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

Hi Allison, thanks for joining 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?

Oh, I love talking about how I named my business! So, picture this: I’m this self-proclaimed speakeasy anthropologist, always on the hunt for those hidden gems that serve up the most tantalizing blends of tea, coffee, cocktails, and more. I’m all about diving deep into the stories behind these concoctions, you know? There’s something magical about understanding the history and personality that goes into each sip.

Now, the idea of speakeasies has always fascinated me. Those secret joints during the Prohibition era where folks could let loose and be themselves, hidden behind those mysterious green doors? You’d know a speakeasy was in an establishment if you saw the green door. It’s like stepping into another world, where authenticity was celebrated, and people could just be who they truly were.

So, when it came time to name my business, I couldn’t shake off that image of the green door—a symbol of rebellion, freedom, and unabashed self-expression. And that’s how “The Green Door” was born!

Back in the Roaring Twenties, this clandestine spot was where you’d find the coolest cats and the most adventurous souls, all drawn to its verdant entrance like moths to a flame. But you know what? The allure of the Green Door wasn’t just about defying the laws of the time; it was about embracing your true self without any pretense or judgment.

Nowadays, The Green Door isn’t just about serving up drinks behind a secret entrance. It’s about helping folks find their own green door, their own path to authenticity in a world that sometimes feels like it’s drowning in conformity. Whether you’re climbing the corporate ladder or striking out on your own entrepreneurial journey, The Green Door is here to be your guide, your cheerleader, your confidant on the road to being unapologetically you.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

So, let me give you a little insight into who I am and what I do. I started off in the world of sociology and social work because I’ve always been fascinated by people and communities. I love the idea of serving in a way that’s tailor-made for each individual’s needs.

But then, life took me on this unexpected journey. I found myself writing grants for nonprofits, owning the grants, and then diving into the world of marketing to promote those services. Talk about a whirlwind! I liked the marketing aspect of the job. So, off I went to get my MBA, majoring in marketing and entrepreneurship because, let’s face it, they’re practically two peas in a pod.

From there, I jumped into the corporate world, working with Fortune 50 companies across a whole spectrum of products and services. And you know what? I became an award-winning marketer along the way! But deep down, I knew there was more to me than just marketing.

That’s when I decided to explore my other passions—I became a certified personal branding coach, snagged a clinical license, got certified in DEI, and even trained in positive intelligence. I also kept serving others through my work on boards and committees.

But here’s the thing: all these different facets of me felt like they were just floating around separately, like ingredients waiting to be mixed into something special. That’s when I took a personal journey of self-awareness, and bam! I walked through the green door into my own safe haven of authenticity.

And that’s what I want to share with you through my business. Our mission at The Green Door is crystal clear—to help you discover and amplify your perfect blend. We know that authenticity isn’t just a buzzword—it’s the secret sauce to a killer personal brand and a thriving business.

What sets us apart? It’s our deep dive into self-awareness, our relentless focus on brand authenticity, and our ability to guide you to be your true self across all your endeavors. Oh, and did I mention the truckload of certifications, classical branding training, and positive intelligence know-how?

But what really lights me up? Creating a safe space for you to explore your self-awareness, craft your personal narrative, and ultimately, build a brand that’s uniquely you. Because let’s face it, knowing who you are gives you the competitive edge!

So, go ahead and walk through The Green Door—the gateway to your most authentic self. Let’s unlock those doors together and pave the way for your incredible journey ahead!

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

I grew up in the South., and growing up in the South, there’s this unspoken rule about always being the perfect southern belle—minding your manners, keeping things prim and proper. Well, I’ve always been the type to embrace the vibrant, colorful aspects of life—bright colors, bold patterns, you name it! So, there was a bit of a conflict.

But somewhere along the line, I got the message that to succeed, I needed to tone down my personality, mute my colorful self. So, I found myself navigating life on mute, stifling my true essence to fit into someone else’s mold of success. And let me tell you, it was exhausting—like living in a black and white world when you’re meant to be in full Technicolor.

It took some serious soul-searching, a lot of self-reflection, and a conscious decision to step into my authenticity. I had to confront where those beliefs came from, why I valued other people’s opinions over my own, and why I felt the need to mute myself in the first place.

Walking through my own metaphorical green door was the turning point. It was about shedding the layers of expectations, silencing the voices that told me to conform, and embracing the vibrant, colorful truth of who I am. And let me tell you, once I made that decision to be unapologetically me, life took on a whole new hue!

So, the biggest lesson I had to unlearn was that I needed to mute my authentic self to succeed. Because in reality, it’s when we fully embrace our true selves—colors, quirks, and all—that we truly shine and can follow our true calling.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

Absolutely, I’d love to share a story about a pivotal moment in my business journey. Before The Green Door came to fruition, I was fully immersed in another venture called The Corporate Social Worker. This brand was all about helping social workers transition into corporate roles, emphasizing the invaluable skills they bring to the table and how they can positively impact Corporate America. I truly believed in the mission—it felt like I was bridging two worlds that desperately needed each other.

But as time went on, I started to feel like the niche was limiting. I knew the vision and mission of supporting social workers in corporate settings could still thrive, but perhaps under a different umbrella. It was a tough decision to let go of The Corporate Social Worker as its own entity, but I knew it was necessary to evolve and expand my reach.

And thus, The Green Door was born. This new brand/business became a sanctuary for authenticity and self-awareness, a space where individuals could discover their true selves and unlock their full potential. While The Corporate Social Worker still exists within The Green Door, it’s now more of a tailored program, specifically designed for social workers who are venturing into unknown territory.

You see, I have a soft spot for social workers (being that I worked as a social worker for years) — they’re a unique breed, often navigating non-traditional settings with grace and compassion. And that’s why I’m committed to helping them find confidence and clarity as they step through their own green door. Because at the end of the day, their journey reflects their unique authenticity, and I’m honored to be a part of it.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.thegreendoor.life/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allisonasanders?igsh=MTQ2d200YjYwZ25nbQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisonasanders/

Image Credits
DaVonte Green and Mecca Gamble