We were lucky to catch up with Allyssa Malony recently and have shared our conversation below.
Allyssa, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear from you about what you think Corporate America gets wrong in your industry and why it matters.
Corporate America often falls short in demonstrating proper respect for the realm of social media and its content creators. Instead of recognizing the interactive and dynamic nature of these platforms, some companies view social media merely as a one-dimensional marketing tool, missing out on the opportunity to build authentic connections with their audience. Additionally, there is a prevalent perception that corporations undervalue the work of content creators, focusing primarily on metrics and neglecting fair compensation for their creative contributions. This lack of respect can strain relationships, hindering the potential for genuine collaborations. To foster a more positive and mutually beneficial environment, it is imperative for Corporate America to acknowledge and appreciate the expertise, creativity, and influence of content creators. This involves recognizing their value, compensating them fairly, and engaging in partnerships that extend beyond transactional interactions, thereby promoting a more respectful and equitable digital landscape!
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.
At the age of 22, amidst a pandemic and while completing my degree, I ventured into entrepreneurship fueled by a lifelong desire to be my own boss. Growing up, when asked about my future aspirations, my response was always a simple yet resolute, “Be a boss!” Despite lacking a concrete plan, I knew I wanted autonomy over my life. Having played softball since the age of four, where I enjoyed a D1 stint for two years, I credit the sport for shaping my resilience. Starting a business during a pandemic presented numerous challenges and anticipated failures, reminiscent of the game of softball – one of failures. However, this experience instilled in me the fortitude to embrace the unknown and persist. I firmly held onto the belief that “Every no is closer to a yes,” fostering positivity and perseverance.
Passionate about social media, photography, and aiding others, I amalgamated these interests to establish Assylla Media LLC – a social media management and marketing agency catering to small businesses. Over the past two years, working tirelessly every day, I’ve had the privilege of showcasing my skills and doing what I love. Viewing my business as my baby, I commit to its growth irrespective of weekends, holidays, or personal milestones. Now residing in LA and aspiring to evolve into a comprehensive agency, I am proud that my business has not only sustained itself but has also supported my lifestyle for three years. The journey, marked by unpredictability and dedication, has far exceeded my initial expectations.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
It’s happening right now actually haha. In my third year of business, I find myself immersed in the transformative process of reinventing my venture, appreciating the beauty inherent in this journey. Reflecting on my beginnings, it’s astonishing to acknowledge that I embarked on this path without a clear roadmap. The decision to start was born out of necessity, driven by the belief that unless I took that initial step, progress would remain elusive. Each stumble and moment of uncertainty, however, has proven to be a stepping stone, fostering unexpected growth. Now, as I embrace the prospect of rebranding and starting anew, I carry the invaluable lessons of my past experiences with a revitalized sense of purpose. Understanding that rebranding is not a setback but a potent catalyst for success!
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
I’m still unlearning hustle culture and Balance. When I first started my business I thought I needed to be constantly hustling , staying up for two days straight, barely eating and pushing myself to the limit to achieve success. However, I’ve come to realize that this mindset was not sustainable and took a toll on my well-being. Now, in the process of unlearning hustle culture, I am actively seeking balance. I’ve learned that success doesn’t have to come at the expense of my mental and physical health. I’m making a conscious effort to set realistic goals, prioritize self-care, and establish boundaries. Embracing a more balanced approach allows me to be more productive, creative, and ultimately happier. It’s an ongoing journey of reshaping my perspective and understanding that achieving success is not a race but a sustainable and fulfilling marathon. This more balanced approach has not only made me more productive and creative but has also contributed to my business and my clients.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://allyssamalony.com/assyllamedia
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/allyssamalony_?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==