Today we’d like to introduce you to Alisa Moen.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My story is… a jagged puzzle where the pieces are really starting to fill in nicely.
In college for Communications, Cinema, and Cultural Studies (I liked learning about people!) I was a member and eventual captain of the TimberWolves Dancers. It was a wild adventure of an experience that took me across the globe, out of my comfort zone and in front of thousands of people several times a week, and showed me what true professionalism was (and wasn’t.)
I eventually became an in-arena host for one season and then a coach of the kid’s dance team.
Even before graduation, I started working at a company called Screenfeed as a writer, onscreen host, voiceover talent, and all-around yes-woman to whatever projects were sent my way. It was here at Screenfeed (which moonlights as Treefort as well), that I began my work with Plato’s Closet, followed by Once Upon A Child. First, as a style blogger for the brand’s YouTube channel, I soon moved into script and caption writing for their social media, and eventually doing what I do now: Producing and Creative Directing for Once Upon A Child.
There are more interesting and seemingly random pieces to the puzzle: Moon Magazine was born in 2016 in my free time and I edited/ran that for 3 years as it became Undone Magazine. I provided writing, editing, and some creative direction for Treefort Magazine as well. I became president of Treefort Creative and led projects in this venture while juggling my projects for Screenfeed.
I had a baby in 2021! Because of that huge life change, I’ve ultimately gone freelance with my work under the business name, Undone Studio LLC. I’m doing much of the same work, but as a solo-prenuer and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
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?
The road has not been smooth, nor has it been linear. I’ve struggled to find a way much of the time, unsure of my direction, what I want, what I can offer, and who to reach out to.
That lack of clarity led me to say yes to opportunities I didn’t thrive in, with people I didn’t enjoy working with. In hindsight, I’m grateful for these things, but at the time, I really struggled with my purpose. And with my ego!
Another “bump” in the road wasn’t a bad part of my life in any way, but has transformed my career immensely: having my son! I went from being able to drop everything and work to squeezing work into small moments throughout my days and weeks, making an office job nearly impossible. I’m lucky to have projects that don’t require me to be at a desk for hours, and that’s allowed me to be a present mother and present business owner.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a producer, writer, editor, and overall creative professional.
As a producer, I am in charge of hiring photographers/videographers/stylists/editors, researching locations, refining shot lists, maintaining budgets, pitching to the client, as well as many other things. I often play the role of creative director as well, giving insight to what is being shot and communicating this between the client and the creatives on the team.
I am also a writer! I’ve written off-beat, happy, and new-related stories for nearly a decade, as well as commercial scripts and social media captions. I specialize in light-hearted, family-friendly, witty, socially/culturally aware voices in marketing, in news, and in social media.
Personally, and hopefully someday professionally, I would love to write travel and culture pieces. I am a big consumer of food, travel, lifestyle writing, and photography, and do some occasionally and always just for fun.
What sets me apart from the crowd? The very crowded crowd? Well, I tend to write best in my own voice, as if I am speaking to the reader. I assume you, as the reader, know what I’m referring to when I make pop culture references and are reading because you enjoying doing so. And as for my creative direction, I always seem to toe the line between aspirational and relatable, because I believe beauty and sophistication can be attainable.
What would you say has been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
The most important I’ve learned is that my gut is always right.
I’ve used my gut feelings to guide me in many right directions, and when I’ve failed to listen to these feelings or have shared them with those who didn’t feel the same, I quickly found myself in sticky, dark, or unhappy places.
I’ve lost clients after not making moves on gut decisions or teammates, and missed opportunities for not going with my initial feelings, but also made incredible connections, lifelong friends, and huge business moves by listening to these feelings.
Contact Info:
- Website: undonestudio.com
- Instagram: alisa_larae
Image Credits
Portrait by Jessica Holleque
Behind the Scenes images by Katie Kopan
