Let Me Reintroduce Myself (+rebrand)

I thought it was time to reintroduce myself for those who've been here a while and to say hello to anyone new.

Hello, I’m Alicia Maude. I’m 29, currently living in Harrogate with my parents and siblings, though I’m originally from Leicester. I’m single, still figuring things out, and honestly? I have no idea what I’m doing with life but I’m learning as I go.

The past two years have been incredibly tough. I faced sexual harassment, workplace bullying, and was ultimately made redundant, all while genuinely loving my job. It might sound strange, but I truly did. I loved the team I worked with (aside from the person who harassed me and the manager who bullied me). I loved the work itself, and for the first time, I felt like I had found my space, my passion.

I was deeply committed, always getting in early, making sure everything was ready, ensuring everyone had what they needed. So when the business began to unravel before my eyes, it felt like a part of me was unraveling too. I considered these people my friends, even family. But as things grew darker and more toxic, it became clear that it was no longer a healthy place to be. I did everything I could to help turn things around, but in December 2024, I was made redundant.

It shattered me.

I had never lost a job before. I had never loved a job so much. And now I was faced with the question: What next?

The entire industry was in decline. Companies were collapsing. Redundancies were everywhere. I was helping my family financially, and suddenly, I felt overwhelmed with guilt. I blamed myself. I felt like I wasn’t good enough.

But as people reminded me, redundancy isn't the same as being fired. I wasn't let go because I failed. I was good at what I did. There just wasn’t a job left for me.

Still, the uncertainty was heavy. I was in a dark place. I had been earning £50k, and I had no idea how I would find a role like that again.

Now, I’m in a new job. It’s not something I love, but it pays the bills, for now. The salary isn’t what it used to be, but it's a start.

Those pictures above were all work related.

I hopped on the ChatGPT bandwagon and created a doll version of myself, this is it! I want this doll to represent who I am, what I do, and everything I strive for. I’m hoping it becomes a true success.

The Laptop Symbol: My Blog Journey

I started my blog back in March 2018, during a difficult time in my life. I was unwell, uncertain about what the future held, and searching for a way to express myself. Writing became that outlet, a space where I could share my passions and open up about my health journey. It’s been a rollercoaster ever since.

Recently, my blog turned seven. To mark the milestone, I decided to give it a fresh look. I went for bright blue and pink tones with a funky logo, trying to embody this idea of a "cool blogger." But as time passed, I realised that aesthetic didn’t reflect who I truly am. So, I went back to the drawing board and chose something that feels more authentic to me: a sleek black and grey theme with a mix of bold and elegant fonts.

In terms of content, I’ve also made some changes. I used to aim for three posts a week, one beauty, one fashion, and one lifestyle. But that schedule started to feel like too much. Fashion isn’t really inspiring me at the moment, and I’ve learned not to force it. Now, I’m committing to four posts a week; Monday being beauty, Friday being lifestyle, Sunday being Lush bath bomb and then Wednesday. Wednesday could be about beauty, lifestyle, or even fashion if the mood strikes but I’m no longer pressuring myself to stick to a rigid structure.

I am on 190 Instagram followers, 32 TikTok followers and in June I hit 1,547 views on the blog that month.

The Red Bag Symbol: New Opportunity

I joined FM World a couple of years ago and really enjoyed the products, but over time I realised the structure just wasn’t the right fit for me. When a few of the ladies made the move to FARMASI, I decided to look into it and it instantly felt like the right place for me.

What I love about FARMASI is that you don’t need a huge following, a massive friend list, or a big team to be successful. The support system is incredible. I’ve never felt more welcomed or empowered, this team truly lifts each other up. That said, it’s not all sugarcoated; they offer real, constructive feedback because they genuinely want to see you grow and succeed and I want that for myself too.

As for the products, I’ve been seriously impressed. It’s been a while since I finished a foundation I actually loved, but the FARMASI VFX PRO Camera Ready Foundation completely won me over and I’ve already run out!

If you’re curious to learn more about the brand or want to chat about my experience, feel free to reach out via Instagram or email. Honestly, it’s something you’ll want to check out.

You can go visit the site: www.farmasi.co.uk/beautybyaliciamaude/

The Jewellery Bag Symbol: My New Business

I can’t believe this moment is finally here; my new baby, my business, the next chapter of my journey. To be honest, this has been a dream of mine for years, and now it’s becoming a reality. I’m beyond excited for everything that’s coming: the new launches, the growth, and the chance to turn my story into a real success.

I have big dreams for this brand. I envision having my own office or studio where I can welcome clients and create custom pieces. I’m even exploring the idea of taking the brand on tour - yes, it’s something I’m seriously looking into. One day, I’d love to collaborate with an influencer on a collection, too.

I’ve never been one to stay in the box. My ideas are bold, extravagant, and completely true to who I am and I know I’m going to make them happen.

You can go visit my site: https://thenextchapteruk.com

The Passport Symbol: My Travels

I want to travel more, explore more of America, dive deeper into Scandinavia. I absolutely love traveling, everything about it. From boarding the flight to snapping that signature passport photo, even watching Friends on my iPad at the airport, it's all part of a routine that brings me so much peace.

I need to get back out there. We have a family holiday coming up, which I’m really looking forward to, but I’m also craving a solo trip. Just me, the open skies, and a new adventure.

The Food Symbols: Traveling The World Through My Tastebuds

I’m eager to return to the food industry, but I’m not quite sure where to begin or which direction to take. My passion for food and drink runs deep so much so that I often try new dishes even when they include ingredients I shouldn’t eat, like gluten or dairy, simply because I can’t resist the experience.

How I’ll re-enter the industry is still uncertain. Whether it’s working in a café or restaurant, writing a cookbook, or designing menus for venues, I just know that I want to be involved with food again. It’s where my heart truly is.

Missing Symbol: Closing A Chapter

There's a missing symbol; a candle or a flower diffuser, something to mark the end of a chapter.

After six years, I’ve made the difficult decision to close my home fragrance business, Maude & Noah. This journey has taught me so much, about business, about myself, and about the importance of community, something I’ve often felt the absence of.

Maude & Noah was a labour of love, and I truly loved it. But over time, life got busier, and I found myself not in the right headspace to give it the care and attention it deserved. As a result, the business naturally came to a close.

The website is now offline, but I’ve kept the social media accounts active. Any remaining products can still be purchased through my new business site https://thenextchapteruk.com/collections/maude-noah-outlet once they’re gone, they’re gone.

Thank you for being part of this journey.