Let's be real and put it all out there.
Hi. I don't think I have formally introduced myself, my name is Ashley. I am the founder of The Disruptive Label. In our previous blog post I talked about what our label really means to us. In summary it's about being your true authentic self. So why not introduce myself and give you all the juicy material in why I am so a part of the phrase "embrace the real, disrupt the norm" or in other words "just do you, boo". People that truly know me know that I'm going to do me at the end of the day, no matter the circumstances. Okay, that might sound a little selfish but you should be able to say no when it's not in the cards for you at that moment. If you don't want to wear makeup to a family function, you shouldn't have too. If the outside world is telling you to go to college & get your degree, go into corporate America, purchase a home, get married & have children... but you don't want any of that, then don't. This is your life & you need to live it the way YOU want too, not what others are telling you to do.
Growing up I can honestly say it was a pretty decent childhood. Both parents are still together to this day, dad worked day in and day out to make sure we had the life he wish he had when he was younger; mom was there at every cheer competition, taking my sister, brother & I to all sport practices, making sure we had eaten & homework finished each night (even if it took 4 hours at 11 years old, bless you mother). Your typical midwestern family. I grew up thinking I was going to do all of that as well. Until I graduated Wichita State University, I realized that is SO not me. I worked in the corporate world where it always seemed so 'cold'. Let's just say no matter how hard you work, come in early, get everything done on time or even before your due date, you my friend, are replaceable. I left within a year, that's all I needed to see, It ain't for ya girl. I don't want to stay and work for someone 8am-5pm Monday-Friday (don't get me wrong, it's a content/comfortable lifestyle & you leave without worries ((ehh)), just not for me). I wanted something more, something that I could say I did this myself & make changes where it is needed without stepping on toes or 'one upping' others in my department.
In 2020 I was living in Szeged Hungary supporting my amazing boyfriend as he pursues his dreams in being a Professional Basketball Player. The lockdown during Covid really opened up my availability more than anything. I had always wanted to start a brand but didn't know how to put it together. After so much research, trial and errors, support from my closest friends & family, TDL came about.
My future goals are more focused on the brand itself. Of course I am going to be pushing out new clothing drops but my main focus is to push the message. For those that have an idea in believe in their cause, I say pursue it. Some people think to wait for the right moment, but when is the perfect moment? Just do it. Get your message out there for others to see and hear and everything will fall into place no matter how long it might take. I hope to have others view this message as how they see best fits them. Whatever your story is, if it relates to you in some way, my job here is done.
Forever blessed for the continued support, friends.
Stay disruptive & embrace the real you.
-Ashley