Meet Ashley! She’s our fearless leader here at BEIGE. The true beauty and brains behind the operation. She is an entrepreneur, a mother and wife, a minimalist expert, and passionate about making her dream become a reality. Ash makes juggling the demands of running her own business, being a mom to 2 kids, moving from their home in the suburbs to a downtown condo, and still staying involved with various charities look so effortless. A super-woman with impeccable style if you ask anyone that knows her! We wanted to give our readers a deeper look into the personality behind the mother of BEIGE, and find out a few new things for ourselves!
H: Tell me some random facts about yourself.
A: I don’t think it’s any surprise I like to live in a minimal environment. Clutter bothers me very much. I feel like life is just more enjoyable when you have less - you don’t have to have a ton of things. I think people think that they have to have a different outfit for each occasion and a huge closet, and I just don’t think that’s the case. I think it’s easier to get dressed when you don’t have as much. And only have things that you love.
H: What advice would you give to someone who is trying to minimalize their wardrobe?
A: I think the best advice would be to remove everything out of your closet. Because once you see a blank slate, and you start putting your very favorite pieces back in, you don’t want to put a bunch of things that aren’t necessary or that you don’t love back into the mix.
H: What do you think are some staple pieces that everyone should have?
A: For me, it’s definitely a leather jacket, a blazer, black ankle boots, a white sneaker, and a good black dress. I like a lot of black and then some statement pieces.
H: So, what are some of your hobbies?
A: The store is my hobby, honestly. I would say I combined my hobby and made it a career. I do this during the week. It doesn’t really feel like work, but obviously when you get down to it - it is. It’s work, and it’s a lot owning your own business. But it’s enjoyable. Hobbies besides the store - cooking, reading, and I have a strong interest in interior design.
H: Where did you get the idea for BEIGE?
A: I felt there was a gap in the market for contemporary price point clothing that catered to women that have a more minimal style and for young professionals.
H: What are some things you’ve learned since starting your own business?
A: It’s a learning process. You don’t have to have everything figured out right away. You grow and you learn with your business. Don't expect short-term success. You have to go into it with long-term goals.
H: What is your five year goal?
A: I definitely want to have multiple stores, and I would foresee us having a successful online store. I’m also interested in designing a collection of BEIGE branded items.
H: What are your favorite brands that you carry?
A: It’s like trying to pick your favorite child ....um ALC. I really love ALC for women. For men, Rag and Bone - they have a good universal fit for men.
H: What is your favorite brand that you don’t carry in store?
A: Probably, Saint Laurent. I think I like it so much because they make everything in black. And it’s got a cool rocker edge.
H: How would you describe the vibe of the store? And what city inspired you the most?
A: I wanted our customer to feel like they were in a different city. I definitely wanted it to feel unique to Little Rock. In the beginning, the city that inspired me the most was New York. I shopped there a lot before we opened the store. I really loved some of the unique aspects of design in the stores there. That’s one reason why I chose this building because it’s older. And I wanted some character in the store with the exposed brick. Now, I think it’s got a little something different. I don’t know how to explain it. I would’t say LA, but it definitely has an airy feel to it.
H: How would you describe yourself?
A: I would describe myself as reserved. I always think about other people and everything else that’s going on. I would like to say that I’m a very caring and giving person. Even though I don’t seem like it, I’m also very sensitive. I feel like I’m always the one that tries to have it together, so I can help everyone else.
H: What is something most people wouldn’t know about you?
A: I love boxing.
H: Where is your favorite place to eat in Little Rock?
A: It depends on what I’m in the mood for - if it’s steak it's Sonny Williams. If it’s Mexican food - I love The Fold. If it’s pizza - it’s Pizza Cafe hands down.
H: So where is your favorite vacation spot?
A: Cabo. We’ve been going there for so long. I love the ocean. Being on the beach calms me. It’s the only place I can go and just feel really present.
H: If you could go to a concert tomorrow who would it be?
A: My favorite musician of all time is Prince. I’m a HUGE Prince fan - huge Prince fan. I’ve been to a few of his concerts, and that’s probably one of the best experiences in my life. I cried when he died. I was in mourning - I wore a Prince shirt for a week straight after.
A: We can talk about my obsession with the 90s super model.
H: Who was your favorite?
A: Kate Moss is my VERY favorite, easily. But then again there’s Naomi Campbell and Cindy Crawford - really any model that was in the George Michael Freedom video. They were just so gorgeous, and that was really the beginning of street style.
H: Is that how you would describe your personal style?
A: I would say that my closet is very minimal - mostly structured items, monochromatic, rocker-edge. I like to add my black leather boots and my moto-jacket.
H: So if you could identify with any celebrity who would it be and why?
A: Rihanna for sure - hands down. In my mind I feel like I’m Rihanna, but in reality I’m not nearly that cool.
H: Who do you think you're more like in real life?
A: I don’t know - whenever I get dressed up I want to be like Victoria Beckham. On my casual days - I definitely try to dress a little more sporty and edgy.
H: One statement of life advice.
A: I guess I would say - only focus on what’s most important. The rest you can deal with later. I feel like you should put your time and energy into what you care about.
H: What things are most important to you?
A: My family, the store, my employees, and my goals.
H: Ready for some random questions?
A: Sure!
H: If you’re going to have fast food what would it be?
A: A Big-Mac hands down, any day of the week. And french fries with sweet and sour sauce.
H: Favorite type of food?
A: Not good for you, but I love chicken wings and a beer.
H: Rap or alternative?
A: Gah, it depends on what mood I’m in. I like to listen to rap on the way to work so I get ready for the day, and on the way home I listen to alt.
A: I do have a little obsession with Tupac, so yeah - he would be my favorite rapper.
H: How many tattoos do you have?
A: Let me think.... 6?
H: Would you ever jump out of a plane?
A: Hell no. I’m way too logical for that - I think things through way too much.
