Meet Alison Harmon

We were lucky to catch up with Alison Harmon recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alison, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.

I found my purpose by thinking about what I love and what I enjoy. I thought to myeslf, what is something that I do naturally and consistently? I found my purpose in high school. I defined my purpose in college. I always had a passion for entertainment: To make people smile, laugh and gain excitement to face everyday challenges. In high school a lot of my activities were centered around leadership roles. I found myself still in leadership positions by my 3rd year in college. I wanted to combine my skill (Acting) and excitement for the entertainment business and thought of the idea to start my own production company. At this moment I brainstormed ideas to create a business that would be entertaining, educational and uplifting. It was in 2015 when I stepped into my purpose as a leader, CEO, entertainer and an educator. I came up with the business name and the mission statement: Uplifted Talent and Productions- UTAP: To uplift and educate through the arts!

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?

One thing you might know about me by now is that I love the arts and I love people! I completed my BA at William Paterson University with a major in communications and a concentration in theater! I am focused on training and helping people to find their passion and their gift through acting and public speaking classes. Some people are looking to move into the entertainment field professionally as actors, while others just want the confidence to speak to a crowd about their business or express their thoughts verbally. This is my specialty. It’s what I love and it’s what I do. The best feeling is to assist someone else in reaching their goal/passion using the arts: Acting/Public Speaking. I have worked with so many people that have shared their success stories after completing the UTAP classes and or workshops! I am currently in the pre-production stage of a new original musical expected to release in 2025. This will give previous UTAP clients as well as others looking to perform on stage a chance to audition and be cast in an original musical production. I am happy to provide opportunities to collaborate with other people and organizations to fulfill the mission of UTAP: To uplift and educate through the arts!

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

An important quality to have is persistence. It will get difficult and tough at times and some things you have very little control over. With changes in your day-to-day job, changes in your body, changes within your family dynamic you must stay persistent if you really want to reach your goal. Having the knowledge of “self” is important. You must take time to pay attention to yourself and your needs. There will be times to speed up and slow down and you must know yourself to know how to pivot. As life continues you grow stronger, wiser and more skilled. Sharpening your skills is important. There is always room to grow and to learn from others. With every step you take and every level achieve, just know that if you are still breathing there is another level to reach. Stay persistent, know yourself and keep sharpening your skills to take you to the next level! Let’s Go!

What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?

The most impactful thing my parents did for me was they taught me how to pray, they encouraged me, and they showed me what leadership looks like by being a living example. No one is perfect. No one gets everything right; however, my parents sure came close. Having a relationship with God is important! My parents taught me that early in life. Matthew 25:25 says “And I was afraid, and went and hid your talent in the ground. Look, there you have what is yours.” Although this parable talks specifically about money, I believe God gave every single person a talent and a gift. What are you doing with yours? Do you even know what your talents and gifts are? That’s why I started UTAP! To encourage people to tap into their talent and their gift. My approach is through acting and public speaking however your gift is unique to you! My parents always allowed me the opportunities to try new sports, travel to new places, meet new people and to get an education. They challenged me and supported me in following my dreams by asking me questions to make me think deeper and beyond the surface of my original thoughts. My mom and dad were both an example of what I define as successful and happy. I am the product of the years of hard work they have put in. This is why I work hard. Please remember you must do the work. I am so grateful and blessed to have my parents as a guide. Who is that someone for you?

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