. One piece of advice that I will always carry is that there are lessons in everything…you may not recognize them right away but take every single moment, stow it away and hold on to it for later.
Website is www.labohemenoirco.com
