A Piece of Allyson's Story
Meet Allyson, a full time student, part time bridal consultant, avid traveler and lifestyle blogger! She has big dreams of working in a big time fashion house. With many things to juggle, Allyson is always on the go. Thanks for sharing your story with us Allyson!
WHAT ARE YOU UP TO RIGHT NOW? ARE YOU IN SCHOOL, WORKING?
I am currently a full time student going into my senior year at Grand Valley State University in Allendale, Michigan. I am studying Hospitality and Tourism Management with an emphasis in event management with big dreams of becoming an event planner. While in school, I work part time as a bridal stylist at Bianka Bridal in downtown Grand Rapids. Through this job, my love for the bridal fashion industry was developed and has truly flourished. Last Fall, I had the opportunity to attend New York Bridal Fashion Week with my Bianka Bridal girls and ever since I have dreamed of becoming a Fashion Week event coordinator.
WERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN 5 YEARS FROM NOW?
Five years from now I see myself working full time for a fashion house planning events throughout the year, like launch parties and even Fashion Week. I love being able to show my creativity with events, and fashion week is truly where that can come alive. I would also love to see my blog, A Touch Of Tulle, grow and be a full time blogger, continuing to document my favorite things in life (fashion, travel, day to day happenings).
HOW DO YOU FIND BALANCE BETWEEN BEING IN COLLEGE, HAVING A JOB, BLOGGING, AS WELL AS A SOCIAL LIFE?
I sometimes feel like my life runs at 150 miles per hour every day, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. Being busy keeps me sane. For school, I try to have all of my classes on just Monday’s and Wednesday’s. They tend to be longer days, usually starting around 8am and ending around 9pm, but it works for me because I then have more time during the week to work and see my friends. I work at Bianka Bridal at least three days a week, but my coworkers are all my best friends so it never really feels like work. We basically get to play dress up with some of the most beautiful gowns and accessories all the time. Since writing has always been one of my passions, I try to set time aside for blogging whenever I can. Whether it’s in between classes, before or after work, or late at night when I should be fast asleep. I also plan ahead for several posts so that I know exactly what days I will need off, and what exactly I will be doing/wearing. As for my social life, I try my best to have time for my friends during the week when I am not in class or working and on the weekends. We love to grab coffee or even go to the Downtown Market for a quick bite to eat and catch up. Any chance I get to spend time with them I do!
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO START YOUR BLOG A TOUCH OF TULLE? WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF HAVING A BLOG?
Like I mentioned before, writing has always been one of my biggest passions. I considered pursuing a degree in Journalism or English Literature early on in school, but I decided that having my own blog was a better choice. I can write what I want, when I want and I love it. I love sharing with my friends and family my favorite things of my life, including my everyday style, travels abroad, and my lifestyle. I recently began creating my own tulle skirts and showcasing them on my blog, so I would say that my favorite part would be the support and connection I receive from my readers. Each day, I want to learn and grow more as a blogger and young designer and my readers definitely encourage that passion.Though I have experienced many struggles throughout my life, from my parent’s ugly divorce when I was in junior high and high school, to unforeseen set backs with things like school and my health, I continue to stay strong and trust that God has a set plan for me. From time to time, I will have those little breakdowns, but I know how to pick myself up and move on. I also know that I have amazing friends and family that have my back at any given moment, which keep me feeling strong and fiercely ready to take on the world.
WHAT ARE YOUR TOP FOUR PERSONALITY TRAITS AND WHY
DREAMER: As a kid, I was constantly daydreaming; my family called it “Ally Land.” But it was mainly just me trying to make my perfect world a reality. Now, as an almost-college-graduate, I still find myself daydreaming, but for completely different things. I dream about having the perfect job someday, the perfect family, and the perfect life traveling the world. I know that with hard work, I can make those dreams come true, and that’s exactly what I plan to do.
COMPASSIONATE: I’m a very emotional person naturally, so I tend to be the most compassionate person in any situation. From something as simple as giving to those in need, to trying to help and understand the heartache that a close friend is enduring. I always try to put myself in someone else's shoes, and treat people the way I would want to be treated if I were in their same situation. I was taught that kindness is key and I try to throw it around like confetti.
LOYAL: I am loyal to myself first and foremost. I remain true to my personal values and beliefs even in the most difficult situations. I am also loyal to my family. My brother and my dad are two of the best people in my life. I would do absolutely anything for them, just as they would for me. I am also loyal to my friends and boyfriend of several years. I would do anything for them. Often, I am the shoulder to cry on or the ear that listens to many of my closest friends and I would not have it any other way. I consider myself very loyal, and I know that the people in my life do as well!
STRONG: Though I have experienced many struggles throughout my life, from my parent’s ugly divorce when I was in junior high and high school, to unforeseen set backs with things like school and my health, I continue to stay strong and trust that God has a set plan for me. From time to time, I will have those little breakdowns, but I know how to pick myself up and move on. I also know that I have amazing friends and family that have my back at any given moment, which keep me feeling strong and fiercely ready to take on the world.
SO YOU SAY THAT YOU ARE A DREAMER, WHAT ARE YOUR BIGGEST DREAMS AND ASPIRATIONS?
My biggest dream is to simply live a happy life. Working with events truly brings joy to my life, so I want to work as an event planner for a high end fashion house or bridal fashion designer. I want to be the person behind the scenes of the parties and the fashion shows making everything come alive. I love to be creative and I also love organizing things so I feel that fashion is the perfect medium for that! Another one of my aspirations is to be able to travel the world on my own time. I have always had a desire to explore, and I want the same for my future.
WHAT KEEPS YOU MOTIVATED? IS THERE SOMETHING IN PARTICULAR THAT KEEPS YOU GOING?
My future self is who keeps me motivated. I want to be a better me every single day, so my role model is actually me in ten years. She is someone who has her life together and is happy and that is who I aspire to be. Once I reach that age, my next role model is me in ten more years. This idea causes me to stay focused and motivated in reaching higher for my goals for myself every single day.
IT APPEARS THAT YOU ARE CURRENTLY IN EUROPE - WHAT ARE YOU DOING OVER THERE?
Like I said before, I am in love with traveling so any time I get the chance to be experience new cultures, I take it. As a GVSU student, I was given the opportunity to travel to the south of France and work the Cannes Film Festival to learn more about high profile events. I had such an amazing time getting to know more about the events industry, as well as networking with individuals in the film industry as well. I even got to walk the red carpet with a few celebrities! After the festival, I returned to one of my favorite cities, Paris, for a few days, and then enjoyed exploring Malága, Spain with one of my best friends.
