Today we’d like to introduce you to Allison McComb.
Hi Allison, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I am a lifelong writer and reader with over 20 years of experience in public service. Throughout my career, I have excelled in strategy, writing/editing, and leading projects. In early 2023, I decided to leverage my strengths and establish A Writing Concierge LLC, a company dedicated to bringing back the art of writing.
For 13 years, I served as a higher education administrator, working in both student and academic affairs for large public institutions. My focus was primarily on first-year and transitioning students. Additionally, I had the privilege of being part of the influential elections machine for 6.5 years, overseeing poll worker recruitment and training as division head. Both roles demanded polished writing skills to effectively communicate with students and constituents.
With a diverse professional background spanning two decades, I am grateful for the opportunities I have had and the extensive portfolio I have built. Through A Writing Concierge LLC, my ultimate objective is to apply my expertise in writing, communications strategy, and project management to benefit every client. Whether they are small or corporate, for-profit or nonprofit, I possess a unique talent for bringing together words and information to create cohesive pieces.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Life has not been smooth, in general, but I was conditioned to understand this early on with my dad’s longtime illness and his passing when I was in my late 20s.
However, after years of developing relationships in public service and in establishing my own business, the path has been made easier through a wonderful support system: new and old colleagues, mentors, cheerleaders, etc. I consider myself lucky to have seen A Writing Concierge grow so much in its first year, and I am grateful to the amazing people in my life for helping to make that a reality.
Whether personal or professional, the people I’ve connected with most along the way have also shared a reverence for being able to laugh at ourselves and the absurdities of life.
When I worked with students, I often spoke with them about preparing for the unexpected. I think I was (knowingly or unknowingly) reminding myself of that very thing. Things may not work out the way we thought they would or should – but a lot of excitement can come from the unknown/what’s to come behind the curtain.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My brain works in two directions, almost daily. I love letters and words. I also love appreciating art, the mundane things we miss in our daily routines, and the bigger, explosive things like murals and architecture through street photography. I take a lot of walks around Miami and almost every other place, city, and town I visit.
In my writing, I’m known for translating experience (often my own) into a vivid story. Happy, humorous, painful, or shocking – human experiences are universally understood. The companion blog to the A Writing Concierge website is now up, and it’s called TOPS: The One Pager Series. I will be using this series to share more of my writing.
Similarly, through pictures, I enjoy weaving together space and time through (often, 3- or 6-post) vignettes. I may focus on street art, old architecture, or the very random personality of a single block. There is so much to see and enjoy in the world, but, with the constant gratification and distraction modes a lot of us our operating in, we can easily miss it. I share life from my lens at miamigirlwalking.com and across X (Twitter) and IG as well under the same name. This has been my passion project since 2015.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
Again, I’m lucky to have had a lot of people in my corner – sometimes outright, sometimes quietly. I can’t capture everyone by name, but I have a huge circle, and I love them fiercely.
Family: my dad, mom, aunts, uncles, cousins (we have an amazing bond and hilarious group chats); as well as my sisters, nieces, and nephews. RIP to those no longer with us; I love them and miss them.
Friends: my friends – many of whom I’ve had for decades and are truly BFFs (whether they came from school, work, or some other lifeline) – are my family as well. They are my cheerleaders, sounding boards, laugh partners, and life partners.
Mentors: Barbara. One name and word says it all – the mentor of all mentors.
Clients: I’ve met incredible people this year – clients (and new colleagues in the networking world) who have helped me shape my business, planning, pricing, etc. THANK YOU!
Contact Info:
- Website: awritingconcierge.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awritingconcierge/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/awritingconcierge?mibextid=9R9pXO
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allison-mccomb-miamiflorida/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/AWrtgConcierge
- Other: https://miamigirlwalking.com/
Image Credits
@miamigirlwalking
