Vendors I Love: GREENER UNIONS
I met Ally at a recent Altared meet-up event in Brooklyn. If you don’t know me, I am a self proclaimed “tree hugger.” So, I was so happy to hear that Ally was offering some sustainability in the wedding industry. As we know there is so much waste, and there are some easy (and low cost) fixes to lower the carbon footprint. Without further ado, I’m happy to shine a light on Ally from GREENER UNIONS.
What was the path that led you to become a sustainable consultant/coordinator!
My path to becoming a sustainable wedding coordinator and consultant was not traditional. After I received my MBA in Business & Sustainability, I was working in corporate sustainability, while planning my own wedding. I found myself having to go the extra mile to find vendors who incorporated sustainability. There was a significant amount of extra research into additional means of reducing waste. Through this process, and after speaking with other couples who were also planning their own weddings, I realized there was a significant gap in the market. People were interested in learning more about ways to incorporate sustainability, especially when it also leads to cost savings and increased creativity, however, they lacked the time and knowledge to know how to do so. From there, Greener Unions was born.
What excites you about weddings?
I love weddings because they are one of the very few times you get to gather all of the important people in your life in one room. And maybe one of the only times you get to do so for a joyful reason. They're also these special, unique events that both honor the past while celebrating the future. There's so much opportunity for creativity and authenticity to shine through.
What do you look for in a couple?
I look for couples who care about the details. Some couples may just want the wedding experience package that a venue provides, and that's great! The couples who are the best fits for me are going to be those who want to go the extra step to make sure you can see their love story, and who they are as a couple in the details of their wedding.
What is the greatest compliment you’ve ever received?
Most members of my MBA class opted for safer, more traditional (and income stable) careers after business school. Very few have opted for entrepreneurship thus far. A friend told me, about a month or two after starting my business, "I'm proud of you for actually walking the walk and putting your degree into action. You're blazing a path."
What do you desire for your business?
Like every small business owner, I hope to grow! And I hope to educate others on the wastefulness of the wedding industry and the easy, low to no-cost ways they can incorporate sustainability.
What are you grateful for?
I'm extremely grateful for the support I've received so far. Whether it's been other vendors in the space sharing advice and words of wisdom or loved ones proudly sharing my business with others. I'm grateful for everyone who has offered an ear or a kind word along the way.
Any recent cause for celebration?
I'm hosting an event later this month that sold out in 4 days!
Oh my gosh, Ally, that’s amazing! Congratulations.
ᐧCHECK OUT ALLY & GREENER UNIONS ONLINE: