10 Most-Beautiful Finalist: Alicia Wilson

Age: 23

Occupation: owner of Pure Boutique

Background: Joy lives in Battlefield and is married to Jay Wilson with one son, Payden Wilson. She’s originally from Willard.

Tell us why you love 417-land:

I love 417-land because of the people. After traveling all over the U.S. and meeting so many people, there’s nothing like coming home to 417-land, where people respect you and care about you. I grew up here and love the fact that we are all trying to grow as a city. I absolutely love it when my family goes out to dinner, and we come home with new friends every time. There’s nothing better than being around great people every day.

Tell us about your community involvement and volunteering. (Please tell us what organizations you’re involved in, what you do to participate and how long you’ve been doing it.)

I just got involved this past year in helping students at Missouri State University. I help out in the fashion department with the visual merchandisers. When I opened my boutique, I wanted to give back somehow, so I contacted the fashion department. After a few e-mails, I was able to let the students use our store as their hands-on project. It has been extremely successful since we started back in October.

What makes your community involvement worthwhile?

I am involved with these students because I know that when you’re living in the Midwest, there aren’t a lot of places to get experience with fashion. I figured this would be a great place to start. The students have never been able to get actual hands-on experience, and now we are able to allow them that opportunity.

Hobbies (Go ahead; list them all! And tell us why you love them.)

Oh boy, there are so many things. Absolute No. 1 is being with my family. After becoming a mom, your focus changes. I love to go on trips with my husband and son. I love walking outside and working out with my husband. We also love to go to Kansas City Chiefs game, even though it’s been tough. Once a fan, always a fan. I also really enjoy learning more and more about fashion. Also, you can never forget spending time with friends. I have the best friends anyone can ask for. My husband and I also enjoy the lake any chance we get.

What’s something that might surprise us about you? (Or a story you love to tell.)

I think what is most surprising about me is when people find out I’m only 23 and never attended college, but now I own my own boutique. When people learn that I never attended college, they are quite shocked. I don’t see it as shocking. I see myself as a role model for anyone out there. If you work hard, you can achieve your goals and never give up. There are always opportunities out there.