Don’t be Afraid to Put Yourself Out There

Our profile this week is with quite a powerhouse. We feature the brain behind Invitation Consultants. CEO Allison Demeulder has been growing her very successful invitation business since her early 20s. She has some great lessons to share about how to manage a young family while growing a brand. Allison learned early on the importance of not being afraid to put her business (and herself) out there. It’s advice we love.

Name: Allison Demeulder      

Business Name: Invitation Consultants

Business URL: www.invitationconsultants.com

Where are you from: NYC/Miami Beach

Where do you live now: Tampa, FL

HappyCrawlers (aka kids with ages): Matt 8, Pat 8 and Nat 2

HC: Tell us about how your business fulfills you and your dreams. 

Allison: My business has been a huge part of my life for the past 12 years. I basically have grown up with it, because I started it in my early 20’s. It teaches me so much about life, myself and people.

HC: Tell us about your lifelong dream.

Allison: My lifelong dream was to be an entertainment lawyer. After a stint at a law firm, I decided to re-find my lifelong dream. Somehow paper and entrepreneurship seemed like a delicious combination.

HC: We definitely agree with you!

HC: Most difficult obstacle you had to overcome to do what you love?

Allison: Becoming well known in the industry takes rejection and not being afraid to put yourself out there. I still work at it everyday but it’s becoming easier.

HC: Advice to others who might find themselves in similar situations?

Allison: Keep persevering and “don’t stop believing” in what you do and why you do it. Make sure there is a sense of purpose.

HC: What’s the most rewarding aspect of your professional life?

Allison: Working with amazingly gentle, creative, kind and dedicated people everyday. And of course seeing the finished product of designs and customer orders.

HC: How do you balance family and work?

Allison: Seriously, with my Kate Spade paper planner.

HC: What motivates you to work harder?

Allison: My kids motivate me because at the end of each day they ask me what I accomplished that day and I better be ready to give them a stellar answer.

HC: Tell us about a role model in your life?

Allison: My husband hands down. He is the smartest person I have ever met. He sees things so logically and inspires to me to look at things analytically before taking it too seriously.

HC: Tell me about a role model who you have yet to meet?

Allison: Ashton Kutcher would be someone I would like to have lunch with and talk techy with. I get much of my tech news from him and one day would like to invest in startups the way he does. I would love to help others build their business.

HC: Favorite story about a little happy crawler (aka kid)?

Allison: One of my sons came into the office a few years ago when he was only 5 and said (super loud), “Mommy who are you firing today?” I was not firing anyone; however, I do think that the people who heard became alarmed.

HC: Too cute!

Is there someone who motivates and inspires you? Who would you like to see profiled on the HappyCrawlers’ blog? Email us at: hello@HappyCrawlers.com with your recommendations. Happy travels!