We recently had the chance to connect with Allison Rhine and have shared our conversation below.
Allison , really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
A recent moment that made me truly proud was having the opportunity to honor our veterans by volunteering and singing the Star-Spangled Banner at the Woodruff Arts Center in downtown Atlanta. Standing there, knowing I was paying tribute to the men and women who have sacrificed so much, was incredibly meaningful. It was one of those experiences that stays with you and reminds you why giving back matters.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
By day, I work as a life coach, supporting people who are navigating some of the hardest chapters of their lives—cancer survivors, individuals coping with loss, amputees, those living with PTSD, and so many others who are rebuilding their strength and hope. It’s incredibly meaningful work that keeps me grounded and reminds me daily of the resilience of the human spirit.
By night and on weekends, I step into a completely different but equally fulfilling role as the lead singer and front woman for the band Hello My Name Is. Music has always been my outlet and my passion, and getting to connect with people through performance is something truly special. Balancing both worlds—helping people heal and helping people feel alive through music—is part of what makes my story unique, and I’m proud of the work I get to do on both sides.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
A moment that truly shaped how I see the world happened when I was just eight years old. I was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer, osteogenic sarcoma, and given only a 4% chance of survival. Facing something so big at such a young age completely transformed my perspective. Surviving that battle made me appreciate life in a way many people don’t get to learn until much later. It taught me that tomorrow is never promised, so you have to live fully, love deeply, and treat people the way you want to be treated. That experience pushed me toward a more positive, purposeful lifestyle, and it continues to guide everything I do today
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes, absolutely—there have been times I gave up. When I was going through cancer as a child, they placed me in a support group called Lasting Impressions with other kids fighting the same battle. I witnessed 23 of my friends pass away, and it shook me to my core. I questioned why I was the one who survived, why I was chosen to live when so many others didn’t. That kind of loss makes you doubt everything, including yourself.
Later in life, I believed I was on the path to becoming a singer, but after two tragic events, I completely walked away from music. I truly gave up on that dream. Then, out of nowhere, two years ago I was volunteering at an event and someone needed the Star-Spangled Banner sung. I hadn’t sung professionally in five years, but I stepped up.
Next thing I knew, I was standing in front of more than 5,000 veterans, singing the national anthem. In that moment, it hit me—I had given up on something that was always meant to be part of my life. And now, here I am, living that dream again. It taught me that sometimes life brings you back to what you thought you lost.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
Someone I admire deeply—not for their power, but for their character—is my fourth-grade teacher, Miss Garcia Byrd. She had a way of making learning feel fun, exciting, and full of possibility. Through her Montessori-style approach, she taught us to stay curious, embrace knowledge, and approach life with positivity and a smile. She inspired me to love learning, and that influence has stayed with me throughout my life.
What makes her even more special is that our relationship has continued long past elementary school—we still keep in touch, and in a beautiful twist of fate, my son and she even share the same birthday. She’s a true inspiration, and I’m grateful for the impact she’s had on my life.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
When I’m gone, I hope people tell the stories of how I brought joy, laughter, and positivity into their lives. I’ve always tried to help in any way I can—whether it’s by sharing my own story, offering encouragement, or simply showing up with a positive attitude. My hope is that people remember me as someone who made their days a little brighter and their burdens a little lighter, and that my experiences inspired others to keep going, stay hopeful, and live with kindness.”
Contact Info:
- Website: https://hellomynameis.bandzoogle.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hellomynameistheband?igsh=MXYwcDlyOXd5aXI%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1EAuXjxAj1/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Youtube: https://youtu.be/uq2HARBTij0
Image Credits
Cody Ingram
Stillwave media
