M.Y. Network with Alissa Nichole

I have never been the type of woman who knows how to really style an outfit. I’ve created a wardrobe with classic items, and a few “flairs” to make me stand out – but that’s about it. I’ve also been known to hold onto clothes for way too long because they have some sentimental value.

Last year when I met Alissa Nichole through a mutual friend, Danielle Fontus, I knew I needed her services. Before I even knew what she did in the creative world – I could sense that she had something special that I needed in my own life. Alissa came to my home and helped me completely streamline my wardrobe using existing items. We went through every last piece of clothing I owned and found new combinations that suited my style. We also came up with a few items that would be great to add to a wish list at a later date – and tossed/donated anything that didn’t go with my current style or needed to be retired.

It was really a refreshing experience to work with a stylist and not be pressured to spend tons of money or get harshly criticized for your own poor fashion decisions. She’s truly a gem.

NAME + WHAT DO YOU DO?

Alissa Nichole, self-described free spirited go-getter. This fall, I was laid off from my job in corporate America as a Web Producer due to a company merger. Most people would be upset, but I look at this as a blessing… now I have more time to establish myself as a personal/fashion stylist (alissanichole.com) and globe trotter/rebel/accessories designer/maker (glorijoy.com).

5 YEARS AGO, WHERE DID YOU YOU IMAGINE THAT YOU WOULD BE TODAY?

5 years ago, I imagined that I would be comfortable. Comfortable in the sense that I was ok with routine… going to a 9-5 every day, coming home or going to happy hour/networking event/party, wash, rinse, repeat. And I’m not saying that it’s a bad life… but it’s just not for me. After having different experiences… helping with selling at pop up shops, hosting my own pop up shops and stoop sales, volunteering, working as an intern stylist at photoshoots, interacting with people and making new friends through traveling, I saw that those were the things I wanted more of… and it also gave me a chance to realize what my strengths and weaknesses were.

WHAT IS YOUR SECRET TO KEEPING IT ALL TOGETHER?

Wine. Just kidding. My secret to keeping it all together is remember that I can’t do everything and honestly, that some things are just not. my. problem. I check in with myself. Every morning, I ask, “what can I do today?” If it’s something I’m capable of doing (meaning I have the mental capacity), I’ll do it. Sometimes you don’t have the mental capacity to do certain things on certain days (again, because you can’t do everything and some things just aren’t your problem)… and that’s not bad. It doesn’t make you weak. It just is what it is. I keep it all together by remembering that.

WHAT’S YOUR MOST VALUABLE TOOL THAT YOU USE DAILY?

Two things… my intuition and my creativity.

When it comes to my intuition, if something doesn’t feel right, I don’t do it. Plain and simple. I can usually figure out which clients I’ll have a great relationship with or which opportunities are best for me just by being in tune with myself. As for creativity… it’s underrated when it comes to problem-solving. Not everything has to be logical and scientific. The best solutions are sometimes the most outlandish.

WHO’S YOUR BIGGEST INFLUENCE?

My biggest influence has been my family. I come from a creative, forward-thinking family… my grandmother was a seamstress and my mom got me into computers and technology (in addition to making jewelry). On top of this, no one in my family ever made me feel like my creative path was wrong or bad and that I should do something more “practical”… and I appreciate that. Travel has also greatly influenced me… I love learning about and experiencing different cultures. I’ve had a lot of people “just pass through” my life, whether I’m traveling somewhere or whether someone is coming to visit the states and each and every single one of those people have given me the gift of further appreciating (and sparking greater curiosity about) all that life has to offer.

IF SOMEONE WANTED TO DO EXACTLY WHAT YOU DO, WHAT WOULD YOUR BIGGEST PIECE OF ADVICE BE?

Learn as much as you can. Ask questions. Do your research. But the most important part is JUST DO IT. You can read all the self-help books in the world, watch all the TED Talks, participate in all the webinars and sit around with your crew, talking business all day long… and you think you’re being proactive but you’re really just prolonging. Just start the damn project.

DO YOU STILL GET SCARED SOMETIMES WHEN YOU THINK ABOUT THE VISION YOU HAVE FOR YOUR LIFE?

I’ve been debating on whether or not I should publicly state this… but I’m scared every day! Ok, maybe I shouldn’t say scared but I would say I’m extremely future focused. I have wild, crazy and big dreams and ideas… my mind is ALWAYS going and a lot of the time I’m just sitting over here like, “wow… how is this ever going to happen?!” The thing is, I push through that fear and wondering about the unknown. Nothing gets done if you let your fear eat you alive.

FUN FACT ABOUT YOURSELF:

I was a contestant on Where in The World is Carmen Sandiego. Travel was a big fantasy of mine as a kid… now I have a few stamps in my passport and I’m looking forward to many more. Proof that if you can dream it, you can do it!

You can follow Alissa on her website, Facebook, and Instagram.