If you were to look up the textbook definition of turning hard work and dedication into success, it would be Allison Caldwell‘s picture you’d find.
A married mother of four, Caldwell is a successful businesswoman with a portfolio that includes numerous daycare and early childhood development facilities, a pair of Edible Arrangements franchises, owning Kreole Queen Foods, and being co-owner of Southern City Cuisine, among other ventures.
Never one to rest on her laurels, the award-winning business owner is pushing forward with new ventures. Putting her master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Illinois at Chicago to use, Allison recently released an educational children’s book series called Phat Cat and the Family, as well as continuing to nurture her fast-growing skincare line, Memoire Skincare.
N’DIGO recently sat down with Caldwell to find out more about her exciting new ventures.
N’DIGO: In your own words, who is Allison Caldwell?
Allison Caldwell: A down-to-earth, kind woman of faith who loves her family, her friends, and her community.
As a child, what did you imagine you’d do professionally?
A coach. I always knew that I liked working with children and people of all ages. I imagined that I would have a community center of sorts where children could do after-school and enrichment activities, an intergenerational space where interpersonal skills and interests could be developed and cultivated, and a place that was safe where parents were able to be at ease leaving or staying.
What was the spark that set you on the path to being a successful businesswoman?
I saw a need in my community, and it seemed as if parents needed a stronger village of support.
Please tell us about your skincare line, Memoire.
Memoire is a skincare line for all skin types. It helps with acne and aging skin. It hydrates, exfoliates, minimizes fine lines and wrinkles, and tightens and removes dark spots. When you look good, you feel good, and when you feel good, anything is possible, and you are open to opportunity.
How did your children’s book, Phat Cat and The Family, come about? Please tell us all about the book.
Phat Cat and the Family is a 14-book series with a sort of workbook in the back that allows the parent and child to gain a deeper understanding of the story through open-ended questions and vocabulary exploration tiered from basic vocabulary to low and high-frequency words. There is a matching game, syllable surprise, travel facts, and math concepts, and there are even blank pages left in the back for journaling, doodling, or whatever a young author might want to explore.
During the pandemic, there was a lot of time for self-reflection and thinking about past experiences; it was during that time Phat Cat was actualized. The main character is Allie. She is a positive ball of energy, helping her friends and family navigate life. Allie sees the good and tries to get others to do the same. There are metaphors and symbolism that refer to tolerance, acceptance, and strength throughout the stories. There are opportunities for the readers to learn life’s lessons, such as consequences, forgiveness, struggle, overcoming adversity, and unifying a community.
There is a coloring book that compiles all the books that explore each story separately. A parent could start with the coloring book and explore each story that way or integrate the coloring sheets after they complete each story. Phat Cat and The Family is loosely based on my life growing up in Chicago and my visits to Louisiana (New Orleans and Lake Providence), and moving throughout life.
In terms of balance with your family life and work duties, what do you do for self-care to preserve your mental health?
Honestly, I just completed an esthetician program, so I do give myself a lot of professional facials. I absolutely love to nap, meditate, and read, and I really try to give myself a lot of grace in all things. I no longer sweat the small stuff or most stuff because I have realized in the grand scheme of it all, most of it doesn’t matter, and it all works out in the end, and if it hasn’t worked out, it’s not the end.
Most days, I’m so full of energy that I’m bored once I’ve completed my to-do list for the day, and other days, I am like, what have I gotten myself into? (LOL). I know when some people think about business, they may have an idea of a boring office gig, but everything in life is about perspective and what you make it. When I think about business, I think of fun, excitement, and freedom. Getting a new contract, helping a person solve a problem, and filling a void can really get those endorphins rocking and rolling. Every day is different, and that’s why I can not stop. I absolutely love it. It’s the ultimate natural elevation.
What’s something people would be surprised to know about you?
I go to sleep most days at 6 pm.
Can you name a book that changed or really impacted your life?
The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz. This book really talks about actionable steps that you can take to achieve your goals in life, and it does it in a way that I can relate to. It’s broken down into bite-sized pieces that a reader can understand and digest. 1. Be impeccable in your word. 2. Don’t take anything personally. 3. Don’t make assumptions 4. Always do your best.
What are three of your personal keys to business?
Be honest
Be Present
Stay Hungry
Best advice to aspiring business professionals?
Don’t allow others to limit your potential or define you. You are what you say you are.
Favorite quote or affirmation?
I heard this affirmation the other day, and I really liked it: I am beautiful, and I am enough.
What’s next for Allison Caldwell?
I have a few loose ends I need to tie up before the end of 2023. I am considering a Day Spa, but I’m contemplating if I have the capacity to start again before I let some other things go. I have a secret fantasy of being a comedian, so you might see me doing a few amateur nights around town (laughing but very serious). I mentioned earlier that I recently completed a 6-month esthetician program, and it reaffirmed my belief that I could complete that Ph.D., so, who knows, 2024 might be the year I take the leap, but someone will have to hold me to it. My dreams are still big, my goals are still lofty, and I am open to opportunities.
For more information on Phat Cat and the Family, please visit www.phatcatandthefamily.com, and to learn more about Memoire Skincare, please visit www.memoire.shop.
