Today we’d like to introduce you to Allison Ezell.
Allison, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
My journey with Noonday began in late 2015, just a few months after my husband and I began the international adoption process. We knew we were going to have to supplement our income in order to afford the adoption costs, and I began researching fundraising opportunities. This Austin-based accessories company called Noonday Collection kept coming up, and one night, I found myself poring over there website, falling in love with their products, and crying my eyes out at the stories of transformation that were happening all over the world because of their work. Though I knew basically nothing about sales and even less about fashion, I knew I had to be part of it.
For the next nine months, every single penny I made with my business went directly toward our adoption expenses. I can honestly say that our ability to adopt our son debt-free was done, in large part, thanks to my business. Once he came home, I was at a bit of a crossroads. Everyone who had supported me up until that point had done so because of our adoption, but now? It was my turn to pay it forward.
Over the last four years, I’ve held dozens of adoption fundraisers for local families, and nothing gives me greater joy than to help ease some of the financial burden for families walking this road. Additionally, I’ve seen first-hand how our business model works on the family preservation side of the orphan and poverty crisis as I’ve traveled to Guatemala and the Caribbean with the company. Our impact in the developing world has allowed many first families to remain intact, and witnessing that has deepened my passion for dignified job creation as it truly is such a vital part of breaking these cycles.
By something as simple as purchasing our products and sharing them with their friends, my customers are invited into a much larger story that is creating an enormous ripple effect around the world. I couldn’t be prouder of my team and to be part of this.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Nothing about sales is ever truly easy, but the biggest struggle I’ve faced is helping people understand that a mission-focused, faith-based, impact-driven company can exist inside the world of direct sales. So many people want to put us into a box of pyramid schemes or “get rich quick” gimmick companies, and the most difficult thing I have to do on a daily basis is help people get past their direct sales hang-ups.
So many people in 2019 have been hurt or disillusioned by pushy direct sales tactics in one way or another, and as much as they love what we’re doing around the world, they hesitate to support it because of our business model. They’d prefer to donate to a non-profit or support a brick and mortar store, and what I want people to know is that it is totally possible to be part of a transparent direct sales company that is actually doing what they say they are doing.
We are the world’s largest fair-trade accessories company not in spite of our business model, but because of it.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Noonday Collection – what should we know?
Noonday Collection is a fair trade jewelry and accessories brand that partners with small artisan businesses around the world to create economic opportunities for the vulnerable. By focusing on long-term relationships and collaborative design, we design and sell jewelry for our customers that is unique, handmade, and empowering the women and families around the world who make it.
I think we are definitely earning a reputation for our statement earrings and gorgeous color palette!
As an Independent Ambassador for Noonday Collection, I get to connect so many of my passions and joys into my job. I get to be a stylist, a story-teller, and a social entrepreneur at the same time.
I believe that what sets us apart from others is our story! Our materials are so unique, and the impact is the icing on the cake. Where else can you buy a beautiful necklace that was handmade from paper or bullets that is changing the world?
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I am obviously incredibly grateful to our founder and Co-CEO, Jessica Honegger, for bravely stepping out and starting this amazing organization long before I got involved! Our Home Office is all incredibly supportive and our biggest cheerleaders. I couldn’t be more grateful for them giving me the opportunity to change the world alongside them!
This business is people first in everything we do, so without my hostesses, fellow adoptive mamas, and loyal customer base, I would not have near the success I’ve enjoyed in this role. And of course, the artisans! If they didn’t have incredible talent and skill and grit, I wouldn’t have a job!
Contact Info:
- Website: allisonezell.noondaycollection.com
- Email: awezell@gmail.com
- Instagram: @allisonezell
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