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

Hi Ashley , thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

Growing up I always knew that I wanted to do something creative but wasn’t really sure what it was. I didn’t take my creativity seriously until I discovered that I could draw. On Christmas break in the 10th grade my mom had this Christmas bear siting on the living room couch. Being a Christian, I heard the Holy Spirit tell me to draw it. I got my pencil and some printer paper and drew it to the point it came out better than I expected. My mom from then on started ripping out newspaper comic strips and I use to just free hand draw them and teaching myself. At the time I was looking at a lot of Project Runaway and I started teaching myself fashion sketching.

While still in high school I enrolled in a basic level sewing class I really grew to love. My mom got me my first Singer sewing machine that I would sew and practice my own little projects on. At that point I was like yeah I am going into fashion design!

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers?

Like most teenagers, I had really struggled with my self-esteem and identity. I just didn’t feel comfortable in my own skin. I didn’t feel like I saw a lot or dark skin woman in media or magazines that looked like me during that the time. And I also struggled with my weight a lot during my childhood. My mom had a real hard time shopping and finding clothes that complemented my size.

The more I grew into learning my craft I became determined to have a business one day that empowered women to look and feel their best whether through clothing or accessories within my brand. That is what Graffiti Panda is all about. It is an online women’s brand providing hypoallergenic accessories that are fun, quirky and safe for women with sensitive skin. so they don’t have to compromise on their individual style

Along with being creative, I’ve always loved the process of having an idea in mind and being able to design it into reality. I knew I wanted to expand my accessories in my business and that I needed to start using my fashion design degree from Meredith College. I started watching numerous YouTube videos on how to make bags. I started in the second year of my business with handmade clutches. Which has progressed to makeup-travel bags, coin purses, crossbody’s, totes, wholesale bags for a store and custom design orders!

Have you ever had to pivot?

For 2yrs I worked as a bank teller while juggling Graffiti Panda. When the Covid-19 pandemic started, work had become extremely stressful. I and co-workers were split into 2 teams to work half-staff, phones were ringing off the hook & we had a line of customers that circled the building every day. I came home each day stressed, in tears and beyond tired. I prayed and knew I had had enough and it was time to focus fully on my business dreams. 2 months into the pandemic & a week after my birthday, I walked into my branch manager’s office, sat down and told her I am putting in my 2-week resignation. When walking out her office, it was like a weight was being lifting off of my heart and mind.

As an entrepreneur of a small business I definitely go through my ups and downs but I do not regret my decision. Now, it has been 2 years since I quit my corporate career. I look back at all the amazing things God has blessed me to experience, accomplish & people I’ve met through my business that I would not have been able to do if I had of stayed. It was so worth it!

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

Having a creative project in my imagination and working to develop it into fruition through design ideas and my sewing machine. And then providing it to my customers to bring some added joy to their lives!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.graffitipanda.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/graffiti_panda/?hl=en
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/graffitipanda