We recently connected with Ashley Martinez and have shared our conversation below.

Ashley , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. The first dollar you earn is always exciting – it’s like the start of a new chapter and so we’d love to hear about the first time you sold or generated revenue from your creative work?

The first time receiving money for a hat I made was a remarkable experience. I create a beautiful hat for my dear friend for her new song release. She posted her new hat all over social media& 2 days later I received a message for my 1st commission piece. Sherri was a breast cancer survivor & wanted a hat to help celebrate her triumph. As this disease is very near & dear to my heart, I challenged myself to make the most beautiful, unique hat I possibly could. So much time, love & energy when it to this headpiece. I delivered the hat, all nicely wrapped& watched as she opened it. Her face lit up. Then she looked on the inside of the hat & read the manifestation quote I had attached. Tears welled up in her eyes & Sherri told me how much this meant to her & how she couldn’t wait to show it off. We hugged & cried together multiple times in this visit. It was a very special moment for us both.

Ashley , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’d consider myself a Hat Artist, with a twist. & a hat infatuation. I have a passion for creating wearable art for your head. Through textured paint, I make one of a kind designs. Every hat comes with a Crystal I hand pick, cleanse & recharge in the full moon before placing on the hat. On the inside of every hat, I’ve handwrite an empowering manifestation quote & attached it. Every design, Crystal & Manifestation quote is different, just like us as people. I want women to feel powerful & positive when wearing this art that was truly made for them.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

Yes, there is one podcast in particular that has changed my life for the better. ‘The Mindset Mentor’ is a quick 20 minutes easy listen, that has helped me tremendously. This podcast always hits home! & has opened my eyes to different things that’s were holding me back from becoming my true self. As well as really gave me the courage& tools to start my hat making company ‘Gemstone Brims.’ I am truly grateful to be alive & living out my creative dreams. Thank you Rob Dial !!

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

One of the most rewarding aspects of being an artist is the freedom of self expression, which has positivey impacted my personal & creative growth journey. Through textured paint designs, I have been able to work on some big emotions & mental blocks. It’s definitely still an on going journey, but I feel alot lighter & freer when creating. I fall in love with every hat I create, bc every hat is part of my soul I’m putting out there. I started out just designing hats, then my love of crystals came through & I decided the extra protection couldn’t hurt! Then as I was wearing a hat I just created, I started some negative self talk & doubting myself. That is how the manifestation quote on the inside of the hat started, because I needed a reminder to love myself.. I knew I had to keep creating hats,not just for me but for others who also need a little positivity.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Gemstone.brims
• Other: Email [email protected]