Today we’d like to introduce you to Alyssia Duda.
It’s an honor to speak with you today. Why don’t you give us some details about you and your story. How did you get to where you are today?
My name is Alyssia Duda, I am a actress, model, ballet dancer, best-selling author, and the creator and founder of Alyssia’s Dream. Alyssia’s Dream is a non for-Profit organization which purpose is to give ballet scholarships and much needed dance supplies to young girls of color who want to pursue their dreams of becoming a professional ballet dancer. I am also the creator of my very own initiative, Dream Big. The Dream Big initiative’s purpose is to help young girls to not only dream but dream big, by giving them the steps and tools they need to see those dreams actually come to fruition. Finally, I have recently been crowned the 2023 Miss Windy City Outstanding Teen.
I started my journey as a young dancer at the age of three and I fell in love with the art form. As I grew, I became aware of the actual cost of ballet. As I looked around, I noticed that some of my friends were faced with the same financial delima I was. That is why I created Alyssia’s Dream. My Alyssia’s Dream journey has expanded into a children’s book and my Dream Big Initiative to continue to help inspire young girls. Voicing my passions to my mom is a very important factor of how I got to where I am today.
I’m sure your success has not come easily. What challenges have you had to overcome along the way?
No, success does not come easy. It takes discipline, determination, persistence, endurance, and tenacity. The challenge that I have overcome along the way is remaining relentless in my pursuit of my dream. Sometimes the challenges are bigger than expected. So, staying on course in the face of any opposition is something I had to learn and learn quickly. Challenges are just that, challenges. You can overcome anything.
Let’s talk about the work you do. What do you specialize in and why should someone work with you over the competition?
I currently specialize in helping young girls pursue their dreams by providing the tools that they need. Because we are a non-for-profit organization within the fine arts community, we do not necessarily face the same type of competition a standard business would face. However, I think someone would want to work with me because I genuinely want to help others and I love helping to impact my community and the world around me.
What’s your best piece of advice for readers who desire to find success in their life?
The piece of advice that I would give to readers would be to never let a person’s minor opinion effect their big future.
Speaking of success, what does the word mean to you?
What success means to me is truly having the ability to help and impact others and actually making a difference in someone else’s life. If I am able to help one young girl reach their dream, that is success means to me.
What’s next for you?
I hope to continue to expand my platform to help as many young girls as I can through my organization. I am going to continue my journey as a actress, model and ballet dancer and author. I do have some pretty cool projects on the horizon that I am very excited about.
Finally, how can people connect with you if they want to learn more?
People can connect with me via my website www.alyssiaduda.com. You also connect with me via my Instagram, Facebook or Twitter @Alyssia_Ballerina.