Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Hassard

Ashley, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?

If I’m honest, I never really went into life with much of a plan. Opportunities always led the way, and, as a result, I was always hilariously open to whatever new ones crossed my path.

I’ve lived, and continue to live, what sometimes feels like 12 lives in one, and I couldn’t be more grateful for each and every one of them.

I’ve been a Teacher, a Model, a Photographer, a Writer, an Editor, a Script Supervisor, a Business Owner, a Motivational Speaker, a Leadership Facilitator, an Account Manager, a medical volunteer, an athlete, and so much more, and it’s all, quite literally, been because I wasn’t afraid to step outside of my comfort zone, take a chance, and try something new.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?

I don’t think anyone really has a smooth road when doing something new, but it’s in that turbulence of the struggle that you really discover what you’re made of and give yourself the opportunity to grow.

Each industry I’ve been in has had it’s own barriers, and each one has taught me something new about the world around me.

From advocating for my right to be a multidimensional teacher to navigating the often challenging dance of being a woman in business – I’ve hardly ever walked into a professional room where I didn’t feel like I had to justify my qualifications or experience.

That being said, while it can definitely be frustrating at times, I also feel incredibly grateful that I’m able to advocate for myself, that I can push the envelope a little, and, hopefully, that I can be impactful enough to provide a new broader perspective for all the amazing industry leaders, companies, and professionals who come after me.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?

Drawbox Inc. is an event design and fabrication company that I started up with my amazing partner Mike back in 2019. Working with both large and small scale brands we create fabricated marketing assets and creative event designs that can be used for displays, activations, commercials, films, stores, restaurants, hotels and more.

Known as the ‘Willy Wonka’s’ of the marketing world, we think outside the box, love to get creative, and adore creating events, activations and pop ups that are as fun as they are to produce as they are to attend.

Over the years we’ve developed a bit of a reputation for ourselves, and, as a result, have been so fortunate to work with some pretty incredible brands like: Netflix, Disney, Google, Amazon, Four Seasons, Gucci, Hamilton, Absolut, Tim Hortons, Bauer, Warner Brothers, HBO, Crave TV, and more.

What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?

There are three major lessons I’ve learned over the past couple years that I really think have set the tone for where I am professionally right now.

The first is that integrity is everything. To me, your word is your bond, and I’ve leaned that if you can honour your word, your promises, and your commitments you’ll develop an ironclad reputation that will carry you everywhere.

The second is that kindness gets you everywhere. I’ve yet to meet or work with a single person who was better at what they did because they were mean or rude to others. It sounds really simple but there’s actually a lot of science behind it. Being kind not only makes your own working environment better, it creates world in which those around you can feel comfortable enough to grow, thrive, and, ultimately, do better themselves. So if you want a project to go well, a team to do their best, and customers who are keen to work with you again: be kind.

Finally, your hard work might give you the first step, but it’s your community that will open the doors. Never underestimate the power of a strong network of friends, colleagues, and peers. So many of our most memorable projects came about because someone we knew was willing to put our name forward, give us a chance, and vouch for us. On the flip side – I firmly believe that it’s also our duty to repay those favours whenever we can. Mention your friends in rooms they aren’t in yet, advocate for those businesses you’ve loved working with, and celebrate the wins of others in your industry. What goes around comes around and there’s so many opportunities to share amongst all of us.

Pricing:

• Because everything we do is custom, it’s all custom quoted, but we’re so happy to quote on any project or request anyone might have. Just email us at [email protected]

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.drawbox.ca
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drawboxdesign/ and https://www.instagram.com/thehassard/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drawboxdesign

Image Credits
All images shot by Ashley J. Hassard