Today on Take Five I chat with Allyson Berger, On-Air Host, Travel Vlogger, and Lifestyle Influencer. Allyson gives us a peek into her life as an On-Camera Host and how she maintains her health and balance with an unpredictable schedule. Plus, some of her favorite workouts, travel spots, and more.
How did you end up in your role as an on-camera host?
I always knew I wanted to do something within the entertainment industry but being a host, somewhat, fell into my lap. While studying theatre in college, I started working with the online TV Station at Arizona State University and that’s when I started hosting and producing my own entertainment packages and really fell in love with hosting video content.
What does a typical schedule look like for you?
There is absolutely nothing typical about it! Since I freelance or am project-based, every day is really different for me and I do not have a set schedule or routine.
What do you love most about your job? What do you find challenging?
What I love most about my job is how different it can always be. I am a host for a variety of different topics, so I am always learning about different things and meeting people from different areas of interest and walks of life. The challenging part about my job, since I am project-based, I still have to be on the lookout for that next project. The hustle really never stops.
How did you get your first career break?
This is a harder question than I thought! I don’t think I have a big defining moment as my “career break.” I guess I am still waiting for it!
Do you have advice for anyone trying to break into your industry?
No one is ever going to fight for you, as much as you are for yourself. So don’t rely on someone else to make “your break” happen for you.
What career advice would you give your younger self?
Don’t despise the internet so much. When I was in college, Facebook was still relatively new, and so was YouTube. This was during the beginning phase of “be careful what you post on the internet, employers are looking at Facebook pages and they aren’t getting hired from what they are seeing.” So because of this, I was very careful as to what personal information I put on the internet. I actually never used a picture of my face on my personal Facebook page in college. Some of my friends today, still joke about that, since now, my face is all over the internet and I post on social media almost everyday! The internet and social media have definitely helped my career in ways, I would have never expected.
Is there anything you aspire to do and how are you working towards that goal?
I am always aspiring to be better, do better, stay creative and enhance my skills. I constantly watch myself and other hosts to learn traits that I do and don’t like and how to incorporate them into my own work.
How do you support your health in-between work? While you travel?
I usually keep a very healthy and active lifestyle. I used to go to the gym a lot (when they were open)! I make sure to eat healthier when I eat at home, so I can eat whatever I want, when I eat out. When I travel, I don’t usually exercise as much, because I want to be able to sleep in and enjoy what I am doing and seeing while traveling.
Favorite fitness regimens?
Since quarantine, IG Live workouts have been great! My friend, @AlyssaCerrachio, who I met when I took her classes at the Athleta Studio in NYC, does a few a week, that are only 30 minutes long and are a really great work out! I also use the ToneItUp App, which I use along with their YouTube videos. I love to dance, so I’ll find YouTube videos of Zumba classes or dance routines to get some extra movement going on!
Do you have a favorite health food?
Avocado on everything, please!
Are their alternative health treatments you enjoy?
Massages are a great treat to keep my body feeling good!
What’s your go-to easy meal?
Trader Joe’s makes a spinach salad kit that comes with pecans, craisins & blue cheese and I usually add some tomatoes and grilled chicken and then hit the road. The dressing that comes in this kit, is also really good!
Favorite place to vacation?
I love Paris. I could go there at a moment’s notice any time of the year, but I love vacationing in Europe in general. I really need the U.S. ban on entering Europe to be lifted so I can go on vacation.
Beauty product you cannot live without?
Ooh, can I pick two?! It would have to be my Burt’s Bees chapstick and a great mascara. I’ve been using Marc Jacobs’ Velvet Noir Mascara for a while now.
Do you have hobbies, activities, or creative outlets that help you stay balanced?
I love to travel, cook, and explore. Creating in the kitchen is definitely a favorite of mine. I am always researching new places to try or see. Even throughout this quarantine, I found parks to visit in New Jersey I never even heard of, and I grew up here!
Who inspires you?
I do! I don’t mean that to sound like a narcissist or corny. But I look back at what I have accomplished for myself and realize how I really can make anything happen and the sky’s the limit.
How do you “take five” when things feel hectic?
I’ll usually first make a list (I’m a big list maker), organize my thoughts, maybe walk away from it for a bit, and come back to it. I love taking baths to chill out with a face-mask, some chill music, and probably a glass of wine. I’ll also go to call someone to talk about it too.
