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Meet Allison, 834's Newest Team Member

Share the goods.

Allison Spooner poses for 8THIRTYFOUR in Grand Rapids

We told you we had more surprises up our sleeve…
Less than a week after hiring a Managing Director, we’ve also added a Content Associate to our wolfpack and we couldn’t be happier. Our team is rapidly growing and we are humbled by these internal successes. On that note, meet our latest edition, Allison Spooner.
Allison’s writing experience is robust and her passion for storytelling is admirable. Learn more about our wino-loving-novelist-writing-Harry-Potter-nerd-Content-Associate, below:

What’s the weirdest thing that’s happened to you so far while on the job?

When I came in for my 2nd interview/meet the team, I was offered a glass of wine the moment I walked in the door. While this is more awesome than weird, it definitely made an impression!

Have you ever written any novels?

Yes. My pen name is J.K. Rowling.
Actually, I have been working on a trilogy for longer than I care to admit. I finished the first book and wrote “The End.” Then, I split it apart and started over. So…yes, and no.

What writing piece are you most proud of?

Back in the day, I wrote a pretty scathing op-ed to the Jackson Citizen Patriot aimed at a woman that claimed Harry Potter was the devil. It was pretty intense. I bet she never talked bad about Harry Potter again.
In all seriousness though, I enter writing competitions that give you really tight deadlines. Most of the stories I’ve written for those have been completed in less than 48 hours, and it’s pretty satisfying to complete something of quality in that amount of time.

How did you find your passion for writing?

I didn’t, it found me. I don’t remember a time when I didn’t love writing. Some of my earliest tales were penned by my mom because I couldn’t actually write yet. My mom also read to us before bed as far back as I can remember and falling asleep listening to stories must have had an effect on me.

How is work here different from your previous experience?

There are a lot of high heels. This is definitely the most women I’ve ever worked with, and it’s pretty badass. I love that among all the laughing and chatting and fun, shit gets done. Also, the wine. There’s a lot of wine.

What’s the most embarrassing song on your phone?

There is an embarrassing amount of Will Smith in my Spotify playlist. Actually, who am I kidding? I’m not embarrassed at all. Let’s get jiggy with it!

If you co-hosted a daily talk show, which celeb would you want to be your co-host?

Probably Jennifer Lawrence and we would just talk about food and how hungry we are all the time.  

Ryan Gosling or Ryan Reynolds?

Gosling, because I love baby geese.

 
Cheers to joining #Team834, Allison!
Drop Allison a line at al*****@*******gn.com, or follow her on Twitter & LinkedIn.

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Listen now at the link in bio.

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Open post by 8thirtyfour with ID 18112263326023209
Have you tuned into The Happy Hour Hustle Podcast yet? If not, a) you’re missing out and b) you need to follow immediately. Hosted by @bodespeaks, episodes drop every other week, and feature some pretty bada$$ guests if we do say so ourselves. This week, Kim sits down with @kelsey_orchard , VP of Marketing and Communications at @fifthwheelfreight to chat building a personal brand, Gen Z entering the workforce, misconceptions about logistics, spotting fake LinkedIn profiles – oh and why your GPA doesn’t matter anymore. Grab a watermelon margarita, sit back and enjoy for lots of laughs and real talk. Listen now at the link in bio.

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When we normalize perimenopause and the conversation around it, we stop isolating, and we’re all more prepared.
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Women’s Business Council, featuring some kicka$$ experts who will give you the real talk on perimenopause (more to come on them later).

Register at the link in bio.

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Open post by 8thirtyfour with ID 18132641716644887
National Perimenopause Month starts today. We have a LOT to say, and we’re not going to be quiet about it, especially this month, so buckle up. We were not prepared for perimenopause, much like our periods, sex, or anything else to do with our bodies. God forbid we talk about it openly. We were taught to be ashamed, keep quiet, and to accept that it is just part of being a woman. We reject that narrative. In fact, like @bodespeaks, we want to bring it up in every conversation. When we normalize perimenopause and the conversation around it, we stop isolating, and we’re all more prepared. Join us for Uncomfortable Conversations: The Pause on September 24th — a powerful conversation hosted alongside the @smallbusinessassocofmichigan Women’s Business Council, featuring some kicka$$ experts who will give you the real talk on perimenopause (more to come on them later). Register at the link in bio.

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Open post by 8thirtyfour with ID 18089775152664042
You asked, we delivered. Introducing the Women's Owners Network - a new program built for what comes first, joining our proven Fellowship model to support Michigan women at every stage of business ownership. Whether you've got a team of 10 or it's just you and your laptop, you deserve a room full of women who get it. Six months of leadership, finance, operations, capital access, paired with real support for the isolation, emotional volatility, and decision fatigue that come with owning your own business. You'll have your own board of directors in your corner, including @bodespeaks plus a group of mentors, instructors, and coaches who've been exactly where you are. Applications due October 1. Apply now at the link in bio.

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You are the hero in your own story. Be like Leslie and believe it.

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It`s personal branding with a shot of tequila. Register in bio.

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Open post by 8thirtyfour with ID 18026151482745649
"I am big enough to admit that I am often inspired by myself" - Leslie F*ucking Knope You are the hero in your own story. Be like Leslie and believe it. Come to the Big Deal Energy Workshop, @bodespeaks will show you how. It's personal branding with a shot of tequila. Register in bio.
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