06. Alyssa Rose and Her LLC
Hello everyone, and welcome back! I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday, filled with cherished moments spent with your loved ones. During the break, I spent much time reflecting on my journey thus far, I couldn't help but feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude. I wanted to take a moment to express my appreciation for the business opportunities I have been blessed with, and for the fact that I get to do what I love every day. This journey has allowed me to connect with incredible individuals who have become lifelong friends and mentors. The support and guidance I have received from those around me has been instrumental in shaping both my personal and professional development. It struck me how far I've come, and how my path has been shaped by a multitude of highs and lows. Today, I'd like to share some of these reflections with all of you.
To start, I wasn't always certain that Interior Design would be the career path I would take. I faced discouragement from others early on when I first spoke of the possible decision. However, even at a young age, I knew for sure that I wanted to own my own business. Witnessing my now late grandfather start up and run his own business was a valuable experience for me. His extreme passion for his work left a mark on my heart. Seeing my father then inherit the business and witnessing him surpass my grandfather's achievements further ignited my entrepreneurial spirit. It has been a great pleasure to watch him exceed expectations and develop a profound love for his owned business.
To retract even further, right out of high school, I attended Cal Lutheran with the possible idea of becoming an architect—an aspiration my grandfather had hoped for me. However, I soon realized that my passion lies elsewhere, away from the confines of an office or a desk. Personally, I thrive when I'm out in the field. It became clear to me that pursuing a career primarily as a white-collar professional wasn't aligned with my true desires. Thus, my time at Cal Lutheran was short-lived, and during my second semester, I made the decision to transfer to Moorpark Community College. My intention was to acquire a better understanding of what it was that I truly wanted.
While at Moorpark, I diligently completed my general education requirements, taking the opportunity to explore various subjects and discover my true passions. I realized that it was essential to follow my dreams and create a path that felt authentic to me, regardless of outside influences. And so, with newfound clarity and determination, I made the decision to transfer to the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising, affectionately known as FIDM. This choice felt like a natural fit for me as it allowed me to combine my love for artistic expression, creativity, and a hands-on approach.
During my time as a student at FIDM, I never was able to study on campus due to Covid restrictions, though my experience with FIDM was nothing short of amazing. Despite the challenges, the professors were incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about the craft as they were all from the field of interior design. They imparted important information in every class, and I was constantly amazed by the wealth of knowledge they possessed. Despite the virtual setting, I felt engaged and connected to the material. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to earn my degree in Professional Art in Interior Design with FIDM. It has provided me with a solid foundation for my career.
Below are a few of my hand drawn perspectives and AutoCAD work while in school.
Come December 2021, I had completed all courses and graduated from FIDM. During this time, I found myself reflecting on the possible challenges and triumphs of starting my own business. It was a time marked by nerves, excitement, and a relentless desire to make my mark in the industry. The initial stages of launching my business were a whirlwind of activity. I poured my heart, soul, and resources into building a solid foundation for my venture. From creating an appealing website to designing merchandise, crafting business cards, and more, every step carried both a sense of anticipation and apprehension. However, as the saying goes, "Rome wasn't built in a day." I soon discovered that the hardest part of entrepreneurship lay not in the physical aspects of establishing a business, but rather in the process of building a clientele. It was a moment of realization that left me both pondering my next steps and searching for innovative approaches to attract customers.
Despite the initial challenges, I was fortunate to have a supportive network of friends and family who believed in my vision. Their unwavering support extended beyond simply wearing my merchandise; it catalyzed a grassroots movement of word-of-mouth advertising that I underestimated at first. Slowly but surely, I began to witness the power of this grassroots support as my clientele grew.
While building clientele remains an ongoing endeavor, I have learned valuable lessons along the way. The significance of establishing a loyal customer base cannot be overstated. It becomes the foundation upon which a successful business thrives.
As I look towards the future, I am grateful for the challenges I have faced, the nervousness, the financial investments, and the countless hours of hard work that all taught me valuable lessons. Lessons on perseverance and the importance of cultivating strong relationships. I can now proudly say that the Alyssa Rose Interiors brand is no longer just a reflection of my vision; it symbolizes the collective support and belief of those who surround me.
If you would like to represent Alyssa Rose Interiors, please do not be afraid to reach out to me via instagram or text me directly. All your support truly means the world. Thank you!
All my love,
Alyssa Rose Hamann