Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Alyssa Valenti. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Alyssa, thanks for joining us today. So, what do you think about family businesses? Would you want your children or other family members to one day join your business?

My grandparents owned and operated the first hybrid, theater & restaurant concept in the Tampa Bay area called, “Tampa Pitcher Show.” They opened their doors in 1982 and remained in business for over 30 years. The vast majority of my childhood was spent there. I witnessed them create an environment where locals came regularly for years to enjoy the latest blockbuster over dinner. I realized early on that they weren’t just in the business of selling movie tickets or homemade pizza’s, they were in the business of creating memorable experiences.

On the flip side, my family’s business also taught me that being your own boss requires a whole lotta sacrifice and resilience on a multitude of levels. Long, unpredictable hours and financial peaks and valleys are just some of the factors you have to deal with, especially in the beginning stages. However, I’ve seen first hand that the benefits can far outweigh the disadvantages of owning your own business. Aside from financial gain, owning your business can leave you with a sense of pride knowing you have made an impact on the world, no matter how big or small.

Alyssa, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Alyssa Valenti – I am the owner and operator of a laser engraving service called Boho Beam. I primarily work with wood to create unique, down to earth, home decor and accessories. Often, people ask me how I got into this line of work and usually I tell them that it happened in a completely organic way.

You see, I was once a graphic designer who was tired of only seeing her designs live on a screen. That lead me to think about how I could bring my designs into the real world by making a tangible product. I’ve always had a soft spot for architecture and aesthetics which is why I chose to make my products specifically for homes and other dwelling spaces. Whether it’s coasters, candle holders, or a custom wall hang, I want to make personalized statement pieces for as many people as I can.

There is a spiritual essence that surrounds many of my works due to my endless interest in the divine & supernatural aspects of human existence. I am a firm believer in the saying, “We are not human beings having a spiritual experience; we are spiritual beings having a human experience.” I carry that sentiment with me wherever I go and apply it in every project I undertake.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Picture this – You are a small business owner in your first year. You’re hungry for projects and after months of small commissions, you end up landing a client that gives you the biggest project you’ve had to date. You couldn’t be happier. You’re drunk on optimism and blinded by the stars in your eyes. You think to yourself, “this is it baby. This is how the snowball of success starts for me!”

Then the unthinkable happens.

Your machine breaks the day you are supposed to start the big job.

This happened to me and it should go without saying, I was crushed.

I threw myself a mini pity party for about five minutes and then got back to business trying to solve the case of the broken machine. There was no way I was going to throw in the towel and let this one setback control the whole future of me and my business.

After a few days of fiddling around with hardware and software, I got my machine running well enough to get the job done and sent out on time. The client was happy but I was happier because I persevered through my first real business problem, proving to myself that I was capable of this venture.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

What drives my creative journey is the journey of life itself. I am an individual who is inspired by the experiences I have out in the world. I approach my work and life with an innate sense of intensity and passion. When I am interested in something or someone, there is no halfway with me, which, i’ve come to realize, is very much a blessing and a curse.

The mission of my creative journey is to inspire others and bring unique pieces created with pure intention. As the world shapes me, I shape it.

Contact Info:

• Website: bohobeam.com
• Instagram: bohobeam.shop

Image Credits
Jillian Lewis – Wanderlew Photography