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

Hi Alyssa, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Growing up, I was never a risk-taker. The mere idea of taking risks and stepping outside my comfort zone was a concept I was unwilling to explore. I enjoyed operating and, more specifically, excelling within the confined bounds of my comfort zone. After college, I worked at a desk job that I loved but felt unchallenged by. For the first time, I feared that if I didn’t start taking risks, I’d be stuck and live the same day over and over again for the rest of my working years. So I started taking more risks in my personal and my professional life. In the years since, I switched industries with no previous experience, packed up and moved to the city with my partner, and started a freelance side hustle that’s growing and thriving. In between, I’ve had the opportunity to work with and learn from some incredible creators and freelancers.

And here’s the thing, no matter how terrifying the risk might seem, it’s almost always worth it. Every opportunity I’ve landed and some of the best connections I’ve made are a direct result of taking risks and putting myself out there, even when it feels scary. Risks are only as frightening as you allow them to be. Choose to see them in a positive light and chase them at every opportunity you get.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’m a first-generation college graduate. When I went to college right after high school, I had no idea who I was or what I wanted to do professionally. My journey has been an exploration of sorts, allowing me to determine where I can align my values and skills with a career path.

What I’m most proud of is that I’ve built a freelance side hustle alongside a 9-5 career and have been able to find the best of both worlds. I attribute where I am today to being gritty, taking the initiative to continuously learn and develop, and trying different roles and projects to find the best fit for me.

Freelancing alone isn’t easy, and it certainly isn’t easy managing a 9-5 role while simultaneously delivering high-quality work for my freelance gigs. I developed a deep relationship with myself to understand my boundaries, give myself time and space to rest, and not bite off more than I can chew.

My passion for pursuing writing is a direct reflection of my life experiences. My story and brand run deep, and what you see is the result of persevering through a time marked by tremendous loss and grief. I started writing after losing my grandparents suddenly and unexpectedly in 2015. I understand that words are transformative and have the power to help us through any season in our life, and that’s what I hope you feel come across in my writing.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
There is so much to see and do in Denver! If my best friend were visiting the area for a week-long trip, our itinerary would consist of a mix of mountainous adventures (hikes, no skiing!) and city activities such as visiting the local museums and eating in different Denver neighborhoods. We’d pass through Denver Union Station, take a drive to Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre, and maybe catch a baseball game at Coors Field. We’d have a night out at Williams & Graham and would eat at Avanti and Denver Milk Market. We might even drive to northern Colorado and go brewery hopping at New Belgium Brewing Company (because Colorado is the craft beer state, after all).

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My path to success is not one I walk alone. I’m fortunate to have an inner circle that supports and encourages me, no matter how crazy my ideas may seem at times. Thank you to my parents, my husband, my baby sister, my grandparents — those here and those no longer with us, for being the best fan base I could ever ask for.

Website: www.wordswithalyssa.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wordswithalyssa/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyssatowns/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/wordswithalyssa

Other: https://linktr.ee/alyssatowns

Image Credits
Insider Thrive Global GenTwenty Passion Planner

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutHTX is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.