We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Alison Masson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alison, so many exciting things to discuss, we can’t wait. Thanks for joining us and we appreciate you sharing your wisdom with our readers. So, maybe we can start by discussing optimism and where your optimism comes from?
This is a great question! My nickname is “Mrs. Positivity.” My glass is always half full and I can find the positivity in any given situation. No matter how bad things get, or how many roadblocks are put in my path, I am able to remain optimistic. I think my parents have a lot to do with this, and my family life. I was raised by two loving parents who taught my sister and I ethics, values, the difference between right and wrong… I think that all that factors in. I also like to surround myself with positive people and strive to bring others up, which helps keep me up in return.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I’m a rock journalist with a clothing line. I run an online store called Metal Babe Mayhem that sells rock n’ roll clothing, jewelry, and accessories worldwide. We have 30+ unique designs on tank tops, loose fit women’s shirts, V-necks, men’s t-shirts, hoodies, leggings, tote bags, etc. In addition, the line consists of hand-made guitar pick necklaces, earrings, and guitar parts jewelry. We also carry officially licensed band merch from Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Metallica, AC/DC, Motörhead, and more.
I also have been writing professionally since 2008, and currently write interviews and reviews for an online and print magazine called Highwire Daze.
What I think is the most special about Metal Babe Mayhem is that I created a community of people from all walks of the earth worldwide who are united by our love for Music and Fashion. This love has bound a group of us together by blood! Literally, there are a dozen (and counting) people who have tattooed some form of MBM on their bodies for life! I am forever honored and grateful to those in our community, who believe in me and MBM, and to those who have joined the “tattoo club!”
I would like your readers to know that anyone can be a “Metal Babe,” regardless of age, race, or s*x. As a small business, I have personal interactions with every customer and ensure satisfaction with their orders. I am always here to assist as needed and love to bring people up, using my positivity, and any way I know how.
We can do custom orders! If you see something you like and you would like it in a different color or style, just reach out and I will see what I can do to make that happen! I just want you all to look and feel good! We are all Metal Babes!
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Ambitious Proactive
Resourceful
My advice for someone early in their journey is to be ambitious. Figure out what you want and how to get it. Be proactive. Don’t wait for things to happen. You need to make them happen. Don’t do what is ‘easy.’ If it was easy everyone would do it. Be Resourceful. If you can’t figure out how to do what you need, find someone who can. There are unlimited resources available. You just need to look. You will be able to keep moving forward If you are able to utilize these three qualities.
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
Of course, many things are out of our control, but what we can control are our priorities. I was on a plane about three years ago heading to see family in Washington state. I was proud of myself because I had all my to do lists with me and was crossing off items, consolidating, and throwing pieces of paper away. The person sitting next to me (Andrew) politely asked if those were my to do lists. I said “yes, do you think I am crazy?” He said “no, but I think I can help you.”
He was in the army and has taught classes on “bullet journals.” I had never heard of this before. He actually had an empty journal he gave me, and he helped set it up for me on the flight. I have now gone through four bullet journals and continue to stay organized and prioritize with a bullet journal, all because I was in the right place at the right time. I strongly recommend this to anyone who has a lot on their plate and is continuously multi-tasking. (Just Google it or watch YouTube videos on it.) It’s basically a journal where you choose the day/time you want to do things and gives you the reward of crossing off the bullet when you are done.
When I do get overwhelmed, I step away from everything and go for a walk.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.metalbabemayhem.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/metalbabemayhem/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MetalBabeMayhem
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/metalbabemayhem
- Other: https://bio.site/MetalBabeMayhem
Image Credits
Ken Drucker Photo Main Event Photographer HMU Wendy Morgan Dent
