Building A New Dream

Life is unpredictable. If I told my 22-year-old self that by my mid-thirties I’d be a female business owner, I would be cracking up. It’s cliche, but how I’ve built a new career and redefined “dream job” is proof that when one door closes, another one opens. 

I didn't become a designer overnight. In fact, I wasn't sure I would ever be one at all. When I graduated college, I worked in public relations and marketing at Madison Square Garden. It was the dream job, or at least my dream job. I've always wanted to be a woman in sports public relations, and at 22-years-old I made it happen for myself. I climbed the corporate ladder in New York City, working press events for the NBA, NHL, and even the Pope's visit to The Garden in 2015. I was doing well in my career and everything was on track. And then, I met my husband, who just so happened to be the cute producer at work. 

This is when my life unexpectedly changed in a way that I was never expecting, but put me on the path I believe I was meant to be on (the universe does have your back). Our romance was a whirlwind — we got married quickly after we began dating, and in the last decade have had two beautiful girls, completed three major home renovation projects with another in the pipeline. With all of this excitement surrounding my new beautiful family, I went from a working girl to stay-at-home mom overnight.

I'd be lying if I said it was easy for me to leave my previous "dream job" at MSG. But, being a mom is the best "title" I have ever had. I've witnessed all of the firsts, enjoyed all of the smiles while wiping away all of the tears (and there are many) and have had the honor of teaching my girls everything they know so far. As fulfilling as that was and continues to be, I was itching to get back to a place where I am making professional decisions and leading the charge — what that charge would be, I wasn't quite sure yet.

By May of 2020, when I was still simmering on what title I would add to my name other than mom, I had landed a marketing gig for a general contractor. After months of site visits and project management, it hit me. Alison Melnick, Mom, Interior Designer, Business owner. I understood exactly how to help client’s determine what they wanted and could make their ideas a reality. That night, I enrolled in an Interior Design program and within a year received my Certificate in Interior Design.

Suddenly, my path all made sense. My new career has led to a lot of amazing opportunities, from the opportunity to work with family to getting to know industry leaders who have become friends. I’ll never forget that feeling in September of 2017 when I officially resigned from my role at MSG — not knowing that what was to come was so much better. Being a female business owner with the ability to create beautiful spaces is the dream job that 22-year-old me could never have even imagined. 

I’m so happy you are on this journey with me, and can’t wait to share more with you!

To making beautiful spaces together!

xx,

Alison