Alyssa Salvo: alumni profile

You graduated in 2009, what has your career path looked like since leaving CCGS?

After finishing school I thought my dream career was to become a feature writer for a magazine. I studied Journalism at UTS whilst also interning at all my favourite magazines I had grown up with - CLEO, DOLLY, FAMOUS. However, after 3 years of interning and working so incredibly hard to get my foot in the door, the magazine industry folded and I quickly became a fresh uni graduate without a job. I then went on to work in retail for 3 months before landing a full-time position as a Social Media Manager/ Stylist for a big online store at the time called ‘Lucy In The Sky’. Just one year later (after saving the majority of my annual salary) I started up my own online store called ‘HER Empire Boutique’. 

What do you love most about your job?

Definitely designing new styles for my brand. There’s something magical about designing a new style, going through the tedious trial and error phase and then suddenly it all clicks. I also have the added bonus of seeing so many of my lovely customers wearing the designs for their special occasions thanks to tags on social media. It’s a pretty great feeling! I love seeing our dresses make people happy. 

What trait has been most vital in helping you succeed?

It is probably the same trait that keeps me up most nights…my inability to switch off. My brain is wired to love research. I’m always searching for new design ideas, new ways to improve marketing, web design, logistics - anything really! This research obsession of mine is what constantly keeps pushing the business forward.

What are you passionate about? 

Learning about new strategies and new tools for online business growth. It’s an ever-changing online world and the possibilities truly are limitless. It’s an exciting time to be in my field of work! 

How have you been spending your time during COVID shutdown?

As we mostly sell summer dresses and occasion wear, I had mentally prepared myself for a major drop in sales due to everyone’s events being cancelled. I was very surprised when we remained flat out, it really has been business as usual for us. I feel very grateful and blessed. The only thing that’s changed since going into isolation is I now order excessive amounts of ice cream from Terrigal Ice-creamery. It’s good for morale and supports local business, at least that’s what I tell myself! 

What is one piece of advice you would give your high school self?

Think outside the box as much as you can. There are so many paths you can take for your post school journey so don’t feel pressured into thinking you need to have it all set in stone before you leave school. If one path isn’t working out, you can always try another. 

How can we follow along to see what’s next for you and HER Boutique? 

Check us out online or you can follow us along on Instagram @herempireboutique