“My business model is powered by ADHD,” says Alyson Zeller founder of Ally Brooke designs, “You can turn your disability into an ability.” And Alyson certainly has. At just 18 years old, she has created a successful design business where she designs personalized items ranging from blankets to phone cases with her signature designs. And since the designs are so Instagrammable, she’s been able to promote her products without spending a cent on marketing. Alyson says that because of her ability to hyperfocus with her ADHD, she has been able to find success, and she is proud to spread the message to other young people that they can do the same. Recently, Alyson was accepted at 21 out of the 22 schools she applied to, and is now using her business earnings to pay for school.

Of course, she hasn’t totally done it alone. Alyson understands the importance of networking, and of delegating tasks outside of her wheelhouse to people who can do it better than she can. Her mother, for example, works as her “superhero” business manager, while she lets her dad handle the math side of things. She has offered free designs to different companies as a future investment.

No matter your age, you can always find success. You just have to focus on what makes you shine best. Join the discussion to hear Alyson explain why it’s essential to be specific when asking what you want, the importance of having a plan, and what her plans are to continue her business from her dorm room in the fall.

Quotes:

• “My mom, besides emotional support, helps me with pricing because I love making art so much I forget that I need to get paid.” (12:30-12:38 | Alyson)

• “At the end of the day, art is where I really truly shine. And I think it’s important if you know you’re good at something and you’re fortunate enough to have some help, to step back and not control it as much and let them shine at what they shine at, and let you soar at what you soar at.”(19:53-20:08 | Alyson)

• “You can’t be scared to ask for help, even though you don’t know the person face-to-face, you’ve got to just try to make a connection and that’s what I’ve done.”(25:30-25:38 | Alyson)

• “If you keep trying, and you keep doing it, and you don’t take no for an answer, you’ll finally get it. The  most important thing is to just keep chasing that dream.”(26:59-27:07 | Alyson)

Connect with Alyson Zeller:

Website | https://allybrookedesigns.com/

Instagram | http://www.instagram.com/Allybrooke_designs

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