Alissa Palladino — empire coven

Age || 30

Company Name || love lissy

Job Title || Owner

Company Start Date || April 2016

Years Living In New York || Whole life

Social Handles || @LoveLissyCreations

Company Website: etsy shop and love lissy

What did you want to be as a child?

A special education teacher or an actress.

What’s the best piece of advice you were given when you were starting out?

First, when you have the energy to do something, do it right away! Also, don’t look at competition! It’s overwhelming and keeps you stuck.

How do you define success?

Being excited every morning when you wake up, excited about life/the thing you are doing while being able to comfortably afford that lifestyle.

What is the most important thing you’ve learned since starting?

There is room for you. The market isn’t oversaturated because there is only one you. Even if your idea has been done before there is something different about the way you are doing it that will resonate and work better than others for a certain audience (ie. energy, how you emphasis words, customer service level, attention to detail, wit, the list goes on…)

What is your go-to motivational quote?

“Walk boldly into the very thing you think you cannot do. Do it afraid and amaze your own self, brave soul.” (Not sure who said this, but it’s my favorite and goes in every one of my orders). Also, “Don’t let your gifts die inside you.”

What made you interested in personalization?

Everyone wants to be seen and feel special. Gifting something personalized is such a great way to say, “Hey! I see you.. I love you.. so.. I made this gift personal.”

What is your favorite part about creating these flutes?

The responses. I’ve received hand written letters from brides telling me how my flutes made the morning of their wedding day special! I’ve gotten over 250 reviews telling me how much joy my work has brought them.

Do you have a personal motto?

Stop letting fear hold you back. The road to success is uncomfortable… be okay with that.

Which women inspire you?

My mom, Erin May Henry, and Katrina Scott.

How do you overcome moments of self-doubt?

Going to the mental gym. Reading inspiring/self-development books and listening to podcasts! (“Earn your Happy”, “Don’t Keep Your Day Job”, and “Game Changer” with Erin May Henry).

What is the hardest part about being your own boss?

Juggling my time between my full-time gig and my business and...bookkeeping.

What do you do to self-motivate?

I usually don’t need to self-motivate because I love designing/photographing and creating new listings. Maybe that’s because I don’t do this full-time yet! If we’re talking about how I motivate myself to get orders done...deadlines. Deadlines definitely motivate me.

What do you hope people gain from purchasing your personalized products?

I hope when they open the box they feel excitement and are in awe of the package. I gift wrap each flute, fill them with tissue paper, lay tissue paper over the entire order and, before I close the box, I put a thank you card and a business card sized note with the earlier quote on it. I want them to feel like they’re opening a present, not just some Amazon package.

What advice would you give to other women trying to enter your field?

Create with your heart, be authentic, be generous and the world will reward you.

What is your creative process like?

It’s just me having random thoughts throughout the day and making a list of all my ideas. If I keep thinking about a certain idea over and over again it’s probably because I’m really excited about it. When that happens I go for that thing. But before I do, I usually consult with my sister Lauren and cousin Amanda. They are very creative people so when I run an idea by them new life is breathed into it and, by the end of our conversations, the idea is 10x better and I’m even more excited then before. Remember, you will never run a business alone, you will need the help of other people/community in order to reach big goals.

What are some of your goals moving forward?

I recently spoke with my sister and cousin about bridal party boxes. I have sooo many good ideas surrounding this thanks to them, but my goal right now is to create a small little budget box to test the waters. I’m currently curating items and ideas for that. In regards to big goals, I’m taking my business one step at a time. I believe there will be revelations, new experiences, and surprises that will create twists and turns along my path and I’m excited to see where that will take me.

This interview has been lightly edited and condensed for clarity.