Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ashley Jackson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Ashley , appreciate you joining us today. Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?

I’m thrilled to share my journey as The Boot Babe, where creativity meets commerce.

# Earning a Full-Time Living
Yes, I’ve been fortunate enough to earn a full-time living from my creative work. As The Boot Babe, my business combines my passion for boots, fashion, and storytelling with a keen focus on sales and customer connection.

#TheJourney
My journey began with a simple idea: sharing my knowledge and love for boots with others. I started creating content around boot styling, fit, and care, and slowly built an audience on social media.

Initially, it was a part-time endeavor, but as my following grew, so did the opportunities. I began collaborating with boot brands, offering personalized styling services, and creating exclusive content for my audience.

A few years and I realize the need for education and entertainment focused on the west. I coined the word EDUTAINMENT and created podcasts and ways for the public to engage.

# Major Steps and Milestones
1. *Identifying my niche*: Focus on boots and the country-western lifestyle helped me stand out and attract a dedicated audience.
2. *Building a strong online presence*: Investing time and effort into creating engaging content and interacting with my audience on social media.
3. *Collaborations and partnerships*: Working with boot brands and influencers helped me expand my reach and credibility.
4. *Diversifying my income streams*: Offering services like retail & wholesale liquidation, sales direction, personalized styling, content creation, and affiliate marketing helped me reduce dependence on a single revenue source.
5. *Continuously creating valuable content*: Staying up-to-date with industry trends and sharing my expertise through blog posts, videos, and social media.

# Speeding Up the Process
In hindsight, I wish I had:

1. *Started email marketing sooner*: Building an email list allows for more direct communication and targeted marketing.
2. *Invested in video content earlier*: Video has become a crucial part of my content strategy, and starting sooner would have helped me grow my audience faster.
3. *Focused on sales and revenue from the beginning*: While building my audience was essential, placing more emphasis on sales and revenue streams from the start would have accelerated my growth.

# Key Takeaways
1. *Stay focused on your niche*: Specializing in boots has allowed me to build a loyal audience and establish myself as an authority.
2. *Diversify your income streams*: Don’t rely on a single source of income; explore various revenue streams to ensure stability.
3. *Continuously create valuable content*: Stay up-to-date with industry trends and share your expertise to attract and retain your audience.

As The Boot Babe, I’m grateful for the opportunity to share my passion with others and earn a living doing what I love.

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

I’m thrilled to share my story with your readers.

# Who is The Boot Babe?
I’m Ashley, aka The Boot Babe, a boot aficionado, stylist, and entrepreneur. My passion for boots sparked a journey that transformed into a career, helping others find their perfect boot match and embracing their personal style.

# How Did I Get Started?
Growing up in the heart of the American West, Preston Idaho, I was surrounded by the country-western lifestyle, where boots were an integral part of everyday attire. My family raises quarter draft horses and mules. Mainly for packing in the mountains. My love for boots led me to start collecting them, and soon, friends and family sought my advice on finding the perfect pair. Word spread, and my boot expertise expanded into a full-time business. Meanwhile I was also a sales rep in the western apparel division for companies like Cowgirl Tuff and Cripple Creek.

# What Products/Services Do I Offer?
As The Boot Babe, I provide various services to help individuals and brands navigate the world of boots:

– *Personalized Boot Styling*: I work one-on-one with clients to find their ideal boot style, fit, and brand, ensuring they look and feel confident.
– *Boot Brand Collaborations*: I partner with boot manufacturers to showcase their products, provide feedback, and help them connect with their target audience.
– *Content Creation*: Through social media, blog posts, and videos, I share my boot knowledge, styling tips, and industry insights, educating and inspiring my audience.
– *Boot Care and Maintenance Advice*: I offer guidance on how to properly care for and maintain boots, extending their lifespan and keeping them looking their best.

# What Problems Do I Solve for My Clients?
As The Boot Babe, I address several pain points for my clients:

– *Boot Fit Issues*: I help clients find boots that fit comfortably, eliminating discomfort and returns.
– *Style Uncertainty*: Through personalized styling, I empower clients to make informed decisions about their boot purchases, ensuring they look and feel great.
– *Boot Care and Maintenance*: My expertise on boot care helps clients protect their investments, extending the life of their boots.
– *Personal confidence and attitude change*: I know that boots change your personality when you put them on, they can also change the direction of your day and life. I personally witness this transformation every time I help someone.

# What Sets Me Apart?
Several factors distinguish me from others in the industry:

– *Deep Boot Knowledge*: My extensive experience and research have given me a unique understanding of boots, from construction to styling. I deal with most of the major brands helping them move through their styles and inventory so I get to text out most lasts. This lets me have the most knowledge in the world regarding how the brands fit vs each other. There is no size standard so this knowledge is very valuable and helps the consumer make an easy decision.
– *Personalized Approach*: I take the time to understand each client’s needs, preferences, and lifestyle, providing tailored advice and guidance.
– *Passion and Enthusiasm*: My love for boots is contagious, and my energy is evident in every interaction, whether online or in-person.

# What Am I Most Proud Of?
I’m most proud of:

– *Building a Community*: I’ve created a supportive, engaging community around boots, where people can share their passion and learn from one another.
– *Helping Others Find Confidence*: Through personalized styling and boot advice, I’ve helped numerous clients discover their personal style and feel confident in their boot choices.

# What Do I Want Potential Clients/Followers/Fans to Know?
If you’re new to my world, here’s what I’d like you to know:

– *I’m Here to Help*: Whether you’re a boot enthusiast or just starting your boot journey, I’m here to offer guidance, support, and expertise.
– *Boots Are My Passion*: I live and breathe boots, and my enthusiasm is genuine and infectious.
– *Let’s Build a Relationship*: I value connection and community, and I invite you to join me on this boot-filled adventure.

Thank you for taking the time to get to know me and my brand. I’m excited to share my passion for boots with you and help you find your perfect boot match!

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

There is one right way to do business.

False, you can invent new ways for you each day.

Don’t take advice personal or business from someone you don’t want to trade places with.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

Burnout.

As The Boot Babe, I’ve navigated a journey that’s been both incredibly rewarding and challenging. One aspect that I think non-creatives might struggle to understand is the phenomenon of burnout.

As a creative, I’ve often found myself deeply invested in my work, pouring my heart and soul into every project, post, and interaction. While this passion is essential for producing high-quality content, it can also lead to exhaustion. Burnout is a real and pervasive issue in the creative community, and it’s something that I’ve personally struggled with.

The misconception is that creatives are always fueled by inspiration and passion. While that’s partially true, it’s not sustainable. We’re human beings with limits, and the constant pressure to produce, engage, and innovate can take a toll on our mental and physical health.

I recall periods when I felt like I was running on empty, struggling to come up with new ideas, and feeling disconnected from my audience. It was as if I’d lost my spark, and the thought of creating content felt like a daunting task.

What non-creatives might not understand is that burnout isn’t just about being “tired” or needing a break. It’s a deep-seated exhaustion that affects every aspect of our lives. It’s feeling unfulfilled, disconnected, and uncertain about our purpose.

So, what’s the solution? For me, it’s been about setting boundaries, prioritizing self-care, and being kinder to myself. It means recognizing that I don’t have to be constantly “on” and that it’s okay to take a step back, recharge, and refocus.

If you’re a non-creative looking to support your creative friends or loved ones, here’s what you can do:

1. *Listen without judgment*: Allow us to express our frustrations and fears without offering unsolicited advice.
2. *Encourage self-care*: Support us in prioritizing our well-being, whether that means taking a break, exercising, or practicing mindfulness.
3. *Celebrate our wins*: Acknowledge and celebrate our achievements, no matter how small they may seem.

By doing so, you’ll help create a safe and supportive environment that allows creatives to thrive, even in the face of burnout.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.thebootbabes.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebootbabe
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@thebootbabes?si=NJtVAEQBjHIyPl-h

Image Credits

Amanda Podesta Photography