Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ashley Capri. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Ashley, so great to have you on the platform. There’s so much we want to ask you, but let’s start with the topic of self-care. Do you do anything for self-care and if so, do you think it’s had a meaningful impact on your effectiveness?
Self-care is an essential part of my life, and I practice it in many ways: therapy appointments, spa days, solo dates, journaling, reading, and freestyle dancing in my living room. But the most transformative practice is traveling. In 2017, I intentionally incorporated travel into my lifestyle to support my mental health.
After experiencing burnout as a full-time creative in NYC—dancer, model, designer, and creative director—I promised myself monthly trips, whether domestic or international. The relentless grind of the city wore me down, but travel gave me space to slow down, reconnect with myself, and problem-solve more creatively.
Growing up in Toledo, Ohio, I spent countless hours outside with my family, relying on imagination for entertainment. Travel rekindles that childlike wonder, allowing me to disconnect, explore, and build meaningful connections with people from all over the world. Some of my closest friends today are those I met while traveling.
Dance was my first form of self-care and therapy, an escape from a challenging childhood marked by a broken home and violence in the community. Performing allowed me to express my emotions and momentarily transport myself to a different world. Travel offers a similar sense of freedom and renewal.
I’m passionate about normalizing travel for Black and Brown communities as a form of mental health care. My brand, Capri Swim™, is dedicated to the burned-out millennial who needs permission to rest. Whether it’s a staycation, a road trip, or an international getaway, we all deserve to pause and reconnect.
Interestingly, my travels have also helped my business grow. My swimsuits often spark conversations when I wear them to beaches, spas, and pools, leading to authentic connections that promote my brand.
Ultimately, self-care is about giving myself permission to rest, explore, and connect. And travel, more than anything, allows me to do just that.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
Whenever I’m asked what I do, my mind starts to race. I wear many hats: professional dancer, fashion, beauty, and fit model, fashion and costume designer, freelance creative director, producer, celebrity tailor, and CEO/Founder/Designer of a luxury reversible swimwear line, Capri Swim™. It’s a lot to wrap my head around sometimes, but lately, I’ve been leaning into and embracing the fact that I’m a multi-hyphenate creative. My career is a beautiful fusion of art, movement, design, and storytelling, and the most exciting part is that I get to create for a living—crafting projects and pieces that I’m genuinely passionate about.
Each role I step into brings its own kind of magic. As a dancer, I communicate emotions through movement. As a model, I embody the visions of different brands and creatives. As a designer and tailor, I bring ideas to life through intricate details, textures, and fits that make people feel confident in what they wear. And as a creative director and producer, I get to tell stories, build worlds, and create experiences that resonate with people on a deeper level.
Most recently, I released a capsule collection called Chocolate Dreams. Inspired by a summer trip to Italy with my friends, the collection features 12 stunning swimsuit pieces in rich, sophisticated tones like Chocolate, Hunter Green, Wine, and White. Each colorway is available in versatile styles, including Swim Trunks, a sleek Monokini (one-piece), and the daring Thongkini (two-piece). This collection builds on my signature blend of luxury and artistry, drawing inspiration from my Guyanese heritage, global travels, and background in the arts. Capri Swim™ embodies elegance, boldness, and sophistication. Known for its signature gold accents and attention to detail, the brand creates timeless pieces that celebrate individuality and empower wearers to embrace their confidence. Capri Swim™ is more than just swimwear—it’s an invitation to escape, indulge, and see yourself as art. This year I am excited to release more capsules on CapriSwim.com
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
As a child, my only dream was to become a professional dancer. Following my heart and pursuing my passion for dance has opened countless doors, and I’m endlessly grateful for the life I’ve worked so hard to create. In this season of my life, I want readers to really know my story—because if a girl from Toledo, Ohio can do it with determination, drive, and ambition, so can they.
There was a time when I would drive from Toledo or Cleveland to New York City two to three times a week, for nearly a year straight, before I made the Brooklynettes. I had already completed my dance training at The Ailey School but moved back to Ohio with a plan: to finish my last three years of undergrad in two years so I could return to NYC and pursue my dream. I did just that, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science. Afterward, I worked in emergency room registration at both Toledo Hospital and Cleveland Clinic while applying for jobs in NYC. At the same time, I danced with smaller contemporary companies in Detroit and Pittsburgh and occasionally auditioned in New York.
Eventually, I was offered a per diem position at NYU Langone. But a per diem job wasn’t enough to afford the move to the city, so I got creative. I decided to drive back and forth from Ohio to NYC—an eight-to-ten-hour trip, one way—two to three times a week. I did that for exactly one year, constantly reminding myself: “This is temporary. It won’t last forever.”
The power of community revealed itself during that time. My coworkers saw how hard I worked, watching me study rehearsal videos after I finished my work queue. They supported me by swapping shifts, coming in early, or staying late so I could go to auditions or on short tours. When I made the Brooklynettes in 2015, they celebrated me as if it were their own victory. I kept driving back and forth to save enough money to quit my hospital job once the season started. Looking back, I can’t believe I did it—but I’m proud of that chapter because it showed me that with a plan, discipline, and a strong community, there’s nothing I can’t accomplish.
That experience taught me invaluable lessons about problem-solving, resilience, and the importance of leaning on others. My advice to those early in their journey? Be a creative problem-solver. The easy route might seem more appealing, but life is nuanced. Sometimes, you have to choose the unconventional path to reach extraordinary destinations. If I had taken the “easy way” and stayed in Ohio, my life would look completely different today.
In an age of instant gratification, my journey is a testament to the reality that growth takes time. Weeks, months, even years may pass before you see the fruits of your labor. And you can’t do it alone. For a long time, I silently struggled, hesitant to share my challenges. But once I opened up to my community, they showed up immediately. Their support reminded me that asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a reflection of strength, trust, and the power of collective perseverance.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
I am always looking for partners and collaborators, both for Capri Swim™ and as a freelance creative. I love connecting with Black, Brown, and women creatives who are passionate about bringing fantastical works of art to life. I’m open to exploring any art medium I feel called to in the most organic way possible. Whether it’s dance, modeling, creative direction, producing, or content creation—I’m always down to create magic!
You can connect with me on Instagram and TikTok:
Personal – @ohmy_capriswim
Capri Swim™ – @capriswim
For any creative inquiries, feel free to reach out via email at CapriCreativeBK@gmail.com.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.capriswim.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ohmy_caprisun/, https://www.instagram.com/_capriswim_/
Image Credits
@kees2life
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