We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ashley Freeman. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ashley below.

Hi Ashley, thanks for joining us today. Do you wish you had waited to pursue your creative career or do you wish you had started sooner?

Reflecting on my journey as a fashion content creator, I often muse, “What if I’d started earlier?” I began sharing fashion content earnestly at the beginning of 2024, balancing this passion with my full-time corporate job. Seeing the progress and momentum gained in less than a year is both exhilarating and thought-provoking.

Starting earlier might have allowed my audience to grow alongside me, fostering a deeper connection and perhaps alleviating some of the pressures of potential failure. It’s easy to let age become a self-imposed barrier, with thoughts like, “Am I too old? Is it too late?” creeping in. However, the creative world is filled with examples that defy such notions.

Take Danessa Myricks, for instance. She transitioned into the beauty industry at 30, after a career in publishing, and became a self-taught makeup artist and entrepreneur. Her journey is a testament to the idea that it’s never too late to pursue your passions.

In hindsight, while an earlier start might have provided a longer runway for growth, I believe beginning my creative career now has its own unique advantages. My life experiences have enriched my perspective, allowing me to bring authenticity and depth to my content. So, would I change my starting point? Perhaps not. After all, fashion is timeless, and so is the passion that drives it.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Hi, I’m Ashley- a 36-year-old content creator originally from Detroit, now calling Atlanta home after an unforgettable eight years in New York City. My passion? Fashion. But it’s more than just clothes for me– it’s about helping people express themselves, feel confident, and embrace their individuality. My mission is to help my community uncover their personal style, share outfit inspiration, and offer styling tips that make getting dressed feel effortless and empowering.

I specialize in helping women discover and express their style in a way that feels authentic, bold, and fun. So many people struggle with building confidence through their wardrobe or creating looks that truly reflect who they are. That’s where I come in. Whether it’s styling for the office, a date night, or even just running errands, I aim to show my community that style doesn’t have to be intimidating or overcomplicated. You don’t need a closet full of designer pieces to look and feel amazing–it’s about putting your unique spin on what you have and showing up as your best self.

What sets me apart is my personality and my style. My approach is bold, adventurous, and unapologetically me. I’m very much the “around-the-way girl” with a dose of humor, and I think that relatability draws people in. My style is vibrant and fun, but my personality keeps it grounded. I don’t try to be anyone I’m not, and I believe people connect with that authenticity.

Another thing I’m deeply committed to is promoting products and brands that I genuinely love and use. If I don’t strongly believe in something, it won’t make it to my page. I’m not here to sell; I’m here to share and inspire in a way that feels real.

I’m most proud of my ability to simply put myself out there. It’s not easy to be vulnerable and share pieces of your life online, but I’ve learned that the people who are meant to connect with me will find me–as long as I keep showing up consistently and authentically. That mindset has been a game-changer. I trust myself, and I trust my audience, and that belief fuels everything I do.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being a creative is the connection I build with my community. It’s knowing that something as simple as sharing my personal style or a bit of my journey can inspire someone to feel more confident, take a risk with their wardrobe, or embrace who they truly are. Seeing that impact–whether through a DM, a comment, or someone saying, “You inspired me to try something new”–reminds me why I started and keeps me going. It’s incredibly fulfilling to know that by showing up authentically, I can encourage others to do the same.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

Honestly, I wish I’d better understood the power of YouTube earlier in my creative journey. It’s such a goldmine of free knowledge and resources, especially for content creators. From tutorials on editing techniques and tips for improving production quality to insights into how to grow and engage with your audience, there’s so much information right at your fingertips.

I’ve since realized that there are creators in my niche with years of experience who have generously shared their expertise on YouTube. Watching their videos could have helped me avoid a lot of trial and error and given me a clearer understanding of what it takes to build a sustainable and impactful creative career.

YouTube isn’t just about entertainment–it’s like having a free mentor available 24/7. I think it’s one of the most underutilized resources for creators and looking back I wish I’d tapped into it sooner. It’s been a game-changer for me now, and I’d encourage any new creator to use it as a tool for learning and growth.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/ashley.lanay
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/ashleyfreeman88
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@ashley.lanay