TAGG Talk: Allie Amelio of Alexandra Gioia Jewelry

Welcome to the first edition of our new series, TAGG Talk! I’m so pumped to introduce you to a fantastic women paving the way in their lives, whether that means career, personal, motherhood or some combination of all. What I’ve learned over the past five years here at TAGG is that each of us striveto be the best version of ourselves at the end of the day — all while balancing the realities and craziness of daily life. We are all part of this incredible tribe, this community where we can benefit from our collective support, guidance and intel.

Since you hear plenty from me each day, I’m pumped to introduce you to dynamic, intelligent and impressive women in my ‘hood and around the country. From learning about new careers and lessons learned to favorite shoes to conquer the day, get ready to soak it all in.

First up: meet Allie Amelio, she’s the talented designer behind Alexandra Gioia, the gorgeous jewelry you often seeing me wearing. I can’t resist purchasing her pieces because they’re gorgeous, well-made and hand-crafted by this talented girl. And, get this: Allie also has a demanding full-time marketing position and is a mama-to-be! Introducing…

Name: Alexandra Gioia but you can call me Allie

Position + company: Owner + Jewelry Designer at Alexandra Gioia

… And this means? I get to play with the prettiest materials and turn them into something wearable to accessorize your outfit. I handle everything from the design aspect to managing our website + Etsy shop, customer service, packaging, social media content – you name it. I’m looking to hire an AG intern shortly! Interested?

Professionally, I’ve learned: What a difference it makes to surround yourself with like-minded/positive people who challenge you to be your best self not the ‘negative nancies’ who intentionally or unintentionally bring you down.

My go-to beauty products that make me feel like a rock star: Laura Mercier Eye Brow Pencil (I wear blonde), Sugar Lip Treatment by Fresh (I just bought my second tube and it really moisturizes your lips) and Bliss Body Butter. You know when you put lotion on and have to wash your hands because the lotion is so greasy? Well that doesn’t happen with this one and I love that!

The pair of shoes that make me confident I can conquer the day: I love these (more colors here) Seychelles heels. I own them in black and nude and go with just about everything. I have incredibly picky feet when it comes to comfort and these babies fit the bill.

Favorite ways to power down and recharge, even just for five minutes: I love bubble baths! It seems to be one of the few spots my phone can’t find me and I can actually kick back and relax.

Go-to gadgets, apps and old-school techniques that help me get it all done:
I keep it old-school with my notepad/planner obsession and have to write everything down otherwise it’s forgotten. I’m a sucker for cute notepads like this one from ban.do!

In my fridge you’d find:

Well, I’m five months pregnant and am apparently making up for all the food I didn’t eat during the first trimester. So you’ll find anything from leftover spaghetti and meatballs, to tons of blueberries, steak for grillin’, salad supplies and oh yes, a half-eaten tub of Pillsbury vanilla frosting (help!).

My go-to, can’t fail recipe (i.e. your fav dinner for one or a major dinner party)

I just made this recipe the other night and it was light and so flavorful! It didn’t call for a ton of ingredients and was quick and easy for a weeknight meal.

Ok, spill… any random tip, DIY, time or money saver that you love telling your friends? 

I have a love for Annie Sloan Chalk Paint – you really can’t mess it up which is perfect for me. Affordable wood furniture is so hard to find these days. I recently picked up a vintage dresser on Craigslist for our baby girl’s nursery and gave it a much needed makeover with Annie Sloan’s Pure White Chalk Paint. It doesn’t require any prepping or sanding, just paint, distress and slap on a coat of wax and voila!

Every woman should:

Be silly, be honest and be kind. Ralph Waldo Emerson

Check out AG collection here, & comment or email me about anything we can do to enhance this series, from other questions you’d love answered to women you’d love to see profiled.