How "allowed" started

|Aliona Tatarinova

Allowed is built on a clear principle: our thoughts shape our reality. The way we think, what we focus on, and the beliefs we repeat to ourselves eventually form the world we live in. When we want to change our reality, the first transformation must happen within the mind. And while the external world is full of noise and uncertainty, our inner narrative is something we can influence deliberately.

In a time of constant information, accelerated by AI, technology and an overwhelming flow of content, we cannot fully control what reaches us from the outside. But we can influence the thoughts we reinforce every day by choosing the surroundings that support them: the clothing we wear, the objects we interact with, the subtle visual cues that accompany our routines, and the words that quietly frame our mornings. These small details become anchors for our mindset, strengthening identity, confidence, and direction.

A Personal Journey of Rewriting Beliefs

My own path made this idea unmistakably real. I began as a hotel housekeeper in a small industrial town, constantly hearing limitations about my future: that my child would never integrate fully into society because of his disability, that immigrants in the United States were destined for hard physical work, that without a technical degree I would never become an engineer. These messages could have shaped my thoughts and therefore my reality. But I refused to internalize them. I chose different beliefs, and with time, they led me to a different life. I became an engineer in tech. My son grew into an independent, talented entrepreneur. None of it would have been possible without a deliberate shift in mindset.

I’ve witnessed this countless times, both in my life and in the lives of others. Someone may want something deeply—a new direction, a different career, a personal dream—but they hesitate because the world around them offers no encouragement. Yet when their daily environment reinforces clarity and inner strength, they begin to act. And action builds a new reality.

How It Works


This philosophy is at the foundation of "allowed". Many adults, especially those over thirty who have collected both achievements and disappointments, rarely speak about how deeply external noise affects their inner world. A single doubtful remark, a quiet response online, or a discouraging headline can undermine even a strong intention. But when a person repeatedly encounters quiet, meaningful messages: on their clothing, on their desk, in their home - their focus shifts. The mind begins to strengthen from within, regardless of outside approval. Over time, these subtle prompts help replace limiting beliefs with supportive ones.

I’ve witnessed this countless times, both in my life and in the lives of others. Someone may want something deeply - a new direction, a different career, a personal dream - but they hesitate because the world around them offers no encouragement. Yet when their daily environment reinforces clarity and inner strength, they begin to act. And action builds a new reality.

Why Words Shape Reality

(A Scientific Perspective)

Neuroscience has repeatedly shown that the words and cues in our environment influence our emotional states, behaviors, and self-perception.

  • The Priming Effect (Bargh, Chen & Burrows, Yale University, 1996):
    Exposure to specific words changes mood and behavior without conscious awareness. Even brief contact with positive or empowering words increases motivation and resilience.

  • Self-Affirmation Theory (Steele, 1988; Cohen & Sherman, 2014):
    Identity-linked affirmations reduce stress, improve performance under pressure, and increase psychological flexibility.

  • Visual Exposure and Automatic Encoding (Hasher & Zacks, 1979; Schacter, 1992):
    The brain automatically encodes visual information, including words, even when we are not intentionally focused on them.
    Meaning: the messages on your clothing or in your home continue to shape your internal state quietly, consistently.

  • The Mere Exposure Effect (Zajonc, University of Michigan, 1968):
    Repeated exposure increases emotional acceptance. The more often you see a supportive message, the more it becomes your truth.

In a world where we cannot filter all external content, curating our personal environment becomes an act of self-protection and self-design.

The Beginning of "allowed"

Allowed started with a list of 50 items and a single embroidery machine in a Los Angeles apartment. The intention was not to produce merchandise, but to launch a belief-making atelier to create high-quality essentials that quietly support the mind through intentional messages. Today, the brand focuses on refined clothing and accessories with subtle, meaningful details. No logomania, the value lies in the belief a person chooses to carry. Each piece is a private reminde, something powerful enough to influence one’s inner focus during everyday lifebelief-making atelier.

Every piece has a purpose: to place meaningful language into the daily field of vision - intentionally with a touch of minimalism.

The Future of "allowed"

My vision is to grow "allowed" into a modern lifestyle brand built around clarity, intention, personal values, and the quiet reinforcement of supportive beliefs. It is for those who prefer minimalism and intelligent approach to shaping a better inner and outer world. Through thoughtfully designed objects, "allowed" helps create a mental environment where thoughts evolve, focus strengthens, and the reality you build aligns with the future you want.

Welcome to "allowed". I’m glad you’re here.