Conversations with the Inspiring Allison Zellmann

Today we’d like to introduce you to Allison Zellmann.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
My story really begins after graduating from the University of Arizona and really not feeling that Tucson at the time had the opportunity I was looking for. I had created this idea of what success looked like at the time and I was willing to do anything in order to become successful. I wanted that corner office, so I sold everything I owned and moved to NYC to kick off my career. I boarded a plane with a backpack and never looked back.

I was fortunate to land an assistant role at Ralph Lauren within the Global Design and Construction team. While there I was a sponge and I am forever grateful to the teammates I had who were kind enough to teach me both design and construction fundamentals. From there, I moved into Construction Project Management for a number of national construction firms in San Diego and Los Angeles. I then relocated briefly to Montana which planted the seed of opening my own business. I tested the waters there but never committed. I recently returned to Tucson and this is when I found the courage to create Kasher. Design has always been a passion of mine and construction is where my 10 years of experience lies and now I’m combining the two.

Has it been a smooth road?
Being a woman in construction and smooth roads are not synonymous. My advice would be to figure out what it is you want and go for it. The advice is positioned mostly on the “figure out what it is you want” side. Working hard comes naturally to me, the trick is to focus your energy and hard work on your passion and turn it into a career. My advice for other women would be to ignore the chatter outside of your head. Not everyone will see or hear your vision as you do, and that’s ok, but you have to keep going and follow what you believe in.

Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
Most people dread the renovation process, and I get it. That’s where I as a design and build firm come in. I deliver a turnkey experience to my clients. I make the renovation process as painless and enjoyable as possible and that’s pretty unique. Not a lot of designers are fluent in the field of construction and in my experience there is normally a rift between the designers and contractors – this doesn’t exist at Kasher. Representing both roles allows Kasher the ability to provide a unique and seamless process. Here at Kasher, we specialize in delivering an end product that doesn’t break the bank. We’re very mindful of client’s budgets and believe that great design doesn’t have to cost a fortune. As a brand, we’re most proud of our approachability, we’re genuinely a nice, hardworking team that values service.

Looking back on your childhood, what experiences do you feel played an important role in shaping the person you grew up to be?
Yes! I’m a bit of a nomad. I moved during critical times in my childhood. We’re talking both middle school and high school.

I grew up in the suburbs of Los Angeles and my family moved to Tucson the summer between 8th and 9th grade. I lost all of my friends again and was removed from my comfort zone. This really taught me that adapting to change and playing outside my comfort zone is a great skill to have. Being a female boss in a male-dominated industry takes a thick skin and the ability to adapt. I have been honing these skills ever since.

Pricing:

• Design is diverse and so are our skills, meaning we’re able to help you as little or as much as you need, from choosing a paint color to building your custom home.
• We offer décor only services in addition to our design and build packages.
• Full-service décor $2,250 Together we will set your style tone and grow from there. Kasher will take care of all the design details, shopping and installation to bring your reinvented room to life.
• Designer drop in $475 You get a day with me and we’ll rearrange, analyze and we can even shop and style together. This is the most flexible service we offer. Sometimes you just need a fresh set of eyes and another mind to bounce ideas off of and get your creative juices flowing.
• One time 2-hour in-home consultation $250 For those who aren’t sure they’re ready to take the plunge with a professional.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.kashermgmt.com
• Phone: 310.717.6338
• Email: hello@kashermgmt.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kasherstudio/

Image Credit:
Nieves Montano Photography (headshot)

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