Today, for Women's History Month, we are celebrating this fantastic and strong young woman
Alyson (Aly) Robillard @robillards_garden_center, 33, daughter, sister, wife, auntie, dog mom, and BUSINESS OWNER
Aly was born into a deeply faith filled and career driven family in Southern Indiana. Her family has always been encouraging and supportive in all she has done. Whether it was demanding to wear a devil costume at age 4 or asking for a home run doggie when she was 10, Aly has never let anyone stop her from achieving her dreams. On her Great Grandmother’s farm is where Aly’s drive to try new things and not to be afraid of the “dirtiness” of life was ignited. It wasn’t just about enjoying the scenery of the farm. While spending countless hours playing in the creek, riding the tractors, and fishing, Aly defied the odds of typical girl activities and worked hard to do them well. Just like many of us, there were obstacles throughout her life, but she was determined to persevere...
Proving she has what it takes... Aly worked hard to manage the demands of a double major as well as being a collegiate tennis player. Life always has a funny way of rewarding oneself and at the end of her junior year of college the most unthinkable and beautiful thing happened...Aly met her now husband while both were out enjoying an evening with friends. The two dated and became inseparable for the next year. Learning Brian grew up in Maine, taking a few trips there during school vacations, and falling in love with him, definitely weighed on Aly’s mind as her graduation day loomed closer.
Proving she has what it takes... July of 2010 Aly set off to follow her heart and moved away from her friends and family to be with the love of her life, Brian, in his hometown of Old Orchard Beach, Maine. Along with the adjustments of the big move, Aly battled with the feelings of being an outsider in a new place. In addition, she dealt with grieving from the sudden and unexpected death of Brian’s brother at the same time as trying to find her first teaching job. To say emotions were high with all these changes was an understatement, but Aly searched for ways to find herself in this new environment. November of 2010 Aly landed her first teaching job. For the next 10 years, Aly inspired students to be their best and find their niche all while supporting her husband to do the same as he worked to build a successful landscaping company. Aly began balancing the rigorous duties of the teaching world along with the countless administrative duties of the landscaping business. As Brian developed an extremely positive reputation and business grew, an increase in book keeping skills was needed from Aly. Together they worked hard to keep things running smoothly, eventually expanding the business with the opening of Robillard’s Garden Center in June of 2019.
Proving she has what it takes... Aly resigned from her teaching career in July of 2020 and became owner and operator of the garden center. Building a better life for their future family was a driving force in this decision, but deep in her heart were the images of her Great Grandmother’s farm. She continues to face challenges head on as she maneuvers her way through this male dominating business, smiling as she proves she can do anything. When you stop by the garden center you’ll find her operating the heavy equipment, loading dirt and rocks, and helping customers spruce up their lawn and gardens. Whatever the task may be, know she feels at home and is right where she’s meant to be!
Outside of work, Aly is a dog mom and aunt to two handsome nephews and one spunky niece. She enjoys snowmobiling in the winter, soaking up the sun at the beach, and organizing anything and everything that can be organized. Believing that it is not who you are that holds you back, but who you think you aren’t continues to be a constant reminder to keep Aly on the path to a successful and happy life!
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You can follow Aly @robillards_garden_center
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Thank you very much, Aly, for sharing your inspirational story!
#whm #womenshistorymonth #womenempowering #womansupportingwomen
4 Comments
Mar 8, 2021, 2:19:25 PM
Marianne Reinhart - Congratulations
Mar 8, 2021, 12:36:43 PM
Mary Graves - Very proud of Aly and her accomplishments! Wonderful woman!
Mar 7, 2021, 6:12:38 PM
Jayne Ernstberger - I am so proud of my daughter Aly!! Thank you for jonoring her.
Mar 7, 2021, 11:42:37 AM
Andrea summer - Great job with the story and pictures! Congratulations!