#WeAreSouthQueens - Amy Allure
About Amy
Amy Simon, also known as Amy Allure, is the owner of Allure art studio Located on Jamaica Avenue in Hollis, Queens. Her family is from Dominica but Amy was born in Brooklyn, and raised in Queens. She considers herself very much a "Queens Girl." Amy taught for seven years as an elementary school teacher before opening up her own art studio.
What inspired you to start your business?
“I started painting when I was 11, but never heard of being an artist as a career. I couldn't even name an artist of color to even look up to. I focused on teaching, but never lost my love for art. In college, I took an intro to painting class and really fell in love with it, so I started buying supplies at Michael’s and doing art on my own. When I became a teacher, I would go to Groupon and purchase a Paint and Sip once a month as my own self care. I was having to travel to Brooklyn or Harlem. I live in St. Albans, they never felt like a space connected to me, my culture, or my people.
I went through a dark depression and started seeing a life coach where I was asked, “What do you like to do?” And I said I love to paint, so I really decided to dive into being an artist and sharing my art with people. I started drafting what it would look like to create a space and opened this creative arts space in 2019 for the community for art classes, paint and sip parties, kids art classes and art shows. I rent the space out also as a venue for creative events.”
What’s a typical day like for you?
“For my typical day, I put on some music, set the tone for the day. I also do back end stuff like social media. I also take some time looking up grants. I do a lot of content creating and preparation for the events in the studio and planning for future ones.”
What are your goals for the future?
"My biggest goal is to open a paint and sip space in the Caribbean somewhere. I would love to choose an island and just live there, build a business on the beach with the food and drinks and island vibes. Art is such a big part of the Caribbean community but you don't really see that many spaces. Creativity is sometimes not always taken seriously, and showcasing your art is really showcasing a part of who you are. You have to be very brave as an artist to put your heart, mind and soul into a canvas, sculpture or whatever piece of art. I want to also possibly open another space where I have a solid team."
Something that happened during the course of work that you will never forget?
"I opened in April 2019 and in November 2019 I had two events going on that I needed to manage. That morning my dad got very sick and fell and was in the hospital. I had to make a choice of staying for the two events people planned here or leave and tend to him. My sister was at the hospital so I decided I’d stay for these people's events and go to the hospital after. It just so happens that at the end I went to the hospital and then he passed away. That was just one of the most shocking experiences here because I was very fresh in the business.
I had to find a alot of peace, and I feel like when people pass finding peace in not thinking what I could've done better. I knew my dad really loved this place and he loved that I loved this place and he was proud of what I had going on here. I had to lose the guilt of not being there but knowing that I was in a place that I needed to be at the time. It's a part of why I do this till this day, through his legacy and being able to move forward."
What are some challenges you face as a woman?
"As a woman, one major challenge is balancing not being a pushover and being labeled as aggressive. I have to know which boundaries not to cross and have direct boundaries with people. Sometimes when people see a small business and think they can get away with things because its me behind it. Also staying strong in my worth in pricing, as a woman we tend to shortchange ourselves, but with men they tend to be final. We tend to question ourselves like: “Is that too high? Is this too much? Do they have enough?” My sister tells me to always set the price high and if they cant afford you then they'd tell you. When I write out what I'm worth, it feels right. As a woman the wealth gap is real, we tend to downplay our gifts, our talents, or our price."
What advice would you give to young women entrepreneurs?
"Discipline is really the core for me. You have to be clear in what you have to get done and maintain your own schedule. Also you have to make sure you have a strong sense of faith, whether it’s in a higher power or motivational podcast or watching sermons. Whatever it is, it’s important to have a core to help you stay spiritually grounded; doesn't even have to be spiritual. Just anything you use as a form of self care, because you will have times where things won’t go the way you would like. A fear mindset is also very real. Your mind is such an important muscle to nurture. My main three things are discipline, faith and having a team. A team is important to help you with backend things like a lawyer, accountant or web designer. You won't know everything and you wear so many hats. You can write out things you don't know and find people to help you with this."
