Meet Allison Lara

We were lucky to catch up with Allison Lara recently and have shared our conversation below.

Allison, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.

From an early age, building my confidence and self-esteem was a priority, thanks to my mother’s encouragement. Growing up in a small town in Southern Louisiana, where I stood out at six feet tall, I learned to embrace and celebrate my unique qualities. This foundation of self-acceptance has been pivotal in my personal growth. This early lesson in confidence translates into a strong sense of self-belief and resilience. Embracing my individuality and strengths has empowered me to take risks, make bold decisions, and navigate challenges with a positive mindset. It’s this confidence that fuels my passion for our business and drives me to continually strive for growth and success.

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 am the Co-Owner of The Occasion Society, a small business dedicated to the wedding and events industry in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. My husband and I launched our venture in January 2024 after creating a Payphone Audio Guestbook and Custom Tabloid Newspapers for our own wedding. The joy this business brings me is immeasurable, but the most special part is seeing our creations celebrated and cherished by couples in love. It’s incredibly rewarding to help our clients create lasting memories with their loved ones through our unique services. We’re excited about expanding our reach and bringing the vintage charm of our Payphone Guestbook into corporate spaces. From holiday and retirement parties to new hire orientations and conferences, the possibilities for connecting people are truly endless.

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?

This may sound cliché, but my top piece of advice is to simply start. Often, the biggest hurdle to achieving your goals is the fear of taking those initial steps. When I decided to launch my small business, I was fixated on making everything perfect and having all the answers from the get-go. In hindsight, that wasn’t necessary. Figuring things out as you go and learning from mistakes is a crucial part of the development process.

Another essential skill on my journey has been networking. I highly recommend researching and joining professional associations related to your business niche. Connecting with like-minded individuals in your industry can open doors to valuable resources and opportunities that you might not otherwise encounter.

Finally, honing my social media skills has been vital for our growth and visibility. For those just starting out, my advice is to first understand your target demographic and then tailor your social media approach to that audience. Research SEO, stay updated on social media trends, and maintain consistency in your efforts.

Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?

Being a new small business owner while managing a full-time job and balancing personal life can get extremely hectic. To handle stress and navigate moments of overwhelm, I’ve adopted a few key practices and strategies. Effective organization and planning have been crucial for me. I find that using a planner and calendar blocking my to-dos on a weekly basis allows me to work most efficiently. I also make sure to allocate time for non-business activities and personal goals.

When I feel especially overwhelmed, I turn to gratitude. Taking a step back to reflect on my journey and celebrate my accomplishments helps me recenter and shift my focus to a more positive and hopeful mindset.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.theoccasionsociety.con
• Instagram: theoccasionsociety
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theoccasionsocietydfw

Image Credits

Credits for personal photo of my husband and I using the Payphone: CG Photography

Credit for additional photos:
Photo 1: Maclin Photo and Film
Photo 2: Molly Murphy Photography
Photo 3: Amairani Thomason Photography
Photo 4: Blue Cake Photography