first shot life

Missy & Ally (in 2007 and again in 2008). Best friends rock.

Thank you to Ally and Missy of First Shot Life for answering some of my questions and sharing a bit about yourselves. I think you'll agree, their joint venture is unique and exciting, as is the news that Ally may possibly be relocating from New York to LA this summer - then these two lifelong friends will be living and working out of the same city. I've been following First Shot Life for some time and now I'm looking forward to the launch of their online shop. So without further ado...   


Who are Ally and Missy? Do either of you have any side ventures we should know about?
Best friends since we were 2 years old, we're 25, living in New York and Los Angeles respectively (though that may change this summer!). Together we've won soccer championships, made it through breakups, traveled the world (Australia and Europe!), and stayed relatively sane through our first few years as young professionals. Now we're starting a company together, and a blog dedicated to growing up.

Aside from this venture, we're both managing full time careers - Ally is in planning and merchandising for a major retail company and Missy works in development for television and branded entertainment.

What's First Shot Gift Shop?
First Shot Gift Shop will exist as an online shop featuring great gifts for major life transitions - a college graduation, a new apartment, a new baby, a breakup-induced decision to grow and nurture a vegetable garden. We'll launch in 2010 with two pre-created baskets; First Kitchen and First Cocktail Soiree, and as we grow we'll become more of a la carte online shopping destination. We aspire to collaborate with other small businesses and artists to make hip, fun gift baskets available at affordable prices. We are not your mama's gift basket.

You're both 25 and share a blog. Where do you see yourself (or yourselves) 5 years from now?
Ally wants babies and Missy wants pitbull puppies. Seriously, we both aspire to be successful, grounded and make our own rules. Possibilities? A business consultant in the fashion industry (Ally), a travel and lifestyle writer (Missy), entrepreneurs (the boths of us). We have a lot of love to give and look forward to starting families (and secretly, planning weddings. We have an inappropriate wedding blog addiction and nary a ring on our fingers), traveling the world, and just generally living the lives we dream of.

Do you think we ever really grow up?
With every day that passes, we get to explore and learn a little more. We also find new questions. I think that's what growing up will always be about for us - a pursuit of our authentic selves; always evolving, always changing. Trying to find balance and things to laugh about. 




Thank you again Ally and Missy. And you can mark me down for a First Cocktail Soiree gift basket. Don't forget to visit First Shot Life and read all about their firsts.