How I Go Columbia: Fashion Week founder Alicia Zeigler

At age 3, New York native Alicia Zeigler was signed and working as a model through the Sunshine Talent Agency in Manhattan and modeling for clients such as Bradlees, Mrs. Butterworth, Teddy Ruxpin, Sesame Street and more.

At 24, Zeigler started Fortress Fashion Shows and organized her first fashion show for Sistercare of Columbia. Through the process, she was inspired to found FFS Model and Talent Agency in Columbia. In that role, Zeigler assists more than 90 working actors and models and regularly appears as a fashion commentator on a local television station. She has been named one of Columbia’s 25 Most Stylish People every year since 2011, one of Columbia’s 10 Most Fascinating People in 2012 and a Top 30 Most Influential Women in Columbia.

In 2012, Zeigler and a network of fashion professionals established Columbia Style Week, an event that brought the city its first five-day fashion week. Now renamed Columbia Fashion Week, the event is growing each year. This year’s event is Tuesday, June 21 through Saturday, June 25.

EAT: My favorite place to eat is definitely Solstice Kitchen on Sparkleberry. Their shrimp and grits are so delicious, and the customer service of the staff is always top-notch. For desserts and coffee, I always find myself at Nonnah’s on Gervais. Ms. Maggie (Groff) and the team there are the best at baking the most rich and amazing pastries. They also have hosted several events for Columbia Fashion Week for us, and we always enjoy eating and throwing parties there.

DRINK: My little brother Luther and I love to meet at Michael’s Cafe and Catering on Main Street and sit outside and share a mimosa pitcher. It’s a beautiful place to people-watch and catch up.

PLAY: At heart, I am a big kid. I love to take my nieces and nephews to Frankie’s Fun Park off Harbison. We ride the bumper boats, do laser tag and play video games until the kids are exhausted. The time I spend with my nephew Aaron at Frankie’s is literally among the happiest of my life. We always have a blast.

SEE: My friend Filip Risteski owns the Capital Club on Gervais. They have a drag brunch there that is awesome. I love to go and watch the drag shows and look at the amazing hair and makeup and handmade gowns on the drag performers. They are so talented.

LISTEN: The Township is my favorite place to go and enjoy a concert. The last one I went to was K Michelle with my best friend, Latasha, and we had a blast. Aundrai Holloman and The Township staff are always welcoming and accommodating. It’s definitely my favorite place to take in a concert.

This story was originally published June 14, 2016 at 4:23 PM with the headline "How I Go Columbia: Fashion Week founder Alicia Zeigler."