HUSTLETTE: Allyson Leak

I'm excited to introduce HUSTLETTE. HUSTLETTE has been in the making of my mind for sometime now. I promised career related information, and this is just one of more exciting additions to come to A Woman'$ Worth. Though you will see information on how to successfully climb the rungs of the corporate ladder, I'm a big believer in entrepreneurship. Having said that, HUSTLETTE will feature women who love blogs, loves to blog and does for a passionate purpose. HUSTELTTE will also go through the wire, beyond her words and into her world. That's right. We're going to get all up in her business literally! We'll find out what gives her joy, what puts her on edge and, of course, we'll find out how she makes money for herself, tips to help you do the same and so much more!

You may have seen her on Run's House working with Angela Simmons to launch Angela Simmons' Rundown, a magazine created during a season of the show. Or, perhaps you've read her words while flipping through the pages of Hype Hair magazine. Maybe you've seen celebrities like recording artist and actress Alicia Keys in some of her amazing jewelry creations. Our first HUSTLETTE, Allyson Leak, editor, entrepreneur and blogger, is doing big things. Today, we chat with Allyson about her womens empowerment blog, and take a tour into her world and find out why her life is so fabulous. Enjoy.

AWW: SHE-Blogs has become one of my absolute favorite destinations on the Internet. I’m always inspired by your words and the people you interview. What inspired you to create SHE-Blogs.com?

Ally: After writing a gazillion articles for magazines I knew that I wanted to have a blog. I wanted to create a blog that would impact the lives of women in a positive way. I have been blessed to know that my purpose here is to help others. She-blogs is an inspirational blog filled with empowering interviews, articles, and reviews. We are living in crazy times and I just wanted people to be able to go to a place that could help to uplift their spirit.

AWW: What do you hope your reader will take from SHE-Blogs?

Ally: I hope that a She-blogs reader will feel motivated and excited about her life after reading the blog. I hope that she will realize that there isn’t anything that she can’t accomplish. I also hope that she will learn or have a better understanding about the importance of balance through a healthy lifestyle, meditation, and treating others well.

AWW: What is the SHE-blogs Unity Movement?

Ally: The SHE-blogs Unity Movement is something that I am currently still developing. I am taking my time because I want to do it right. It will basically be a group of women who network, support each other, and who will also come together to figure out ways to give back to others.

AWW: You’re also an up and coming jewelry designer with your own company. Tell us a little about Ally Marie Couture?

Ally: I have wanted my own fashion company for a long time so I decided to launch my first jewelry line in late 2007. I literally just decided I wanted to do it, went to the bead store on 34th street in New York, and started designing. Through trial and error and a lot of beads all over the floor, I created my first line in two weeks without any formal training. I like to call the line unique, wearable art, because it is classy but each piece is very versatile. I can wear all of my pieces dressed up or dressed down ;). I also wanted to make timeless pieces that would last a long time. Each piece is handmade by me and I usually use precious stones, sterling silver, and swarovski crystals.


Actress Lisa Arrindell Anderson (Madea's Family Reunion, Disappearing Acts) wearing Ally Marie's Crystal Chandelier Necklace, $325

AWW: Tell us one thing that was critical in the launch of Ally Marie Couture?

Ally: I am a perfectionist so it was critical before I launched for me to have a professional looking website, logo, inventory, and to incorporate my business. I actually launched 6 months after I planned to just because I wanted everything to be perfect.


AWW: When did you first fall in love with jewelry and clothes?

Ally: When I was a little girl. My grandmother was like a glamour queen. I remember that she used to get all dressed up in her fur and jewels to go to events with my grandfather and after she would leave I would go in her room and try on all of her heels, jewelry, and whatever else I could get my hands on. I’ve always loved fashion.

AWW: Do you have a deeper love for one over the other?

Ally: LOL. Well right now I love jewelry and accessories more. That’s probably because that’s my design focus right now.

AWW: Are you currently working on a line of clothes, or will be in the future?

Ally: Well since I have been suffering from designing clothing withdrawal, I am going to make some cute summer dresses to sell. But, they won’t be on my jewelry site. I will probably just post them at the top my blog for people to see or sell them at my “Traveling Boutique” shopping party that I just launched. The traveling boutique is the perfect intimate shopping experience. Someone plans a party and we bring the boutique setting right to your house, apartment, dorm etc.

AWW: With just $100 how would you style a boho chic who has to attend a semi-formal charity benefit, but loathes the idea of having to step out in anything that compromises her unique vintage style?

Ally: I would suggest that she stick with her vintage theme but just change the era. I would suggest that she wear a roaring 20’s flapper inspired black dress. That way she can still look vintage and stand out but be very chic at the same time.

AWW: In addition to President and CEO of Ally Marie Couture, you’re also an editor for Hype Hair magazine. What’s a typical day in the life of a magazine editor like?

Ally: Well, I usually do the same things every day just in a different order. I wake up around 10 ish (also depends on what time I went to sleep) and the first thing that I do is check my email account. I respond to the most important emails, then I usually have a business call(sometimes a meeting in person) either for something jewelry related or a blog interview. After that I usually do administrative things like filing receipts, invoices, organizing new business cards, and updating my to do list. After meetings and email I usually start working on a blog post. If I have a jewelry order from my site I will also work on that right away because I like to mail the jewels out the next day. So I basically do a gazillion things.

AWW: What is the most important financial business lesson you’ve learned so far?

Ally: Starting a business is so expensive. I have learned to have self-control with money. I never splurge on anything (lol) because I need to use my money for materials, events, and marketing. Organization is the key to keeping your finances in order. When you are a jewelry designer it is especially important to keep track of what you are spending on materials and what your making on sales.

AWW: What financial advice would you give to those who may also be interested in starting their own fashion or jewelry line?

Ally: You should start saving slowly once you realize that you want to start your own business. There is no guarantee that you will get a grant or investor right away so it is always best to be your own backup. Save for six months, create a business timeline and to do list and start.

AWW: What’s the best advice you can offer to someone who wants to explore the possibility of entrepreneurship?

Ally: I think that you should get a mentor or talk to someone who already has their own business just to gather as many different opinions as you can. I say that because being an entrepreneur is not easy at all and you have to have the heart and the drive for it or you will want to give up every time someone tells you no and they will tell you no. But all the great no’s lead to the right yes…everything happens for a reason.

AWW: How do you stay fit and fabulous with such a busy life as an editor and entrepreneur?

Ally: Ya know I think all the running around I do keeps me fit. But I eat really healthy. I don’t eat dairy, fast food, and barely eat meat. When I do eat meat it is never red meat or pork. I try to eat something green everyday, I drink lots of water and incorporate walnuts and fruits daily. I actually am going to start jogging as soon as the weather breaks.

AWW: What gives your soul energy?

Ally: That’s a great question! My spiritual belief system gives my soul energy. Without it, I would be lost. I am careful about the people I am around, the things I watch, and the things I listen to because I know everything impacts your body and spirit. I read a lot and love to journal about my life.

AWW: Can you tell us your thoughts on the importance of dreaming?

Ally: I think it is so important to have dreams and aspirations. I think it’s even more important to work towards making those dreams become a reality. If you were to leave this earth tomorrow can you look back and say that you lived out the greatest version of the greatest vision you ever imagined? That is something I read in a book called conversations with God and it is a good question to ask yourself.

You can visit Ally's blog at SHE-blogs.com, and her website at AllyMarie.com