LL: Let’s start from the beginning.  Where are you from? Tell us a little bit about your background.

I was born and raised in Inglewood, CA. I am married with three children. My parents were traditional and honestly strict. I grew up going to a private Christian school, that kept a barrier from me and the real world. My first year of college I had true culture shock! I got pregnant at 18 and had my first daughter at 19 years old. At that point in my life, I was forced to become an independent adult. A lot of my drive and motivation comes from being the sole provider for my daughter for so long as I didn’t get married until she was ten years old.

LL: Tell us your secrets.  How do you keep yourself up while balancing being a mother, wife, and serial entrepreneur?

I don’t know that I have balance! A lot of times I feel like I am running behind my children, chasing deadlines, all while trying to manage multiple businesses. I will say that I feel most in control when I wake up early and create a clear plan for the day. I love task lists, they hold two purposes. First, I feel focused through the day and second, I feel accomplished when I complete tasks. At the end of the day I feel proud and energized for the next day. I do my best to always put family first, but the reality is that is not always possible with having so many large responsibilities. My family , children included, have learned to have grace with me.

 LL: Who’s your biggest role model in life and how did that person help shape you?

My mother passed away ten years ago. However, she was my example that you can have it all. She was a wife, mother of three and a business woman. 

LL: Sounds like you took after your mother! What is your biggest accomplishment? And challenges? And what advice would you give your younger self?

My biggest accomplishment is raising well adjusted kids. My kids are not perfect, however I know I am doing something right when I see the type of people they are becoming. I take pride in raising thoughtful and compassionate children. Its hard for me to outline just one failure, I have made so many mistakes. Mistakes as a business owner, wife and mother. However, I have a belief that my obstacles and mistakes are opportunities to grow!

If I could talk to my younger self I would say “ Don’t worry about those people”. I spent so much time in life not being the best version of myself out of fear of how I would look or how others would see me. What a silly place to be in. Imagine not being yourself because of someone else. I am still evolving, but now I am much more focused on my mission that I have little time to be distracted by others.

 LL: Congrats on the purchase of Hype Hair Magazine!  What made you decide to embark on that opportunity?

I love the beauty industry! It is my passion. Being in the retail space has opened my eyes to so many other opportunities in beauty. I loved Hype Hair growing up and I got wind that the prior owners were open to selling. I jumped on it! I knew that  the stories of black hair, stylist and culture needed to be told from the perspective of Black creatives. My goal for the magazine is to tell the story of black hair, highlight professionals and to create and showcase trends.

LL: Tell us about Girl Cave LA!

Girl Cave LA is a luxury beauty supply store located in South Los Angeles, Inglewood, and Compton California, that caters to the beauty needs of all women.

I started The Girl Cave LA because I saw no one that looked like me in the retail beauty supply space. I grew up going into beauty supplies regularly and never saw anyone that looked like me behind the counter. I understood that it had to be a lucrative business because I never saw one go out of business. I wanted to do something different, employ people in the community and create a sustainable business model. A year ago, I took the business in a new direction by creating a franchise model. Now I am able to show other women how I have been able to be successful in this industry.

 LL: Any big plans for you this year?

This year, I just want to create! Build on what I have been blessed to have. I want to focus on helping my franchisees grow and expand. That is this year’s biggest mission.

LL: Entrepreneurship isn’t for everyone-What advice would you give other women entrepreneurs just starting out?

I always tell other women to chase their own passions. Don’t mimic anyone else because success looks different for everyone. I stay in my own lane and I think most successful entrepreneurs do the same. It's only a competition with yourself and no one else. If I scrolled Instagram and spent my time trying to replicate others, I would lose my vision. Stay focused on YOU!

LL: We don’t talk about mental health enough. What was the most challenging part of 2020?  And what do you do to maintain with your mental health?

It was exceedingly difficult in the beginning of the year for me because I am so used to navigating life with distractions. Busy with kids, work, deadlines, projects, a TV show. The pandemic forced me to be still. At first it was frustrating, but then I worked past the frustration to get to a different place. I started to look at the things about myself and my life that I hadn’t addressed. I got into therapy and started a personal journey that I had neglected for so many years. Therapy and journaling have been life savers for me. 

LL: What’s the first thing you do in the morning? And the last thing you do before bed?

I hate to say it but a lot of mornings the first thing I do is check emails. It’s such a horrible way  to start the day. I am learning to do something that is more valuable than that in the morning. I am working on redirecting myself to mediation and prayer in the morning or even quiet time. I notice the days that I am more intentional about how I start my mornings, I am more productive. 

Before I go to bed, I make sure to connect with my children . I love to affirm them, pray with them, and tell them they are loved. That is the way I want them to end their days.

Connect With Lia Dias