We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ally Dudek. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ally below.
Ally, appreciate you joining us today. Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.
The biggest risk I have taken is moving away from my hometown to pursue my career after college. After graduating the University of Dayton, I was ready and open for change. At the time, I did not know what this change would look like, but I was eager to embrace it. I felt like I had the world at my fingertips and the opportunities in front of me were endless. After receiving a job offer in Cincinnati Ohio, I decided this was the “change” I was hoping for. I packed my bags and moved over 600 miles from Bergen County, New Jersey to Cincinnati, Ohio. I moved knowing only three people I graduated with to a brand new city. Even though I was nervous starting my career, I could not be more excited to have my first apartment, first “big girl job” and getting to create new memories. Champagne Day started out as my after work hobby, but since April of 2022, has blossomed into my business. One day I hope it becomes my full time business, but for now, I work at a law firm during the day and will continue to design jewelry at night. Taking this risk has been one of the best decisions I have made. I wouldn’t be the female entrepreneur I am today if it weren’t for taking that first step. I am excited to see what the future has in store for me but I advise anyone who has the option to take a risk is to just do it.
Ally, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Champagne Day Boutique is a jewelry boutique that was started in 2022. It started as a dream of always wanting to create my own business but has now turned into a reality that excites and motivates me every day! I wanted to create a brand that was timeless and dainty but still makes a statement. I also was always in search of an affordable jewelry brand that was trendy but also excellent quality. Growing up, I had to wear a uniform to school every day. I did not like blending in with everyone else so I wanted to find a way to stand out. My mom was an avid jewelry maker when I was younger and I would watch her create different designs. This inspired me to start creating my own jewelry from a young age and I ended up sticking with it throughout college and my adulthood.
Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?
One of my favorite quotes is “work hard in silence and let your success be the noise.” As someone who is an introvert, I love working alone with no outside noise. This is when I am the most productive and creative in my line of work. This quote also embodies the ideas of discipline, dedication, and humility. These characteristics have been instilled in me from a young age and have helped me in my success throughout my adult life.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
A lesson I have had to unlearn, especially being a business owner, is to stop trying to be a people pleaser. Growing up, my Aunt Marilyn always told me not to blend in with everyone else. I always wanted what everyone else had and I always wanted to be likeable. This has been something that has stuck with me for a while but at the beginning of starting my business, the feeling was at an all-time high. It was hard for me to say no to people or opportunities. I worked for what I thought people would like my jewelry to be, and I just wasn’t being my authentic self. I had to train my mind to think differently, This took time, but I finally can say the jewelry I am designing and releasing is from my authentic self and I couldn’t be happier with my products. I also feel customers can read through business owners when they are faking it versus when they are real and authentic. This is a key quality I pride myself and my business on.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://champagnedayboutique.com/
- Instagram: @champagnedayboutique
- Facebook: Champagne Day Boutique