Joomla in Faces. Alison Meeks (SMM expert & volunteer)
- Published: 23 October 2025
- Last modified: 26 October 2025
For Alison Meeks, the web is about one thing: genuine connection. With 18 years running her own design business and a decade of volunteer leadership within the Joomla! project, she champions a "no-bullshit" approach to digital presence. Her philosophy is simple—be authentic, ditch the spin, and never stop learning. We talk to her about website design, social media, and building a brand that truly connects with people.
1. A few words about yourself
Hi I’m Alison. My web design business AM Graphix. It started as a print design business with a little side of web. Well 22 years later and I'm mostly web design and specializing in the Joomla CMS. (Solo with a side of contractors as required.) I was pushing good UX/UI before those terms were popular and probably because of the way I think. If a website or document is hard to navigate then what is the point. I specialize primarily in small to medium sized business but have done several nonprofits and currently manage a website for a classic car show that has to date raised over a million dollars for our local cancer charities.
I'm Canadian and at this time live in Guelph which is near Toronto. I love classic rock music, animals, and am interested in green technology.
2. Your first encounter with Joomla: how did it happen?
I was at my local computer store when the owner was asked if he knew a designer. I was introduced to a local business owner and Joomla. I've used it ever since.
3. Have you worked with other Content Management Systems besides Joomla?
I briefly worked on a clients WP site while their other person was on holiday. Truly an exercise in frustration.
4. How do you contribute to the Joomla community?
I admin the Facebook Joomla and Joomla Jobs, as well as several others. I've also recently returned to help the Social Media Team.
5. Why do you do this / what motivates you / what do you get out of it?
6. What advice could you give to people who want to become volunteers to be more productive and avoid common mistakes?
There are lots of jobs that don't require coding skills. Contact Richard Gosler and find a position that excites you. Enjoy what you are working on. Remember to keep your work life balance.
Make sure you don't commit to more than you can do. Do what you say you will. Enjoy what you are working on.
Alison
7. What key advantages of Joomla would you highlight?
I found Joomla by accident but have continued to use it on purpose. The flexibility Joomla gives me as a website designer is important. Some clients need a very basic site and most all functionality is built in but it allows their site to grow with their business. Extensions allow so much additional functionality. Add to that a secure, fast code base and it is truly an excellent partner.
Secure, Extendable, Fast, Flexible!
8. Joomla turns 20. What are your thoughts on this milestone?
Cheers Joomla! What a journey it's been. I've met and worked with so many wonderful people. I've also had the privilege of travelling to several Joomla and Beyond meetings. Life changing to say the least.
I'd also like to give a big shout out to all the amazing Joomlers that take the time to like and share our posts on all the channels. We really do appreciate your help!
Credentials
Join Telegram channel @JoomlaHub — Joomla announcements, upcoming events, new extensions, tutorials and etc.
Meet the authors
Alison