We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Allison LaGuardia a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Allison with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
As I reflect on the values that shaped my character, one person stands out more than any other – my mother. Growing up, she instilled in me the importance of a strong work ethic, and it’s a lesson that has stuck with me to this day.
I didn’t grow up with the luxury of having my heart’s desires handed to me. If I wanted something, whether it was the coolest new brand or lunch out with my friends, my mother made it clear that she was not paying for it. I remember in 7th grade I wanted a phone in my room. My Mom would not just buy that for me, but I was too young to work. So I remember getting the girl scout cookie brochure and you could win prizes the more you sold and I busted my butt to earn the prize that was a phone. She couldn’t say no when I won it!
Looking back, I can now fully appreciate the wisdom behind her approach. Rather than simply buying me whatever I asked for, she forced me to learn the value of hard work and delayed gratification. My friend and I would rake leaves for neighbor just so that we could walk downtown to buy ourselves lunch because we knew our Moms weren’t going to give handouts like that. My friend remembers it to this day too!
In a world that often prizes instant gratification and entitlement, my mother’s approach feels increasingly rare and valuable. She understood that the true value of the things we possess lies not just in their material worth, but in the effort we’ve put in to acquire them. By teaching me this essential lesson, she has given me a gift that will continue to serve me throughout my life.
As I look to the future, I hope to pass on this same wisdom to the next generation. I want my children to know the pride and satisfaction that comes from earning their own way, and to never take for granted the things they’ve worked hard to achieve. It’s a legacy I’m honored to carry forward, thanks to the example set by my Mom.
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?
I run a media agency for small to mid size consumer brands. I have been in advertising my whole career and when I launched my own business almost 10 years ago, I never looked back. I love the mission of helping founders and newly launched brands find affordable and meaningful advertising that will help them scale and grow. Many brands hire a digital agency, an Amazon agency, an Out of Home agency, a social agency etc. We solve the headache by being one agency that is one point of contact for a Marketing Director. We’ve learned over the years, that time and effort saved allows the brand to really concentrate on the overall marketing rather than micro managing all different agencies. I love what I do and I love talking to new people. I’m working on a new podcast to help amplify these brand founder voices even further.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Networking Skills are number one. I always tell the next generation to keep building your network. Talk to everyone, be seen, go out and introduce yourself.
Number 2- Always be learning. Watch webinars, Youtube how to’s, attend seminars, take certification tests and quizzes etc. Increasing your skillset will also help you recognize what you enjoy doing and what you don’t.
Number 3- Be true to yourself. Work in a field you enjoy doing the job you enjoy. If you are an introvert, you probably won’t like sales. If you are an extrovert, you probably won’t enjoy independent work trapped at a desk. Really get to know yourself and be happy in your journey.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
We are always looking to expand and partner with like companies. A lot of our business comes from creative agencies who don’t do media buying but we can collaborate together with the holistic mission the client is trying to accomplish. Same with branding agencies and PR agencies. I am always happy to give referrals and I love helping people in the industry. I’m a full believer in good karma and there is enough business for everyone in this world.
Contact Info:
- Website: www,allmediaboutique.com
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allison-laguardia1/
Image Credits
Image 1- Allure Best of Beauty Event with client, Zoya
Image 2- Charlotte Tilbury and Rachel Zoe at Fashion Week Event
Image 3- With client, HASK at the Makeup and Hairstylists Awards in Beverly Hills
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
