We recently connected with Alyssa Alger and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Alyssa thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Naming anything – including a business – is so hard. Right? What’s the story behind how you came up with the name of your brand?
Selecting a name for my company proved to be a formidable challenge. Despite my proficiency as a choreographer and dance teacher, naming choreographic works remains among my least favorite tasks. Unlike titling individual pieces, which often felt fleeting in significance, christening my company carried a weighty sense of permanence. While a choreography title could be altered if need be, renaming my company seemed more substantial and enduring. I aspired for the name to resonate authentically with my personal narrative and aspirations.
In pursuit of the perfect name, I meticulously documented a plethora of ideas in a dedicated notebook that now rests prominently on my bookshelf. Countless evenings were devoted to engaging in meaningful discussions with close family and friends, exploring myriad concepts. Despite our earnest efforts, none seemed to encapsulate the essence of what I sought to achieve.
Given my deep-rooted affinity for nature, many of the prospective names I jotted down drew inspiration from the natural world. Childhood memories of residing in Michigan’s Waterloo Recreation Area, with its expansive woodlands and vibrant wildlife, vividly resurfaced. I reminisced about idyllic summers spent on our porch, enchanted by the graceful dance of hummingbirds flitting among feeders replenished by my mother.
My enduring fascination with these delicate creatures manifested in Alger Designs, my leotard company, which debuted in 2013 adorned with a hummingbird emblem. Subsequent iterations of the logo also featured this beloved avian motif. Immersed in thorough research, I delved into the diverse species and nomenclature of hummingbirds. Among them, the Ruby-throated Hummingbird held particular significance, resonating with the cherished memories of summers spent in their company.
Ultimately, the name “Ruby Red” emerged as a poignant tribute to my journey, encapsulating the essence of my narrative and aspirations. It serves as a timeless reminder of the enduring beauty and resilience found in nature, and the transformative power of honoring one’s roots.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
Celebrating special occasions has always held profound significance in my life. Fond memories of gathering with family and friends at my grandparents’ home during holidays linger vividly in my mind. My grandmother, with her meticulous attention to detail, transformed each occasion into a masterpiece, adorning the table with exquisite dishes, delectable cuisine, and thoughtful embellishments that infused the day with a sense of profound care and consideration.
Among the cherished treasures of my childhood was “Alyssa’s china,” a legacy bestowed upon me by my grandfather. Each piece in the china cabinet became a vessel of cherished memories, evoking the warmth and camaraderie of our family gatherings. Despite modest means, my resourceful mother had an eye for beauty, scouring antique stores and resale shops for unique, yet affordable gems that elevated everyday meals into extraordinary experiences.
Rooted in a lineage of strong, creative women, I found my artistic expression through dance and a passion for creating and sharing beauty. I firmly believe that everyone, regardless of their financial circumstances, should have the opportunity to craft special moments that ignite joy and forge lasting memories.
My journey into the world of baking began as a hobby, but became passionate about this hobby when I used the proceeds of cupcakes sales to help a friend and family member defray medical costs from a tragic accident. Collaborating with fellow female artisans, local businesses, and farmers became the cornerstone of my endeavor, driven by a commitment to nurturing our local economy and fostering community resilience.
At the heart of my business lies a commitment to providing comprehensive event planning and rental services, encompassing everything from tableware and cakes to linens and flowers. In collaboration with other artisans, we offer a curated selection of a la carte items, designed to add an extra touch of sparkle to any occasion.
But our mission extends beyond mere celebration; it’s about giving back to our community, especially to those in need. Through partnerships with underprivileged groups, we strive to democratize joy and create inclusive spaces where everyone can revel in the magic of shared experiences and build cherished memories that last a lifetime.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
My reputation is steadily maturing, fueled by my persistent efforts to foster its growth. However, it’s the unwavering support of my close family and friends that has distinctly shaped my standing within the market. Their meticulously nurtured network has not only bolstered my local presence but has also resonated on a national scale, rendering it an invaluable and irreplaceable asset to my professional journey.
With every professional connection forged through the support of my inner circle, I am committed to exceeding expectations in fulfilling their orders. This commitment ripples outward, cultivating new relationships with clientele. As a strategic practice, I routinely include marketing collateral with each order, empowering my clients to effortlessly disseminate my information among their networks of family and friends.
How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?
I endeavor to tailor every experience to ensure the utmost personalization and meet the unique needs and preferences of my clients. With every purchase, I take care to include a meticulously crafted, personalized note expressing gratitude for their support of my small business and offering a glimpse into my entrepreneurial journey.
An immensely poignant experience unfolded when I curated a bespoke array of cupcakes for a client, commemorating what would have been her baby girl’s inaugural birthday. The profound spectrum of emotions accompanying loss underscores the depth of human experience, and I felt profoundly privileged that she entrusted me with a small role in this tender moment. It was a cherished gesture, and I spared no effort in meticulously crafting her order with the utmost care and attention to detail it warranted. Upon completion, I promptly shared images of her bespoke creation and ensured a follow-up after her scheduled gathering. Subsequently, she entrusted me with orchestrating a holiday-themed birthday celebration for one of her children—a testament to the comfort, reliability, and exceptional service standards I endeavor to provide to my esteemed clientele
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.rubyredco.com
- Instagram: @rubyredco_
- Facebook: Ruby Red
Image Credits
Headshot by Bellabambino Photography