Meet Allyson Mathis

Today we’d like to introduce you to Allyson Mathis. 

Hi Allyson, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
It’s really interesting because I never would have thought I would be where I am or even this far. I’m a very in-the-box, not really daring to really not stay on course so “SAFE” and well-thought-out person. On 11/26,2021, I had my very first opportunity to showcase my creativity with charcuterie and fruit boards at a well-known Black Owned Black Luxury Brand called “Haus of Sy” 1st fashion show for the Owner Angels team before the fashion show started. CAN YOU SAY EXCITING!!! Hearing my close friends/family reactions plus the outside feedback is when I knew Allyson you can turn this into a business. I was a little scared mainly of the unknown, how am I going to work plus do everything OMG! How am I going to pay my bills plus invest in myself OMG!!! But if you know me then you know I have to bring God into this, He told me one night “It will be hard work but worthy work & it’s time to active the gift inside of you!” BOOM I got activated.

On 11/26,2021, I had my very first opportunity to showcase my creativity with charcuterie and fruit boards at a well-known Black Owned Black Luxury Brand called “Haus of Sy” 1st fashion show for the Owner Angels team before the fashion show started. CAN YOU SAY EXCITING!!! Hearing my close friends/family reactions plus the outside feedback is when I knew Allyson you can turn this into a business. I was a little scared mainly of the unknown, how am I going to work plus do everything OMG! How am I going to pay my bills plus invest in myself OMG!!! But if you know me then you know I have to bring God into this, He told me one night “It will be hard work but worthy work & it’s time to active the gift inside of you!” BOOM I got activated.

I started thinking about names for my business, hardest part was knowing I wanted my name to incorporate Allyson but also tie in my granny’s name that passed away or our last name. That’s how I came up with “A.M. Creations” that stands for “Ally Marie” my full name is Allyson most people call me Ally, my middle name is Marie tied to my mom/granny middle name as well. PERFECT! I created my Instagram page, started posting different promos from Christmas charcuterie-themed boards, Fruit Christmas trees, Fruit trays, Booked for my first kids’ birthday party making 50 Elmo fruit cups, To-go charcuterie boxes (sold over 200 boxes), Birthday charcuterie boards, Valentine day themed charcuterie boxes (sold out), Booked for a Super bowl party, Bridal Showers and so much more.

My most current/biggest accomplishment would be delivering grazing tables, one for a baby shower for 120 ppl plus a second one for a wedding reception for 50 ppl. KILLED BOTH! (Special Thank you to my mom for helping me with everything behind the scenes as well as her prayers. I love you!!). A.M. Creations is my passion, my baby, my safe place & literally a gift from God. I love creating custom charcuterie boards & fruit boards, including many other services that are tailored around my clients’ event or any other special occasion. My boards brings family also friends together adding a fun twist plus excitement to every bite and every moment blending my love for food plus creativity into a professional business.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Can I cuss?!? Just kidding, but Yes and No but very rewarding. Some of the struggles for me were working full time while having to complete orders, learning how to add structure to my life, organization, buying inventory (boards, supplies, etc.), learning how to create content to attract followers on my business page, pricing my product and the most frustrating one thats currently going on would be buying groceries when the cost of living is so high plus gas prices so I had to figure out how to price my product as well as keeping all my services affordable. The rewarding part for me is seeing how happy they have enjoyed what I created, expanded each client pallet as well as knowing for each event I played apart in making their special day even more special!

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am most proud of ME! Being a confident, 30-year-old Black small business owner continuing to push through when life continues to life makes me the proudest because this entrepreneur life is not for the weak!

What sets me apart from the other charcuterie businesses that our based in Detroit would be my creativity, me knowing what my community likes, my humbleness & my support team that keeps me grounded SHOUT OUT to y’all!

Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Finding a mentor and networking can be hard starting out. My advice would be go at your own pace! Don’t try to follow trends from other similar businesses, not letting social media make you feel as though what your doing with your business isn’t good enough, it’s ok to not post content everyday and just give your grace. I will say, having other entrepreneurs around can help because everything you are going through they might have experienced or gives you both the opportunity to experience the situation together. Self teaching yourself by watching YouTube, researching ways on how to perfect your craft will also help if you haven’t found that right mentor to guide you on your entrepreneurship journey. “I’m always studying my craft because I want to be the best at what I do!” -Aaron Carter

Pricing:

• Self Care To-Go Boxes $35
• Mini Me Tray $45
• Small but Fierce Tray $55
• Grazing table or Board inquires please email me or follow my business pages for $$$

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/__am.creations1?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ally.MarieCreations1