Meet Alison Guzman | Owner/Creator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Alison Guzman and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alison, do you disagree with some advice that is more or less universally accepted?

One piece of conventional advice that I disagree with is to keep my business and personal life separate. Most entrepreneurs pour their blood, sweat, and tears into their business, and they’re just supposed to pretend a human being with real thoughts and feelings isn’t on the other side of it? To me, this advice seems to disregard the very essence of what makes a business unique and authentic.

My small business, Alison Rose Vintage, reflects who I am—it’s my heart and soul. Through my creations and content, I share all the things that have shaped my life. From the loss of my sister to navigating through divorce, break-ups, career changes, and relocations, to dealing with chronic pain and surgeries, I try to be as open and vulnerable as possible. My business also serves as a platform where I advocate for and support social justice and mental health causes.

I reject the notion that I should silence my political opinions or refrain from caring about important causes because they might negatively impact my business. As a woman, a minority, and an LGBTQ-owned business, these issues are not just distant concerns but a part of my lived reality. I am unapologetically passionate about these causes and believe that my heartfelt commitment to them enriches my business.

More than just strangers buying goods, my customers and followers have become a part of a beautiful community that values empathy and kindness as much as I do. They know that when they support Alison Rose Vintage, they are not just purchasing a product; they are connecting with a person and a business that is driven by a genuine desire to make a positive impact in the world.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?

I’ve been a lover of words for as long as I can remember—majoring in English in college, obsessively collecting stationery, and writing letters to friends and family since I was 11 years old. I started Alison Rose Vintage in 2017 as a little side hustle so I could help people find the perfect sentiment to express or display love and gratitude, and so I could increase the amount of money I donated to charities each year. I began by writing my own definitions for words and brought these heartfelt interpretations to life by designing and printing them on vintage-style handmade paper and cardstock. I then expanded my offerings to include custom wedding vows, quotes, and poems, and I also curate and sell stunning antique books as well.

The unexpected loss of my sister prompted some major life changes for me. Channeling her daring spirit, I quit my corporate job and moved from Massachusetts to Tennessee 3 years ago to pursue Alison Rose Vintage full-time. Now I get to do something that feels meaningful and fills my heart every single day.

Alison Rose Vintage isn’t just about crafting words on paper, it’s about spreading love and hope and celebrating authenticity and connection. I adore working closely with my customers to create something memorable and personal to them. I get to read the most breathtaking love letters, hear fun facts about siblings and grandchildren, learn about the journeys of cancer survivors and those battling depression, and grieve losses right alongside my customers. It’s an honor.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?

When I reflect on the past 6 years and the courage it’s taken to get to this point, there are numerous people I want to shout-out for their help in contributing to the success of Alison Rose Vintage.

First are the two people who inspired me—my friend Leigh Anne and my Great Aunt Audrey. I’ve been corresponding with them for over 25 years which illuminated the fact that sending and receiving little pieces of love in the mail creates really special bonds. This ignited my passion for helping others forge similar meaningful connections through Alison Rose Vintage.

This business simply would not exist without my friend Dan from Dan Caryll Design. He helped me set the foundation and decide on my business name, created my bold and beautiful logo, designed a bunch of promotional materials, and in 2021, he built me my own website, alisonrosevintage.com. His dedication to Alison Rose Vintage has been nothing short of extraordinary, and I am endlessly grateful.

I’d also like to shout-out two amazing Susans. Susan from Fabulous Fancypants was the first vendor I partnered with for handmade paper. The love she poured into her paper could truly be felt by me and my customers and helped bolster my confidence in my products. Susan from Gracefully Restored in Massachusetts was my very first wholesale customer just a month after I launched my business. Because of her enthusiasm and encouragement, I continued to pursue wholesale and now my products are in more than 65 shops nationwide (plus one in Canada!).

My Mom and Dad have been my pillars of strength, devoting countless hours to helping me prepare for craft shows, package products, and manage any meltdowns with support and humor.

Lastly, I’m so proud of everyone I partner and collaborate with. From Patricia Shaw, the talented artist behind my product illustrations, to Kelsey Pike from Sustainable Paper+Craft who meticulously crafts each sheet of beautiful paper for my prints, to the poet R. Clift who worked with me to launch a collection of enchanting poem prints and cards, as well as Melissa from Salt and Branch who has collaborated with me on candles and provided me with beautiful photos of my products. Their creativity has helped shape the unique character and continuous growth of Alison Rose Vintage. THANK YOU!

Website: www.alisonrosevintage.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/alisonrosevintage

Facebook: www.facebook.com/alisonrosevintage

Wholesale: https://faire.com/direct/alisonrosevintage