"From Stuck to Unstoppable: Alita Terry on Embracing Change and Growth"
“One of the most significant obstacles I faced in 2024 was struggling with what to do next, even though, deep down, the signs were there. I found myself second-guessing and hesitating, unsure if I was ready to take the leap.”
Hey Sista! I'm honored and grateful that you are here! Thank you for taking the time to speak with us today! Could you just take a moment to let our readers know who you are and tell us a little about what you do?
My name is Alita Terry and I wear many hats, each of which has been shaped by my journey. I have over a decade of experience in accounting, which has taught me the importance of precision, structure, and perseverance. I am a proud mother, wife, and entrepreneur, currently involved in the beauty industry as a partner in a salon venture along with my daughter, Amaja Hawkins.
Here I am a Stylist, Hair Care Specialist, Wig Maker/Seamstress, and Cranial Prostheses Specialist. It's where I merge my financial expertise with my passion for empowering others through confidence and self-care. The journey that led me here is deeply rooted in my belief in reinvention. My path has been shaped by a commitment to growth, resilience, embracing new opportunities, and a dedication to personally and professionally evolving.
This year has flown by and we are just a few weeks away from a brand new year! As you think back over 2024, what would you say is your biggest lesson learned, and how did it shape your decision to move boldly into your next chapter?
As I reflect on 2024, I've learned so many things, but I think the biggest lesson I learned is the power of resilience in the face of uncertainty. This year challenged me to step outside my comfort zone, reevaluate my priorities, work on myself first, and trust in my ability to adapt.
One of the most challenging things for me was learning how to juggle between my corporate career and salon business while being present for both. Yes, it was tough. But it was necessary for me to move forward in my purpose. To be fulfilled. That experience taught me that even when things feel overwhelming, temporarily, you're still growing, if you're willing to put in the work. But on the flip side, it also taught me the difference between buying back my time and selling it.
My name is Alita Terry and I wear many hats, each of which has been shaped by my journey. I have over a decade of experience in accounting, which has taught me the importance of precision, structure, and perseverance. I am a proud mother, wife, and entrepreneur, currently involved in the beauty industry as a partner in a salon venture along with my daughter, Amaja Hawkins.
This lesson has shaped my decision to move boldly into my next chapter by reminding me that reinvention is not just about starting over—it’s about building on the strength and wisdom gained along the way. I’m entering this new phase with a renewed sense of confidence and purpose, ready to take on challenges and seize opportunities that align with my vision for the future."
Resilience is such a powerful theme that speaks to the fierce spirit of women, but we sometimes face setbacks that can feel overwhelming. What was one obstacle in 2024 that pushed you to dig deeper and keep going, and what did you learn about your strength in the process?
One of the most significant obstacles I faced in 2024 was struggling with what to do next, even though, deep down, the signs were there. I found myself second-guessing and hesitating, unsure if I was ready to take the leap. It was a humbling reminder that sometimes the hardest part of any journey isn’t identifying the path—it’s having the courage to trust yourself and take the first step." It was a moment that truly tested my resolve and forced me to dig deeper than I ever thought I could, and man did I discover some interesting things.
In the midst of it, I discovered that my strength lies not just in perseverance but in my ability to adapt and find solutions. I learned that even when the path ahead seems unclear, taking one step at a time with faith and determination can lead to breakthroughs I didn’t think were possible.
This experience reinforced my belief in my resilience and showed me that every challenge is an opportunity to grow. It’s a lesson I’ll carry forward as I continue to embrace the next chapter of my journey with courage and optimism."
That's amazing! So listen, we know that resilience is not always about bouncing back- it's sometimes about growing through the mess! Is there a time when you turned a difficult situation into an opportunity for personal or professional growth?
Maintenance on a custom cranial prosthesis made for a cancer patient
Similar to what I touched on earlier, there was a time when I felt completely stuck. Not just in a sense of being indecisive, but where uncertainty and self-doubt took center stage. But seek ye first the kingdom of God. I learned how to dive deeper into the word while praying for guidance. I became obsessed with learning not only about my spiritual purpose and gift, but my social purpose as well. Yes, I discovered through His teachings that there are levels to this. I took the opportunity to reassess my goals, continued to read as many books as I could, and focused on the bigger picture.
I learned the power of patience and self-compassion. Sometimes, growth doesn’t happen in leaps and bounds; it happens in the quiet moments of reflection and recalibration. That experience taught me that feeling stuck was not the end of the road—it was simply a moment to gather my strength, regroup, and realign with my purpose. From that place of stillness, I was able to take bold steps forward, feeling more aligned and grounded in my decisions."
That’s how you live in your boldness Sista! Relying on your faith and trusting God to get you to the other side! Okay, before we go, I have one last question. Well. it has two parts...Looking ahead to 2025, how will you use what you’ve learned to create a better tomorrow for yourself? And, what advice would you give to women who are also looking to strengthen their resilience for the new year?
Moving forward into 2025, I plan to trust in myself more and use everything I’ve learned thus far to build a future that is more intentional, aligned with my values and focused on growth. I now know that this is only a portion of what God has for me and I look forward to stepping into new opportunities with confidence, even when the full picture isn't clear, trusting that they’re often the gateway to growth and new possibilities.
In 2025, I'm aiming to take more calculated risks and push beyond my comfort zone. I’ll also continue to seek balance—nurturing both my personal and professional life with the same level of care and attention. By doing this, I hope to create a future that not only serves me but also inspires those around me."
The advice I would give to other women is to not give up. You have to find someone or something that inspires you. A source of inspiration is needed to push past those negative thoughts in your head. Don't be afraid to start over and also, don't feel pressed based on what others are doing. With faith, patience and hard work you can redesign your life to be exactly what you want it to be.
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In 2025, I'm aiming to take more calculated risks and push beyond my comfort zone. I’ll also continue to seek balance—nurturing both my personal and professional life with the same level of care and attention. By doing this, I hope to create a future that not only serves me but also inspires those around me."