We were lucky to catch up with Alyssa Stickley recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alyssa, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?
While I don’t know the exact personal anecdotes about what my parents did right specifically, I hope these insights provide some guidance and understanding of how their actions and experiences influenced my conscious consumption lifestyle and advocacy through marketing.
My name is Alyssa and I believe that our experiences have the power to transform us and shape our path in unique ways. Coming from a background where both of my parents struggled with addiction, I witnessed firsthand the challenges and the profound impact it had on our family. However, amidst the turmoil, I was fortunate to have the love and guidance of my grandmother and great grandmother. They became pillars of support during those trying times and played a significant role in shaping my values and passions. I found my strength and determination to create a positive change.
Raised on their expansive 16-acre property, my grandmothers introduced me to the wonders of nature and the art of growing our own food. They would take me out to the gardens, teaching me about how to grow different plants and the importance of sustainable living. Working alongside them, I developed a deep fascination for the natural world and a passion for exploring the healing potential of plants and herbs.
Their wisdom and knowledge instilled in me the value of self-sufficiency, resilience, and the importance of caring for our environment. They taught me the art of nurturing the Earth and the interconnectedness of all living beings. These lessons not only sparked my interest in herbal medicine but also shaped my commitment to conscious consumerism.
My mother’s inspiring journey to recovery, now three years clean, ignited a fire within me to advocate for others who face similar battles. It was through this transformative experience of having two parents in addiction and watching the process of one recover that I discovered my passion for conscious consumerism. Recognizing the power of our choices as consumers, I realized that by supporting ethical and sustainable products and services, we can contribute to a better world.
Motivated by my personal story and armed with a marketing degree, I embarked on a mission to merge my advocacy for conscious consumerism with my passion for effective communication. I have delved deep into the realm of marketing, learning how to leverage its power to raise awareness, influence behavior, and drive positive change.
By combining my personal journey, the transformative experiences of my parents’ addiction and recovery, and the wisdom passed down from my grandmothers, I aspire to empower individuals and communities to make informed choices that align with their values. Through my work, I seek to create a ripple effect, inspiring others to recognize the impact of their consumption habits on the environment, society, and their own well-being.
One way my parents may have positively influenced me is by demonstrating the importance of self-awareness and personal growth. Seeing my mother’s journey to recovery and her commitment to staying clean inspired me to examine my own behaviors and make conscious choices.
Another aspect my mother might have emphasized is the value of open communication and honesty. Addiction can often lead to secrecy and strained relationships, but my mothers willingness to address her struggles honestly had a lasting impact on me. This encouraged me to prioritize transparency in my own life and fostered a desire to communicate authentically with others.
I firmly believe that our past does not define us, but rather equips us with the strength and determination to shape a brighter future. My story, rooted in overcoming adversity, has fueled my dedication to becoming an advocate for conscious consumerism alongside their stories that serve as powerful reminders of the importance of making informed choices and using your voice to make a positive impact. Together, let us harness the transformative power of our choices and build a world Loving Our Ultimate Selves.
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?
As the founder of a forthcoming conscious consumerism brand, Loving Our Ultimate Selves, I am excited to share my vision for promoting sustainable and mindful choices in everyday life whether that be foods we consume on a daily basis or products we obtain from retailers. My journey into this industry began three years ago during my mothers ride to sober living. It was during this transformative period that I developed a passion for recognizing that our choices as individuals have far-reaching consequences for both ourselves and the environment. It became clear to me that I wanted to dedicate my efforts to educating, empowering and supplying others with tools to make mindful choices that contribute to a society where we are Loving Our Ultimate Selves.
Inspired by the power of consumer choices in driving change, I decided to channel my passion into creating a brand that educates and empowers individuals to make conscious decisions. Through my upcoming platform, I will provide a wide range of resources to support conscious consumerism, including tips and tricks, product recommendations (both online and in-store), informational content, and self-awareness tools.
My goal is to simplify the overwhelming nature of navigating the world of conscious consumerism. I understand that finding reliable information and trustworthy products can be challenging, especially for beginners. That’s why the brand will curate a selection of recommended products and provide detailed information to help our clients make informed and confident choices.
What sets LOUS apart from others is the commitment to a holistic approach to conscious consumerism. I believe that it’s not just about buying sustainable products; it’s about cultivating a mindset of mindfulness and self-awareness. The brand will emphasize the importance of understanding individual values and considering the social and environmental impact of our actions. By addressing both external choices and internal awareness, I aim to create a community that supports personal growth and positive change.
Although the brand is still in its early stages, I am most proud of the progress I have made in developing the vision and connecting with like-minded individuals. I am excited to bring this brand to life and make a meaningful impact in inspiring others to embrace conscious consumerism.
For future clients, followers, and fans, I want them to know that my brand is founded on authenticity, transparency, and a genuine commitment to making a difference. I will be there to support and guide them on their journey towards conscious consumerism, providing valuable resources and fostering a sense of community. Together, we will create a world where our choices contribute to a better future for everyone and Love Our Ultimate Selves.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
As I embarked on my journey to build a conscious consumerism brand, life presented me with a unique and challenging situation. I found myself shouldering the responsibility of managing a household, solely taking care of my sister while pursuing my education. This added responsibility meant that I couldn’t complete my degree as soon as my graduating class, but it never deterred my determination.
Despite the immense challenges of balancing household responsibilities and education, I refused to let my dreams fade away. I embraced my role as a caregiver for my sister, recognizing that family always comes first. I navigated the daily struggles, from juggling household chores to ensuring my sister’s well-being, all while keeping my vision of completing my degree in sight.
Though my educational journey took longer than anticipated, I continued to pick up classes whenever I could, making the most of every opportunity. I seized moments between caregiving responsibilities to study and complete assignments. Late nights and early mornings became my allies as I tirelessly pushed forward toward my educational goals.
My resilience shined through as I faced numerous obstacles along the way. Financial constraints, time constraints, and moments of self-doubt never wavered my determination. I sought out scholarships, part-time jobs, and any available resources to support myself and fund my education. Every setback became fuel for my resilience, pushing me to find creative solutions and persevere.
Through my unwavering commitment and resilience, I will be completing my degree after the summer of 2024. The journey may have taken longer, but it was a testament to my determination and strength. It was a triumph that showcased my ability to overcome adversity and prioritize my education despite the challenges life threw my way.
If you could go back in time, do you think you would have chosen a different profession or specialty?
Absolutely no! If I could go back in time, I would without a doubt choose the same profession and specialty that I am in today. The path I have taken to become involved in conscious consumerism and promoting sustainability has been incredibly fulfilling and rewarding.
Considering my background and the passion I have for making a positive impact, consciously choosing this profession has allowed me to align my values with my work. It has given me the opportunity to educate and empower individuals to make mindful choices in their everyday lives. Knowing that my efforts contribute to a more sustainable future brings me immense satisfaction.
The challenges I have faced along the way have only strengthened my resolve and deepened my commitment to this profession. They have provided valuable learning experiences and opportunities for personal growth. Through perseverance and resilience, I have overcome obstacles and continued to pursue my mission with unwavering determination.
This profession has allowed me to connect with like-minded individuals, build a supportive community, and make a tangible difference in the world. It has given me the platform to share information, recommend products, and inspire change. Witnessing the positive impact and seeing individuals embrace conscious consumerism fuels my passion and motivates me to keep pushing forward.
In retrospect, I wouldn’t trade this profession, specialty, or the journey I have taken for anything else. It has shaped me into the person I am today and allowed me to contribute meaningfully to a cause I deeply believe in. I am grateful for the opportunities I have had, and I look forward to the future, knowing that I am making a difference through my work in conscious consumerism.
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