Meet Ashley Alves

We were lucky to catch up with Ashley Alves recently and have shared our conversation below.

Ashley, appreciate you making time for us and sharing your wisdom with the community. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others overcame obstacles can be helpful. One of those struggles is keeping creativity alive despite all the stresses, challenges and problems we might be dealing with. How do you keep your creativity alive?
Creativity is a vibration. Much like a musician controls the vibration of their musical instrument, creative individuals must practice and stay connected to their craft. Keeping creativity alive depends on three major factors being in balance to create prolifically without limitations. The first, which I think applies universally to any person, is the ability to know thy self. Too frequently, we compare our gifts to those of others and make the mistake of becoming too inspired by the work that our works may slightly resemble theirs. Take time to understand your strength, weakness, the source of your inspiration, and message. Because every creative has a unique journey specific to their purpose. Never attempt to walk in someone else’s light; it will never result in success. Secondly, be sure to designate time for your craft. Creativity loses its richness when abandoned. A musician can’t just pick up a violin after not playing for five years and expect to hit every little note on the first attempt. Making designated time to invest in your creativity allows you to master your craft with a clear and intentional mindset. Thirdly, never stop challenging yourself. Every time I complete a new collection, my instant reaction is the collection to follow has to be better. This kind of self-competition is healthy. I am continuously challenging myself to move beyond the limitations of comfort the nature of our bodies loves to resort to. These three factors are essential to keeping creativity alive. The lack of one will result in a gradual decline or a complete void of creativity.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
My goal as a creator is to infuse opulence and glamour into the sustainable initiative. Limitless creativity, innovation, and global narratives drive my work as a sustainable designer. I believe in the practice of zero waste and the adoption of biomimicry design. Creating with nature in mind, I am intentionally transforming the industry perception of the zero waste initiative. Zero waste requires an additional level of creativity. Finding solutions within solutions to create a multifaceted solution for an ever-evolving consumer is no easy task. Yet, I am passionate about this level of resourcefulness, and it has become my specialty. Like nature, nothing goes to waste in my creations, and everything contributes to continual evolution. One can create an elegant lifestyle without creating waste; this theory is evident throughout my works.

I am the Designer, Founder, and CEO of Ashley Alves Collection. Ashley Alves Collection is a brand of sustainable handbags created with nature in mind. The brand was founded on the belief that nature, art, and fashion can come together to help restore the balance between our planet and humanity’s impact on it. The coveted handbags of Ashley Alves Collection are constructed from Piñatex®, a plant-based leather alternative, in conjunction with up-cycled antique textiles sourced directly from collectors and artisans worldwide. The brand prides itself on the exclusivity found in our eclectic antique textiles, ornate hardware, and impeccable finishings that adorn each finished piece. Unlike the competition, Ashley Alves Collection produces one-of-a-kind pieces that infuse opulence and glamour into the sustainable initiative.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
All creativity is dependent on personal development. Dedication, patience, and persistence are fundamental in this industry. As a creative, you are born dedicated to your craft, yet you must learn to cultivate patience and a persistent temperament. Not easy! I will say, naturally, I am a very impatient person. I just learned patience in the last few years of my creative career. Impatience not only puts strain on yourself; it also overflows on your work, team, and family. Learn to have a balance, and believe in the law of attraction. Your work will have more of an impact if you stay focused on the quality of the work and not the deadline. Stay the course. If you have worked hard for it, the breakthrough will come to you. It is the golden rule. And, even then, when your work does not create the traction you desire, it is imperative you muster the courage to be persistent in your pursuit. Every person that has obtained success will tell you there were countless “NO’S” before the ONE life-changing “YES.” Persistence is the ability to get up from a fall in pursuit of being audaciously courageous while becoming GREAT.

To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
My parents made me incredibly independent. This quality propelled my life, career, and personal endeavors in a limitless direction. My parents often recount moments when I was an individualistic toddler. They found my developing personality to be very amusing. At times, they say, it was like raising a miniature senior citizen who can’t yet read or write.

My mother being an entrepreneur, and my father being steadily at work due to an unpredictable schedule required the need of additional caretakers. To create a system of stability, my mother gave me a “magical” pink purse when I was eight months old like her mother did for her when she was seven. Every day, that little pink purse collected all types of unique items. It quickly became a daily essential that never left my side. As an endless source of entertainment, it gave me the resilience I needed to keep up with the ever-changing schedule of the day in a family full of caregivers. Through habitual use, this sentimental carryall helped me develop healthy coping skills for uncomfortable emotions while reinforcing the importance of self-awareness, emotional strength, courage, vision, security, and confidence. Looking back, that “magical” pink purse made me who I am today.

I actually wrote and illustrated a book on this unique family tradition and released it back in 2022 to serve as a wellness reading activity for pandemic-born toddlers adjusting to rotating caretakers as we all welcome the reopening of the New World. Your readers can find the e-book version at the following Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/Magic-Purse-Ashley-Alves-ebook/dp/B09NLG7Y2L

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Photography by Redon Dublin Malanda

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