Meet Alyson Hamm: Event Stylist & Treat Maker

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

Hi Alyson, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
People often assume that I am from a military family but, that is a misconception. It can easily be said that I am the sum- total of my experiences. I was born in Virginia, but as my father’s career as a Regional Branch Manager for General Motors would have it, my family was often relocated. I have lived, learned, and loved in Maryland, Michigan, Northern and Southern California, Massachusetts, Delaware, and now Georgia. With each of my father’s promotions came change for us, especially for my mother, who masterfully adapted and served as teacher in each of the aforementioned locations. In my early years I saw the frequent relocation as a disadvantage. I grew weary from saying goodbye to friends and schools and from having to adjust to new surroundings. However, as I reflect on the lessons learned- I see that those very experiences shaped and prepared me for a successful adulthood. One of the greatest benefits is I gained was the opportunity to build relationships with a diverse multitude of people, many of whom I still call friend. Additionally, I had the privilege of watching my parents be adaptable and resilient. They were relentless in the pursuit of excellence, and accepted nothing less from my siblings and I. They modeled academic and personal excellence and provided a structure that was the foundation for my becoming who I am. I model myself after my parents, by rejecting mediocrity and pursuing excellence with tenacity and fearlessness. I envision what I want to achieve and I take the necessary steps to achieve the very things I envision. All that I am, I owe to my late parents.

What should our readers know about your business?
My business is named Honey’s Sweet Memories. The name is an intentional nod to my late mother. Her grandchildren affectionately called her “Honey.” Honey had a knack for interior design, and no matter the occasion she would provide award worthy décor and a food spread that was out of this world! Before she transitioned, she and I would often discuss starting an event planning business once she retired. Unfortunately, we never got the opportunity to realize that dream together, but the dream never left me. For the next several years, I always spoke about pursuing the business with my closest friends. My best friend Erica finally convinced me to take a leap of faith and just do it! In April of 2017, Honey’s Sweet Memories LLC was birthed. My mother and her spirit are very much a part of this business. I know that she is an ever-present force and has never taken her hands off me. What sets us apart is our knack for making every event “sweet” and equally “memorable.” We offer an array of sweet treat selections, basic or customized treat tables to match any theme, balloon art, gift boxes, baskets, and the list goes on. If a client can visualize it, we make every effort to make the vision come alive. Every day I learn something new, whether I am working on a project or thinking about my long-term goals. Every day, I commit to making my next event more unique and creative. This industry is full of talented men and women from across the globe, but here at Honey’s Sweet memories-we operate in the spirit of collaboration and not competition.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
My best friend and I have been a pair since 1993. We share many of the same interest. So, our weekend would definitely consist of laughter, food, fun, sports…and did I mention laughter!? We are both HUGE fans of Boston sports teams, so I’d imagine we could be found at a local bar and grill enjoying food, drinks, and sports trash talk. We are both thrill seeking December born Sagittarius ladies, so Six Flags over Georgia, shopping expeditions at Tanger Outlet, and fun nights out on the town would all be on the agenda. We live several states apart and I would love for her to meet some of my local friends. I would probably even have her to accompany me to one of Honey’s Sweet Memories’ “wild” and fun events!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I refer to my journey in business as “The Movement.” When the movement first began, I was inundated with advice; both solicited and unsolicited. I was consistently warned to not conduct business with friends or family. As ‘the Movement’ began to grow and prosper, I have found that nothing is further from my truth. My first supporters and customers were my family and friends. My older sister, Diane was the first client that requested my decorating services. My aunt, Shayla was the first to place a bulk treat order for a school. Those are just a few examples of the unrelenting support that I receive. I have received overwhelming support from friends in several different states (to include Massachusetts, Florida, and Texas.) I am so grateful to so many. My late parents taught me hard work and how to operate with integrity, so I am eternally grateful. My husband Cornelius is my biggest supporter. He gives me space to grow, but he is always there to catch me if I fall. I am grateful for his wisdom and his guidance regarding business moves. I am grateful for my children, although not directly involved with the business, they are watching and learning about operating with integrity and great work ethic. I am grateful for the opportunity to make them proud. My siblings, my extended family, and my Atlanta people-I am truly grateful. They all know who they are. Without them, The Movement would have stalled! I am forever grateful. Last, but not least, I want to shout out and express gratitude to my dear friend, Latasha Muhammad. She is the person who nominated me for this article. You’d have to know the dynamics of our relationship and how we argue and agree to disagree to understand why her nomination caused me to do a double take. Her acknowledgement of my hard work means the world to me! I am really just bursting with gratitude!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/honeyssweetmemories
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/honeyssweetmemories/

Image Credits
Reance Nicole Gordon