Meet Allyson Tapley

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Allyson Tapley. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Allyson below.

Allyson , appreciate you making time for us and sharing your wisdom with the community. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others overcame obstacles can be helpful. One of those struggles is keeping creativity alive despite all the stresses, challenges and problems we might be dealing with. How do you keep your creativity alive?

I keep my creativity alive by constantly doing the things that light me up: makeup, dance, and storytelling. Makeup isn’t just my job—it’s my canvas, my way of bringing art into everyday life. Each face tells a different story, and I get to help people feel beautiful and confident in their own skin.

Dance keeps me playful and connected to my body. It reminds me not to take things too seriously and to stay in tune with joy. And then there’s Mannie the Dancing Mammoth—my children’s book project that combines all the fun, whimsy, and movement I love. Mannie has helped me tap into my inner child and dream even bigger.

But I’ve also learned that staying creative doesn’t mean creating all the time. Sometimes the most important thing I can do for my creativity is step away from it—take a nap, go for a walk, or just let myself be. Rest is part of the process. It gives me space to refill my cup so I can come back to my art with fresh eyes and a full heart.

Whether I’m blending eyeshadow, busting a move, or writing about a dancing mammoth, I try to lead with passion, purpose, and a little sparkle—and I honor the quiet moments too, because that’s where the magic often begins.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

In a dimmed-lit room with the tune of “Material Girl” blaring by Madonna, I twirled, jumped, kicked, and made up my own intuitive moves. I was a natural-born choreographer at the ripe age of six years old. Synchronizing physical movement with music wasn’t enough—I had to have the look as well. It was not unusual to see me in the brightest neon clothing available and the flashiest eyeshadow known to man. Innocently, I envisioned myself on the stage and performing like an expert.

A few years later, my mom would get the inkling that I needed formal dance instruction, and I was placed in my very first dance class. What might have been a mere curiosity for many was a way of life for me. I was soon in unlimited dance classes throughout the week. It was no small feat either. I can hardly believe my mom was able to financially afford bottomless dance classes on her modest income. Because of this opportunity, I became a technically astute dancer, able to perform a pirouette, a triple, a bent-kneed jeté to a straight-legged swan. I knew that technique doesn’t always make a dancer great—passion must be the driving force. Wherever that ‘passion’ comes from, one must use it to further their craft.

As a dance teaching artist, choreographer, and educator, I grew to love applying makeup and doing hair for different shows, competitions, and recitals. Intertwining my two passions has been a lifelong goal of mine.

My most recent project, which will launch soon, is my very first children’s book, Mannie the Dancing Mammoth—a joyful, imaginative story that celebrates the magic of Mammoth Lakes, California, and encourages children to follow their dreams with heart and courage. It’s been a dream come true to blend dance, creativity, and storytelling into something meaningful for the next generation.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, I’d say the three most impactful qualities in my journey have been passion, adaptability, and empathy.

Passion has been my fuel. Whether I was dancing as a child to Madonna or blending makeup for a theater production, I was always guided by joy and a genuine love for what I was doing. Passion is what keeps you going on the hard days, and it’s what makes your work feel like play.

Adaptability has helped me grow through every season—shifting from dancer to choreographer, then embracing makeup artistry, and now writing a children’s book. Life is never a straight line, especially for creatives. The more you’re open to trying new things and learning from each experience, the more doors you’ll open. Be willing to evolve, pivot (like a dancer) and stretch beyond your comfort zone.

Empathy might sound soft, but it’s been a secret superpower. Whether I’m working with students, clients in the makeup chair, or young readers of Mannie the Dancing Mammoth, connecting with people’s emotions and stories has always been at the heart of what I do. Developing empathy just means listening more, being present, and remembering we all want to be seen and understood.

Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?

Without a doubt—my mom. She has been the heart behind so much of my journey. From the moment she saw me twirling around the living room in neon clothes and glittery eyeshadow, she supported every wild, creative dream I had. Even when finances were tight, she found a way to get me into dance classes, to nurture my passion, and to show me that dreams are worth chasing—even when they feel big or out of reach.

My family as a whole has always cheered me on through every creative twist and turn, from dance performances to makeup artistry to now writing Mannie the Dancing Mammoth. They’ve never once asked me to “be realistic”—instead, they’ve made space for me to be imaginative, bold, and a little bit magical.

And I have to give love to my fun, creative friends—those fabulous souls who dream just as big and aren’t afraid to get a little glittery with it. Surrounding myself with people who believe in art, expression, and the beauty of doing things differently has kept me inspired and grounded. We hype each other up, push each other to grow, and always make room for joy in the process.

That community—family, friends, and fierce support—has made all the difference.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.allysonmarieco.net/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allyson.marie.co/

Image Credits

Brandon Russell/Mammoth Lakes-based destination wedding photographer/
https://www.instagram.com/minaretphoto/