BOSS Member Spotlight: Alicia Thomas
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When Alicia isn’t serving up her delicious frozen treats, she works in the healthcare field, where she draws on her extensive background. She holds a Bachelor’s in Healthcare Management and a Master’s in Public Health from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. In her downtime, Alicia enjoys lounging in tropical climates, reading, exploring museums, cooking, and spending quality time with family and friends.
What were some obstacles that you faced in the beginning process of starting your business or career? Early on, one of the biggest obstacles was dealing with the uncertainty, especially after being laid off. I didn’t have a clear roadmap; I just had an idea and a lot of passion. Finding resources, understanding the ins and outs of starting a business, and building everything from the ground up with limited resources was a challenge. I also had to overcome self-doubt and get comfortable making decisions without having all the answers. But those challenges pushed me to get creative, stay resilient, and lean into learning as I went.What inspired you to break into your industry? I was laid off from my previous role, and with new opportunities being limited, I decided to take a chance on myself and bring one of my business ideas to life. Food and creating creative recipes from whatever’s on hand have always been my unofficial love language, so starting a business in that space made sense. I also wanted to build something lasting that could contribute to generational wealth, and I saw real potential in a popsicle business that could stand the test of time.
How do you balance your personal and professional life, or have you found a balance? I’ve learned to be intentional about balancing my personal and professional life. I define my work hours and stick to them, even when working from home, which helps keep clear boundaries. I no longer try to do everything at once. Instead, I focus on the top 3–4 priorities each day and give those my full attention. Using calendars has become a serious habit for me, making a big difference in staying organized and on track. I’ve also gotten comfortable with saying “no” and meaning it, which has helped protect my time and energy. One of the best things I’ve done is create a sabbatical day for myself, no work, just rest and self-care. It’s become a key part of maintaining my balance and avoiding burnout.
What is an inspirational quote that you live by? “Everything will be okay in the end. If it's not okay, it's not the end.”
Who were influential people or mentors who helped or encouraged you? I’ve been really fortunate to have the support of family and friends who believed in me from the start. Their encouragement pushed me to keep going, especially during the challenging moments. I’ve also been inspired by a few local entrepreneurs. I don’t know them personally, but the way they share their journeys so transparently has had a real impact on me. It reminded me that I wasn't alone in the process, whether it was a word of advice, a shared resource, or just seeing someone navigate the ups and downs with honesty.
What are your "must-haves" to keep your career or business strong? The must-haves to keep my business strong are consistency, creativity, and community. Staying consistent, whether it’s with my branding, communication, or showing up for my customers, builds trust. Creativity keeps things fresh and allows me to evolve with the market. Community is huge, both the one I serve and lean on for support, collaboration, and inspiration. On a personal level, I also rely heavily on time management tools, regular check-ins with myself, and intentional rest to keep my momentum going without burning out.
What is your definition of a BOSS? A BOSS leads with purpose, takes ownership of their path, and makes bold moves even when the outcome isn’t guaranteed. It’s about being confident, resourceful, resilient, grounded, and self-aware. A true boss knows when to take charge, when to listen, and when to rest. It’s less about titles and more about mindset, showing up fully, standing on your values, and inspiring others to do the same.
Please describe yourself in two words. " Resilient Visionary
Learn more about Alicia at www.lushpopsatl.com
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