What do you do?
Founder + CEO of HOTELette and Allison Crawford Design.
What do you love about what you do?
Every day is unique with new problems to solve and different ways to be creative.
Where are you from?
I was born in Northern Virginia and my family lived there until age 10 when we moved to South Florida. My father calls me a “gypsy with a good education” because I’ve travelled all over the world and have lived in six different states.
Education?
I have a B.A. in Advertising from Southern Methodist University and I use those marketing skills on a daily business to build my companies.
Sign?
Aquarius with a moon sign in Aries.
Who do you think embodies the Americae woman and why?
The Americae woman can look so different, because she really embraces her personal style and preferences, but she’s always striving to empower other women, at a large and small scale. She recognizes the power of one person, whether it’s voting with your dollar or donating your time to the women who will be titans of their industries tomorrow.
Describe your style and why is it authentically you?
My love for vintage extends from my design aesthetic to my personal style aesthetic. I cannot turn down a good vintage find. From mastercraft bar carts to Levi jeans and antique rugs to old band tees. But like with my interior design style, I always add a “modern” twist to it, whether it’s pairing a rattan dresser with a framed hermes scarf to a vintage stetson hat and gucci slides.
What drives you?
My sister passed away in 2010, and I’m always pushing myself to take HOTELette and Allison Crawford Design to the next level, so I can make her proud. She is my constant motivation and inspiration.
What's on your bookshelf?
Non fiction: The Power of Habit and Relentless. Fiction: Bridget Jones’ Diary and the Great Gatsby. But, I will say, I’m more of a sucker for audiobooks, so I can drive and listen at the same time.
Next or favorite travel destination?
My husband is from Switzerland and we recently got married, so his family is hosting a party for us in Geneva. On our way there, we’ll stop over in London. And, obviously, while I’m in Europe, I’ll take advantage of the opportunity to do my favorite thing: thrifting and finding inexpensive street art.
What's next for you?
Every year, I create 5 personal and 5 profession work goals. But, this year I have one major personal goal: to have a healthy baby in July. Professionally, my goals center around continuing to curate the HOTELette Shop and growing the HOTELette brand.
What's your personal motto or what message would you like to share with women?
My personal motto is: ask for what you want. When I was younger, I’d be afraid to ask for what I wanted, but when I delved deeper into that fear, I realized it was unfounded and limited. The worst thing that could happen when you ask for something, is that you’ll get a “no.” But that no might even eventually turn into a “yes.” So ask. Go for it. Operate from a place of fearlessness.