Rah Ali wears many hats, or ought to we are saying sneakers? It’s possible you’ll keep in mind her from her days on “Love & Hip Hop,” however the mother of two has expanded her model since then. She is the founder and CEO of OnSite! Media — a preferred media platform delivering headline-worthy information with witty and cheeky commentary. Her candid interview collection Sited With Rah Ali has been an extension of her presence within the journalism area. Most not too long ago, she opened an elegant breakfast and brunch spot in Miami that mixes meals, vibes, and luxurious. And that’s not all, Rah Ali does all of it in a heel.
Referred to as a stiletto knowledgeable with styling roots, she stays invested within the style trade via her model ambassadorship and The Stiletto Group. She at all times says, “You possibly can shut a six-figure deal in a four-inch heel.” We spoke to the blooming magnificence about being the final word businesswoman, her rising model, and the inspiration behind her drive.
HelloBeautiful: Lots of followers know you from actuality TV, however you’ve reinvented your self through the years right into a pressure within the media world. Inform me about making that transition and what impressed it?
Rah Ali: Actuality TV was a second — and I’ll by no means downplay it as a result of it launched me to so many individuals. However I at all times knew I had extra to supply. I’ve at all times been a hustler. However earlier than the cameras, I used to be already working behind the scenes. I began out helping trade veterans Harve Pierre and Phil Robinson, and that gave me an actual crash course in leisure and enterprise. That have lit the fireplace, and I transitioned into entrepreneurship. I began out in my early 20s with my boutique, Bourgeoisie, in Harlem. I used to be supplying high-end sneakers to celebs and each fly woman uptown… even the fellas knew to come back to me in the event that they needed to impress their woman. That very same drive by no means left me. Getting into media with Onsite! simply felt like a pure extension of my voice.
HB: How has the media world welcomed you? Or not?
Rah Ali: Whew! It’s been a mixture. Some individuals rolled out the crimson carpet, others rolled their eyes. However that’s life. I don’t search for validation I search for impression. It’s Onsite! didn’t simply sneak into the media area, we kicked the door open. I respect those who’ve supported me, and I nonetheless transfer with grace towards those who didn’t. Both method, I’m right here to remain.
HB: How have you ever established your self as a Black lady in media? Inform me about your varied platforms. How do you are feeling in regards to the growth in podcasts, and so forth?
Rah Ali: As a Black lady in media, the usual is totally different. It’s a must to be two steps forward, twice as constant, and ten occasions extra intentional. I’ve at all times had a foot on this area — I began with a dwell radio present streamed on Stationhead and YouTube, then launched On The Opposite, which is at the moment on pause. That opened the door for SITED w/ Rah Ali, my latest solo enterprise the place I get to talk on tradition, present occasions, and deeper matters.
I’ve Onsite! which has grown into a significant media platform, and now Onsite! Africa, which I’m extraordinarily pleased with. I’ve been spending time in Africa, constructing relationships with influencers, creatives, and public figures, creating actual partnerships that transcend posts. That form of cross-cultural growth issues to me.
As for podcasts? I really like what it’s completed for storytelling. You don’t want a gatekeeper to validate your voice anymore.
HB: Inform me about your private model. As a curvy lady, what model suggestions do you reside by?
Rah Ali: My model is structured, assured, and tailor-made to me. I don’t observe developments — I create form, stability, and vitality with what works for my physique. For curvy girls, I at all times say: don’t disguise your physique, honor it. Discover your silhouette and spend money on tailor. Additionally? Heels. At all times heels.
HB: What makes you a stiletto knowledgeable?
Rah Ali: As a result of stilettos constructed me. Actually. I constructed my first enterprise round high-end footwear and styled among the greatest names in leisure. I perceive the development, the designer intent, the wearability, and the way a shoe transforms your vitality. I wasn’t simply promoting sneakers, I used to be promoting confidence.
HB: False impression about you, you need individuals to know in any other case?
Rah Ali: Folks suppose I’m imply or combative, I get it, actuality TV gave that impression. However I’m extraordinarily nurturing and constant. I simply don’t play about my enterprise, my household, or my peace. I’m passionate, not problematic.
HB: You might be finally a businesswoman. Inform me about your day-to-day in terms of operating your companies and being an entrepreneur.
Rah Ali: My day begins early, emails, technique conferences, checking analytics, manufacturing planning for SITED, managing employees, closing offers… and nonetheless being current for my two lovely daughters and husband. It’s nonstop, but it surely’s purpose-driven. I’m not simply constructing companies I’m constructing a legacy. However don’t get me flawed, I even have a fantastic staff behind me.
HB: Would you do actuality TV once more? If that’s the case, what kind of present?
Rah Ali: That’s at all times the million-dollar query! Look — I by no means say by no means. But it surely must make sense. I’m not in the identical area I used to be again then. The drama, the chaos it simply doesn’t match my life anymore. I’m a profitable businesswoman, a mom, a spouse. If I had been to do actuality once more, it will must align with who I’m now — one thing elevated, entrepreneurial, and significant.
Rah Ali Is A Rising Voice In Media, Right here’s How She’s Constructing Her Empire
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