Alicia Cheek, PhD (2024)

19/02/2022

Happy Saturday! Got any weekend plans? Lemme hear them!

I’m finally getting a haircut today. Every couple months, I let my hair grow out because I want to be able to get braids again. At some point, I remember - I don’t like doing my hair. So I cut it off again. It’s an endless cycle at this point 😂 maybe I’ll just buy a braided wig 😂😂😂

Aside from that, I plan to work on sponsored videos & RELAX.

What about you? What do you have planned? Let me know!

03/02/2022

Alexa, play “Time Machine”.

These kids really think they can just GROW UP, huh? Like… where did they get that idea from?!

Do you ever look at baby pictures of your kids (or nieces and nephews) and seriously wonder where the time went?! I feel like I blinked and now he’s about to start school. Enough already! 😫

20/12/2021

Swim, Dezzy! Swim! 🙌🏾

If you would have told me 3 months ago that my son who hates getting his head wet would be excitedly putting his whole head underwater AND jumping into the pool in less than a month, I would not have believed you! But that is exactly what has happened thanks to !

The staff at has been phenomenal! Dezzy looks forward to swim lessons every week and we have seen so much progress not only in his water acclimation but also in his self-confidence!

If you have a British Swim School near you, they are truly the best option for swim lessons - for both kids AND adults!

I’m so proud of Dezzy for facing his fears & having fun while doing it! When’s the last time YOU fearlessly did something? Let me know in the comments!

14/11/2021

Good things are happening to me.

I will let them happen. I will not self sabotage.

I am deserving of good things - and not just because I am hardworking.

I was deserving of this life before I was even born.

My goals scare me a little and now I know - that’s what they’re supposed to do.

I deserve happiness.
I deserve fulfillment.
I deserve security.

I am deserving of every good thing that is coming to me.

I don’t know who else this is for… but if it’s you, say these affirmations to yourself daily until you believe them ❤️

Be kind to yourself today and always.

05/11/2021

🎉🎉I WROTE MY FIRST EBOOK!!🎉🎉

I am so glad this day is finally here, but if I’m honest, I NEVER thought it would. You see- I worked on this project for a year, off and on. To be honest, I completely gave up on it at one point. Imposter syndrome told me I didn’t have anything of value to share and for months, I listened. But in the last couple weeks, I realized that my perspective on career coaching needs to be heard- and so… I finished the book! 🙌🏾

This book has everything! (Stefan from SNL voice 😂) No seriously- “Your Resume is Bae” is my Resume Workshop + career mindset coaching calls written out in book form. It’s basically two coaching calls crammed into a book 😂 It’s 40 pages packed full of information with workbook pages included for you to practice your writing. I wish I had this book 4 years ago when I was fired from my job and had no clue how job applications work.

The book is not cheap - because the information isn’t cheap. 💁🏾‍♀️ This is everything I’ve learned about career mindset, resume writing, and job applications over the last 4 years. EVERYTHING!

Currently, the book is on sale! That’s right - I’m giving y’all $100 off for the next 24 hours. The discount has already been applied. Check it out or purchase one for someone you love.

Thank you all for continuing to support me and my brand. I would have never finished this book without an audience who needs to read it. ❤️

The link to purchase is in my bio!

01/11/2021

Happy Monday & HAPPY NOVEMBER! The BEST month of the year! 👀🥰

Desmond is a whole Halloween ham. Every time someone commented on his costume, he would say “TO INFINITY AND BEYOOOOND” 😂. My neighborhood is quite new - most of the houses were built in the last 12-18 months so this was the first real Halloween this neighborhood has seen - AND IT WAS A WHOLE BLOCK PARTY! 🙌🏾 There was a DJ out there! I was so surprised at how lit my neighbors are! As you can see, I decorated our door like a mummy. Next year, we’re going all out! 👍🏾

One more thing - a neighbor asked me “so are you Mrs. Potato-head or are you some character from Toy Story?” and I had no clue how to even answer that 😂🤦🏾‍♀️🤷🏾‍♀️

How was your Halloween? Did you or your kids wear costumes? Any funny stories? Let me know in the comments!

22/10/2021

On this , I’m reminiscing on the day I married my soulmate.

And now, we are building a beautiful life together.

We’re putting in the work every day to make marriage work.

In no way is our life perfect (I can’t emphasize this enough - no marriage is perfect‼️ We’re FAR from it lol) but waking up every morning & choosing each other day after day, sacrificing our own comfort to support each other, and being intentional with our time - these are the most perfect things we can do for each other.

I would choose you again & again ❤️

20/10/2021

If you found this post to be helpful, please share it!

Of course, I will always advocate for having a professional revamp your resume. Here are a few tips for how to take your resume to the next level on your own, though.

Need more help? Schedule a discovery call with me! The link is in my bio.

18/10/2021

It’s official, y’all - Dezzy is a starfish! 😍⭐️🐠

Recently, Dezzy started swim lessons at British Swim School () and our experience has been overwhelmingly positive! Dezzy’s teacher, Ms. Brooklyn is so gentle and made Dezzy feel comfortable and supported before he even got into the pool. I was nervous about him because Dezzy can be anxious around certain people, but he warmed up to Ms. Brooklyn immediately and was engaged for the whole session!

provides curriculum-based swimming lessons to everyone from infants and toddlers to school-age children and adults! Their 9 swim levels cover water acclimation, water survival, and stroke development.

I’m so excited to watch Dezzy’s water survival and swimming skills develop over time! 😍

Did you get swim lessons as a child?! Let me know in the comments!

17/10/2021

Happy Sunday!

I was that person in school who took the lead on every project. Anybody else?! 🙋🏾‍♀️ In adulthood, that has manifested as me being captain of team DTM (Doing Too Much 😂). I have been experiencing burnout like crazy, y’all and something’s got to give.

Last week, I had a health scare (I’m fine now) and I realized if I don’t practice what I preach, honoring my boundaries and setting aside meaningful time for myself, I won’t be around to see this munchkin grow up. 😳

That realization hit me like a ton of bricks. You only need one moment of clarity to whip yourself into shape and I got mine.

So the next day, I immediately switched to a plant-based diet and contacted my doctor. I refuse to play around with my life - not when I have a baby boy who’s counting on me.

I implore you, whoever you are, don’t wait for the health scare to start making healthy decisions - whatever that means for you.

What healthy decisions have you made recently? Or what healthy decisions have you been putting off? Be honest - I won’t bite!

✊🏾

05/10/2021

If ADHD was a broken arm, you would never tell someone “you’re just making excuses”. You would say “give yourself grace. Don’t overexert yourself”.

If generalized anxiety was appendicitis, you would never tell someone to “get over it”. You would send flowers and get well soon cards.

If depression was the flu, you would never call someone lazy because they just can’t seem to get out of the bed, no matter how hard they try. You would show them so much compassion. You would even bring them soup.

Well, I’ve never broken a bone.
I’ve never even had the flu.
But I currently suffer with multiple mental illnesses.

And I’m here today during Mental Illness Awareness Week to advocate for people like me who always look ok but some days - we would love some soup & a card too.

If you’re comfortable sharing your experience (either your own or a loved one) with mental illness, my comments & DMs are safe spaces. ❤️

03/10/2021

Every Sunday, I make my family breakfast in the most obnoxious yet beautiful way possible.

Like seriously- There are only 3 of us. Whyyyy am I making breakfast boards?! And why do I take so many pictures of my food?! 😅 Because I can, because it makes me happy, because I am EXTRA, and because I don’t need a reason! 😜🙌🏾

Do you have any daily or weekly family traditions? Let me hear ‘em!

30/09/2021

To be fair, I already knew I was over this pediatric dentist office because, in rush hour, it’s a 45 minute drive from our new house. Ain’t nobody got time for that! 😂 But I couldn’t have imagined the disappointing turn of events that would leave me wanting to transfer Desmond’s dental records the same day.

Desmond has been going to the dentist since he was 9 months old. Two days ago, I took Desmond to the dentist. I had to step outside the room while the x-rays were being taken. I tried to insist the x-rays be taken on a later day because Dezzy’s anxiety was already rising, but the staff insisted that everything would be fine and I didn’t put up a fight.

I guess I regret not being more demanding.

My child cried and I didn’t step in for fear of “making a scene”. When they finished, I ran in to console my child and refused to speak to the staff.

It’s hard to think of that day and not feel a deep sense of regret. But in a weird way, I think it was meant to be. Immediately after that experience, I transferred Desmond to a “new” dentist - I say “new” because he’s actually the same dentist Desmond started with exactly 4 years ago who left that practice to start his own. And guess where the new practice is?! 5 minutes from our new home. 🙌🏾😍

Honestly, I do still regret not doing more in that moment… but the story has a happy ending! I’m overjoyed that Desmond will have his old dentist back. And I don’t believe in coincidences - everything about this switch feels God ordained.

29/09/2021

Today is the one year anniversary of the day I started getting intentional about creating useful, impactful, and entertaining content on IG! This is the first photo I posted that day. I’m forever grateful to (or Auntie Bridgette as Dez calls her) for taking my photos! I started with 890 followers. I was stuck for a LONG TIME! I could never get to 900! 😩

For the first 2 months, I posted at least once (sometimes twice) a day. DAILY! Lol

I have posted more than 100 reels in a year.

Through all of February and most of March, I posted a reel every single day.

I batch record. I study content. I am not a night person, but I sit up late some nights watching reels, taking notes, learning about trends, and planning my content. I battle imposter syndrome, I’ve got an anxiety disorder, and my attention span is short but I somehow manage to show up for my community day in & day out. ❤️🥰 You all keep me going & I’m grateful for you!

Ok - Now for the fruits of my labor:

I have had a reel posted to The Shade Room,

I have earned $4500 for brand partnerships this year,

AND I have gained almost 8000 followers in a year!

The only person I compare myself to is the Alicia I was last year - and I know I am KILLIN IT! 🙌🏾❤️

If you needed motivation to start something, here it is. I wrote this strategically - because I wanted to show you that if you want the results, you have to put in a LOT of work.

⭐️ What has been your favorite thing about following me? What content do you love? What do you want to see more of? Let me know! ⭐️

21/09/2021

[AD] Dezzy feels happiest when he knows he's safe! Just look at that big smile! 😍

In 2018, of all the children ages 0-12 involved in fatal car accidents, 33% were not restrained. As for my family, we buckle up every single time we're in the car, and when we're traveling in Northern Virginia, we love the Express Lanes () because they make travel faster and more predictable.

Here are 3 tips for traveling safely on the roads with kids 🚗:

(1) Use the proper safety restraint - car seats, booster seats, or just seat belts - make sure you make the right choice based on the size and weight of your child. That's it. That's the first tip 😂
(2) Keep your eyes on the road regardless of what's happening in the backseat. If need be, find a safe spot to pull over.
(3) Use the child lock feature to ensure kids can't open the car doors while the car is in motion.

How do YOU ensure the safety of your family in the car? Let me know in the comments!

And don’t forget to visit https://drivingwillpower.com, provided by Transurban – operator of our local 495, 95 and 395 Express Lanes.

19/09/2021

This is not my usual post.

I’ve had a couple friends pass away unexpectedly this year. People in their 30s and 40s. Outlived by parents, grandparents, aunts/uncles. Leaving behind young children. My heart always aches for the kids.

I don’t know or need to know the reasons. What I do know is that each one makes me evaluate my own choices & every time, I say “I need to get serious about my health.”

And I don’t know who this is for, but YOU need to get serious about YOUR health too.

We already know what we need to do. & Life is way too short.

And while you’re working on your health, don’t put off telling your loved ones how much you love them and are proud of them. Today is somebody’s last day on Earth. ❤️
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12/09/2021

We should all aspire to chill as hard as Dezzy 😍

On a scale from 0 to Dezzy, how relaxing was your weekend? 😂 Let me know in the comments!
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06/09/2021

We do it all for you.

And every smile, every hug, every giggle, every “I love you, Mommy/Daddy”…

…they are reminders that we are right where God wants us to be.

Even on our most challenging days, you remind us how blessed we are to have you. Parenting is never easy, but you make it feel worthwhile.

Even in the mundane moments, you make me so proud to be your mom. You make every day magical.
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❤️

01/09/2021

Hi! I’m Alicia & I am a joy chaser. I’m addicted to happiness, even when it isn’t my own.

Two weeks ago, I took Desmond to the beach. Now, listen y’all- I am NOT an outdoorsy person. (It’s mostly the bugs’ fault 😩) But Desmond had been asking to go to the beach for weeks.

So I put my own comfort aside and granted him his wish.

When I tell y’all DEZZY👏🏾 GOT👏🏾 HIS👏🏾 WHOLE👏🏾 LIFE👏🏾 that day!!

I may have been sitting on my towel, uncomfortably swatting away bugs I couldn’t identify, but Dezzy had an amazing day!

When you have kids, there is no greater joy than seeing them happy. And yes- even in my discomfort, I too had an amazing time watching my sonshine enjoy his beach day.

What’s the last thing you did for someone else that brought you joy? Meet me in the comments. ❤️

🌎💙

26/08/2021

Some of my closest friends started as coworkers.

I’ve had coworkers over at my home.

I’ve traveled with coworkers.

I’ve shared deeply personal information with coworkers.

I’m sorry if your coworkers have been disappointing, but I’ve been blessed to have a few amazing ones through the years who have become my dear friends.

How do you feel about befriending coworkers? Do you have any friends who started as coworkers?

02/08/2021

Happy Monday!

Can I brag on my husband for a minute?!

He was laid off in November because of COVID & immediately started working in program management for his sister’s business.

He applied for jobs and was desired by 2 companies. When the recruiter told the one company that he was entertaining an offer from another one, they made him a counter offer the next day.

He took that offer & was hired May 3rd as a 60-90 day temp to hire. Less than 2 weeks later, he taught himself to use new software & was efficiently doing the job of multiple people. Management noticed & hired him FT before May was even over! He’s on track to be promoted in the next 6-9 months.

He doesn’t spend a lot of time bragging about himself. He is intelligent & hardworking and at the end of the day, he does it all for his family. Antoine, we see you and we are so proud of you!

Who are you proud of? And when was the last time you told them?! Do it today 🥰🙌🏾

25/07/2021

I took 2 days off last week so I’ve been having fun & loving life for the last 4 days. Even though Desmond won’t stop drinking pool water 🤦🏾‍♀️🙄 weekends like this make me dread the thought of going to work on Monday morning.

How’s your weekend going? Here’s hoping it’s so good you’re considering calling out sick tomorrow 😅

15/07/2021

Nobody:
Me as a kid: STAND OUT?! Be unique?! FOR WHY?! 😅

As a kid, all I wanted to do was to blend in. I was so different & I hated it. I wanted to be, to act, to look, to dress, to express myself EXACTLY like “everybody else”.

I DO NOT want this life for my son. I want him to be his own person. I hope he will always be proud of his uniqueness. The right friends will find him. He doesn’t need to try to impress people. He DEFINITELY doesn’t need to try to be popular.

Tell me something about yourself as a child. Were you shy? Did you have a strong sense of self? Were you good at making friends? Did you want to fit in or stand out? Were you more of a “loner”? Let me know in the comments!

11/07/2021

Affirmations and thoughts for this week:

❤️I spread love & light everywhere I go.

❤️The love that I pour out is being returned to me 100 fold.

❤️I am a positive, empowering force in the world.

Friends- Support is a verb. This week, let’s all focus on supporting the people we love. How can we show support? Send a “just thinking about you” text message. Buy a friend her morning coffee. Call a friend and pray with them. Text your sibling or friend that you’re proud of them.

Be the light that you want to see in the world 🥰 How are you supporting the people you love? Let me know in the comments!

09/07/2021

Happy Friday! My bestie & her mom brought Chinese food over for lunch. I stuffed my face & then proceeded to eat a whole pint of Ben & Jerry’s 😅 (hey- I thought this was a judgment free zone! 🤣🤣)

So… needless to say, I’m not all that hungry for dinner. I’ve got a frozen pizza from in the oven for Dezzy. If he’s happy, I’m happy!

What are you having for Friday night dinner? Does your family order takeout on Fridays? We usually order from pizza! Let me know in the comments what you’re having for dinner tonight!

28/06/2021

I am learning that parenthood is a journey and not just in the obvious ways.

One thing nobody told me is that you may need to change course with your parenting from time to time. Every child is different and requires different types of support to thrive.

Recently, for a few reasons, my husband and I have had to change course. It’s anxiety inducing because I can only hope that my new methods will work. It’s rewarding when those methods DO work. It’s challenging to completely alter your parenting philosophy and unlearn everything you thought you knew about parenting.

It’s growth. I’m learning a lot about myself and my child… and I’m seeing positive changes in both of us. 🥰

Happy Monday, friends! What’s something you’ve done recently that you’re proud of? Let me know in the comments.

22/05/2021

Saturdays are for...

Snuggles and sleeping in.

Warm blankets and fuzzy slippers.

We hustled so hard all week. Here’s your friendly reminder to seek peace, honor your boundaries, and find joy in the simplest things today- however that looks for you.

How are you spending your Saturday?

17/05/2021

Happy Monday! Here are a few positive affirmations for you:

✨I will walk confidently into this new week remembering that God didn’t bring me this far just to bring me this far.

✨I am on the receiving end of great blessings.

✨Future me & generations to come will benefit from the sacrifices I am making right now.

—

What are you affirming for yourself this week?

15/05/2021

I’m the one who makes sure everyone is good before I get mine.

I’m the mom who refuses to eat before her child.

It’s the only way I know to be. It’s also very draining.

I don’t want to neglect my own self-care, but sometimes, that feels like the only option.

I know that I have a lot of self work to do. Work that is necessary for my mental & physical health.

I don’t have all the answers - but I know that choosing to love on myself in small doses like serve myself a beautiful breakfast on a Saturday morning... that’s a start.

How are you showing yourself love today?

13/05/2021

I am proud to be a millennial parent. We are breaking generational curses... but sometimes those curses try to sneak back in.

Desmond wet through his pull-up last night. He cried and screamed from the time he got out of bed until after his shower. I knew that asking or telling him to stop crying would only make the situation worse. And I thought - WHY do I want him to stop crying? Isn’t a little bit of crying good for us? So I just supported him through it.

After wrapping him in his towel, I sat down on the floor with him and just held him. Several minutes later, I felt him start relax into me and breathe normally. He broke the silence with “Mommy, I’m sorry for crying”. Quickly, I told him “it’s always ok to cry. You were scared and feeling uncomfortable because you were wet. You don’t need to apologize for crying. It’s ok to cry”

And just as quickly as I said that, I thought “aren’t you making your son soft? Won’t he be teased for crying? Are other boys his age being taught to cry or are they going to make fun of him?!”

You see, those things that were ingrained in my brothers from a young age have also been ingrained in me. But the cycle ends here - and if my son wants to cry, he can cry.

What were you all taught about boys crying when you were kids? How do you feel about boys crying now? This is a judgment free zone! Meet me in the comments!

09/05/2021

Thank you to the boy who made me a mom.

This morning, he’s been full of “no” and “I don’t want to” 🙄 but underneath that is a sweet, loving, thoughtful, intelligent, hilarious boy who makes my life better even on the hard days. I am so grateful for him and excited to see what every day with him will bring.

I also want to say Happy Mother’s Day to all the mothers, grandmothers, aunties, soon-to-be mothers, people who were abandoned by their mothers, people who have lost their mothers, and to the women with a deep desire to become mothers.

God loves you & so do I 🥰 Have an amazing day!

29/04/2021

How do you feel about the saying “choose a job you love and you’ll never have to work a day in your life”? Let me know!

Here’s my take:

I don’t care how much you love it, it’s still work! The work is either painful or it’s enjoyable but it’s work. If you slack off, you’re not going to reap the same rewards you would if you work hard.

I was up until after midnight last night doing work that I love... but it was WORK 😫 Lol! So I never understand when people say that. Is it just me?!

SN: the movers brought our boxes today so the island looks NOTHING like this right now 😫 I have to remind myself that it’s going to take time (and money) to organize everything just the way I want. Here’s to giving myself grace & enjoying the process 🥰

25/04/2021

I think the last time I took a nap, I was pregnant... about 5 years ago. Well, I napped today. I am in this mental space where I’m doing whatever my body tells me it needs. I love it here.

Kids & spouses need attention.

Work needs to get done.

But if you don’t take care of yourself long enough, your body will remind you what’s really important. And when it does, it isn’t pretty.

Take care of yourself before it’s too late!

Sincerely, Recovering From Burnout

20/04/2021

I held my breath & cried tears of joy listening to the verdict being read.

3 guilty verdicts is a great start, but for every act of justice, how many acts of injustice are occurring, even now? Injustices that we don’t hear about?

I want to live in a world where I’m not worried my Black son can become another hashtag.

Another statistic.

I don’t have the answers. I just know that we still live in a world where another George Floyd can be murdered tomorrow. We will continue this vicious, deadly cycle until real change happens.

Still- This was a good start. I am hugging my baby tight today.

13/04/2021

He’s my SON-shine on a cloudy day 😍☀️

As much as I joke about this toddler phase, I am so grateful every day that God chose me to be his mom.

My favorite thing about being a mom is hearing the unexpected things out of my son’s mouth. I laugh so much at the silly and often clever things he says.

Moms- what’s your favorite thing about being a mom? Let me know in the comments.