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

Alright, Ashley thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Do you think your parents have had a meaningful impact on you and your journey?

My parents instilled in me from a young age that I could be anything I wanted, with the asterisk attached to it that it would take hard work, some sacrifice here and there, and learning to handle disappointment/rejection with grace when things didn’t go my way or go according to plan. They also taught me that whatever I wanted to be can evolve and change over the years, and that I should do that as a person, too.

That lesson helped me through college, where I was managing classes/exams, a part-time job and taking care of my father during a battle with cancer he had during my junior and senior years.

It also helped me excel in my full-time job, and even moreso in my creative endeavors.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m a full-time paralegal who assists Attorneys throughout litigation matters (discovery processes, mediations/arbitrations, trials, etc.) I essentially review and investigate cases for discrepancies or missing information, draft all the necessary paperwork, and make sure the Attorneys are prepared for case resolution- however that may come to be.

I also run a lifestyle blog that has evolved from other “diary-like” websites (LiveJournal, MySpace, etc.) that I began at the beginning of the pandemic where I showcase really unique places in and around New England and other parts of the country when I travel- and interesting historical finds from all over.

Finally, I host a Boston-based morning radio show for indie music where we interview artists, musicians, report from shows/festivals, etc,, and co-host a bi-weekly horror movie/cooking podcast with one of my best friends.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

I built my audience by being present. That means I was/am responsive to feedback, messages, comments, etc. People who reach out to me typically receive a prompt response, depending on the content of their messages, and I think that builds a sense of connection and trust that they’re not being ignored.

I also utilize hashtags, tag other creatives/businesses I’m partnering with or writing about so they can share that on their social media and have my content reach their audience, as well.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

Considering I do so many things and reach so many people on a daily basis- be it with clients at my office, readers of my website or people who listen to my show or podcast on their morning commute- I quickly became a “multi-tasker” and “jack of all trades” that could answer questions, help peers, communicate and network. I think people felt comfortable with trusting me with their products and brands because they knew I was a hard worker, dedicated to creating good content, and responsive.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.coffeeandchiffon.com
• Instagram: ashleyelizadeath
• Facebook: CoffeeAndChiffon
• Twitter: AshleyDeLarge
• Other: My radio show can be found by downloading the Indie617 app, and my podcast- ‘Baking To The B Movies’ is available across multiple services.

Image Credits
Photos by Dan Little. Prada Marfa photo by myself.