Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ashley Carter. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Ashley, so happy to have you with us today and there is so much we want to ask you about. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others developed certain skills or qualities that we are struggling with can be helpful. Along those lines, we’d love to hear from you about how you developed your ability to take risk?
I grew up in a household and area where many people around me were fearful of doing new things. Many people I grew up around in my childhood were very much into routine and having the same day, day in and day out. I knew early on, especially in early college, that I wanted to experience more of what life had to offer. I wanted to experience everything from travel to new styles with my hair. One of the first risks I remember taking was cutting off all my hair in my twenties. I’d had a hairstyle that ruined my natural curls and after trying to grow it out for a few months, I knew that I could either continue to wait or take a risk and do a big chop. As scared as I was, I opted to do the big chop. This sole decision really helped catapult me into taking more risks because afterwards, I realized that I was OK. The world didn’t end. I was still a beautiful woman and actually, caring for my hair had become easier in its shorter state. I figured that if I could make it past that risk that there were plenty more that I could take.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I am the creator of the online brand, FabEllis, where my passion is sharing encouraging, positive words with women along with affordable ways to dress and live fabulously. I began FabEllis over 10 years ago and it developed from my passion for finding hacks and ways to save while still being fabulous. I incorporate thrifted items into my wardrobe and share ways to mix them with current trends. I also love inspiring women to be their authentic selves by sharing my own real journey online.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
I feel that always being open to learning has opened up so many opportunities for me. From learning new trends with social media to even taking courses to gain knowledge in new areas, I have always wanted to learn as much as I can. Plus, with new trends and things always changing online, this has been key for me as a creative. When I worked in the corporate world, being open to learning and stating this in interviews opened up opportunities for me to work within fields that I sometimes did not have the full background in and was able to both get the job as well as learn those skills on the job.
I also feel that being authentic has been key for developing my brand online. When people are online looking for someone to connect with, it is so important to be your real, authentic self. I know that creatives and influencers at times do not have the best reputation when it comes to being real online, but I feel that most people can feel your authenticity through the screen so it’s important to be yourself and share your real journey.
What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?
At times in life, it’s inevitable that you will have moments of being overwhelmed. When I have those overwhelming feelings, I take a moment to breathe. I usually use this time as a time to disconnect from online. I take time to put my phone on Do Not Disturb, pray or listen to music. I also feel journaling feelings during this time is helpful too.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.fabellis.com
- Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/iamfabellis
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/iamfabellis
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/missfabellis
Image Credits
Tammy Torres Photography
