Dreamers Into Doers -- marthastewart.com

Doer of the Week: Alison Vaughn

What were you doing (careerwise) when you decided to create your own business?

I hired flight attendants for a major air carrier.

When did you start your business?

I started Jackets for Jobs in 2000.

When did you know that you could really make a go of this?

I stepped out on faith to start my business. September 11, 2001, was a major turning point in the airline industry. Right after the tragedy, United Airlines asked flight attendants and pilots if they wanted to take a leave of absence due to low travel. I agreed and put 100 percent of my faith in the Lord to help me with Jackets for Jobs. I haven’t looked back, and the sky’s the limit.

How did you turn your dream into a business plan?

I had a vision to help women get off welfare with employment training skills, so I took that vision to city officials and conveyed my idea. They agreed with my mission and they helped me.

What inspired you to do this?

Helping people is my passion. The mission of Jackets for Jobs is to help low-income men and women become self-sufficient. We provide career skills training, employment etiquette, and clothing to individuals seeking employment. The goal was originally to focus only on women, but our services were in such great demand that we branched out to help men.

What was your start-up cost? How did you get the money, and what did you use it for?

We receive funding from corporations, foundations, grants, and individuals.

What was the biggest obstacle?

Funding -- as a nonprofit we are always seeking money to continue our mission.

Did your friends and family support your dream?

Yes -- everyone I know embraced the vision of Jackets for Jobs.

How did you maintain your confidence when doors were closed in your face, when people didn’t get it or said “no”?

My faith in God keeps me focused.

How long did it take you to get everything off the ground?

It took about three years. Fortunately, we were featured on ABC’s "The View" in 2003. They did a nationwide search for “worthy” charities and we came in the top 4 -- that national exposure put us on the map. Then, in 2005, we were featured on NBC’s "Today" show, and then the same year the cast from "The Apprentice" did a charity event for us.

How long did it take for your business to become profitable?

We are nonprofit.

What's the most fun part of what you do?

Transforming lives is my greatest reward. When I see a person walk in our office with only the clothes on his or her back and then leave with new clothes and lifted self-esteem, that makes me feel good, knowing I’m helping someone to better themselves and become self-sufficient.

Where do you work from?

Jackets for Jobs has two offices; one is on the east side of Detroit and the other is in downtown Detroit.

Do you have employees?

We have seven employees

How did you learn and acquire the skills you use to make your business successful?

I graduated from Michigan State University and I’m a graduate of the Women’s Campaign School at Yale University, sponsored by Yale Law School.

What's the best piece of business advice you ever received?

Follow your dreams and seek God for guidance.

If you had it to do over again, what, if anything, would you do differently?

I love what I do and I wouldn’t do anything different.

What is your favorite service that you offer?

The best service that we offer is the gift of hope.

What advice would you give to Dreamers who haven’t become Doers yet?

Find a mentor in the field you want to go into, shadow them, and ask tons of questions.

Keep up with Alison Vaughn and Jackets for Jobs, Inc.

JacketsForJobs.org

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Comment by Madly Stylish Events on February 2, 2011 at 2:58pm: Congrats, Alison! You are an inspiration!

Comment by Mickey Baxter-Spade on February 2, 2011 at 1:55pm: Congratulations Alison! Your are a blessing to many and an inspiration to everyone.

Comment by Debbie, Florentina Designs on February 1, 2011 at 10:33pm: The gift of hope. It doesn't get any better than that. Congratulations Allison! You are a blessing to many and an inspiration to all of us!

Comment by Kim M. Byers on February 1, 2011 at 10:27am: Alison - although I don't know you personally I'm very proud of you and completely inspired. I too have my own company and although I've given back in small ways I'm constantly looking for that bigger way to give. Congratulations to you and your dedication to helping others!

Comment by Alison vaughn on January 29, 2011 at 7:23pm: Thanks everyone for the wonderful comments. I feel so honored to be a part of a group of creative & inspirational women.

Comment by Linda J Russell on January 28, 2011 at 12:44pm: Alison, you are an incrediable inspiration & absolutely stunnig woman. I agree with you on that you find someone to mentor under, follow their guidance, and do what they do (shadow). If it is working for someone else than why would it not work for you. I too am leaving a current job. I was blessed to have 3 years notice that they were moving our jobs overseas. So I took advantage of that knowledge & slowly have been laying the ground fondations of my business. By faith too, all of the years of different skillsets have lead to next week, where Feb. 4th is the last day I report to work, and will be on my own. I have such faith that is the correct path for my life & blessed with support of family & friends. Next week is my leap of faith. I could not have received your inspiration at a more perfect time. Thank you for your faith & doing!!

Comment by Icing Designs on January 28, 2011 at 10:29am: Congratulations Alison! You are a true inspiration and such a lovely person! It was so great to meet you in NY!

Wonderful interview!!!

Comment by My Sweet Craft Cakes on January 27, 2011 at 10:53pm: Alison Congratulations!!!

Comment by Bargainista Erin on January 27, 2011 at 8:28pm: Congratulations Alison! You should be very proud of making a difference in your community! Great story!

Comment by backyardcolorado on January 27, 2011 at 2:58pm: Great and awesome work!!!!!

Comment by Brigitte The Posh Event Designs on January 27, 2011 at 1:12pm: Congratulations Alison! You have such an inspirational story. To me, this is the true meaning of a Dreamer into Doer since not only are you are doer but you are helping women from all over to start dreaming again and to become tomorrows doers. Thank you so much!!

Comment by Jolene on January 27, 2011 at 12:36pm: Congratulations and Hubba, Hubba Hugs to you Allison!

Comment by Sarah D. / Dreamers Joy Events on January 27, 2011 at 12:34pm: Hi Alison, Congrats! Great to see you as Doer of the week and meeting you at the DID event! Much success to you! :)

Comment by Beth Baker on January 27, 2011 at 10:25am: Congratulations Alison! Jackets for Jobs is such a wonderful endeavor. I know the passion and commitment you so generously share to help others.

Comment by Cherrl Jacobson on January 26, 2011 at 10:34pm: How wonderful to be able to give the gift of HOPE. Many congratulations! Great seeing you last week!

Comment by Latisha Horton on January 26, 2011 at 8:28pm: Congratulations Alison! May God continue to bless you and your agency in 2011 and beyond!

Comment by Terri Williams on January 26, 2011 at 7:57pm: Congratulations Alison! You are such an inspiration. I am so glad that I was able to meet you in NY and can't wait to get together is the D!

Comment by Mary Richey on January 26, 2011 at 7:42pm: Congrats Alison! Keeping the Lord as your partner is a winning proposition! It was great to see you in NYC again this year. Blessings!

Comment by Jean Roth • RotemDesignStudio on January 26, 2011 at 4:25pm: What an inspiring story and mission, Allison. I so enjoyed meeting you in NY.

Comment by Kate Sanner on January 26, 2011 at 4:22pm: Congratulations Alison!! Thank you for the work you do to help raise the self-esteem and empower people who are striving to be self-sufficient. I enjoyed meeting you at the DID Event.