While working with interior design and event clients over the past 13 years as a business owner, I noticed there were wellness problems not being addressed in the corporate world. I looked for a product to recommend because I’m passionate about wellness and I couldn’t find one, so I created one. The Peak provides wellness solutions for the workplace utilizing technology, local experts and custom programming. Our passion is being a champion of wellness and our purpose is to help organizations reduce healthcare costs while improving employee satisfaction, well-being and engagement.
More about Alicia:
1. What is the mission of The Peak?
Our mission is to provide a variety of easy and effective solutions for elevating wellness in the workplace.
2. You just built a new app. What problem does it solve?
We are in the process of creating our app which will provide workplace wellness solutions that are easy to use and readily accessible for both managers and employees; a one-source resource covering wellness solutions for the whole person, not just the body.
3. What are some unexpected tech challenges that you overcame?
The research and development to find a qualified technology partner has been a challenge. Our team wanted someone who could listen to our unsaid needs and fill in the gaps that we were unaware of.
4. How are you marketing the app?
We hired a business strategy firm and a marketing consultant to assist us with our marketing roll-out plans, and we have been shopping marketing activation teams to assist us with the global marketing roll-out.
5. What are your plans for growth over the next year?
We plan on continually expanding our solutions manual, connecting with additional experts locally and globally, and creating new technology interfaces.
6. Who are some of your female mentors?
Kristen Cooper is definitely a new-found mentor of mine! Her group leadership and access to knowledge and resources over the past year have been an amazing help to me. I’ve also had the privilege of interacting with several savvy business woman who have provided nuggets of mentoring guidance along the way.
7. What book helped you succeed in your business and why?
I prefer reading research articles and statistical data more than books. I love to study what is working and not working, and what findings drive other businesses forward. This method has helped me to pivot when necessary and move forward.
8. What are some of the specific challenges you have faced as a women of color who owns a company? How did you overcome them?
Not only am I a WOC business owner, I am a very young woman business owner. I started my first business at 23, which puts me in another minority bracket. The way I see it, we all face some sort of labeling in life from others. Being judged for any of the labels that others give us is not an easy thing.
I drive my ideas and passion forward, not focusing on those that don’t wish me the best. With this in my sights, I choose to face challenges with hope and determination.
9. What advice do you have for other women thinking about starting up a company?
Find an idea that you want to champion, test the business idea and be brave through the changes that naturally will come your way. Many are unforeseen, and chances are you haven’t read a book on how to maneuver them.
10. How have The Startup Ladies helped you grow?
By far, The Startup Ladies has helped me grow my new business by exposing me to practical and applicable knowledge of the tech world. As well, it has allowed me to gain realistic scaling expectations for my other business, The AE Experience.
Connect: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aliciamckoy
Website: www.letspeak.us/
