We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Ashley Monique a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Ashley, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

I was a very creative child. I loved all kinds of arts and crafts. I often got in trouble for doodling on the walls and cutting up paper and my clothes. My mother was a seamstress, so, growing up she made a lot of our clothes. As I grew older, if we wanted something made, she would have my siblings and I pin the pattern and cut it out, and she would sew it. I am a visual learner, so cutting out patterns really helped me in my craft. I was able to learn the shape of clothing and how to put parts together to complete garments and I had never touched the sewing machine. My mother never formally taught me to sew. I learned how to sew just by knowing what pieces go together from memory and watching how my mother would sew. I have been gifted to see shapes and I use that to create clothing; which, is one of the reasons that I’ve been named “The Fairy Godmother Of Fashion”. Even now, as a full time designer I do not use patterns; I sew with Faith in God, myself, and my ability of sight. I use the measurements of my clients to create garments. However, when I know the size clothes my client wears and I have seen their full body in a picture or in person, I can make an outfit by sight. I was a stylist before I began sewing, so I paid a lot of attention to how clothing flows, drapes and fits; Because of that I am able to create and design the way I do today.

There was no way for me to speed up my learning process, because experience and information gained over time has been my teacher. Everything I went through in life prepared me for where I am today and for where I am going next. When we are given a vision, skill, or gift and take the time to look around us, we most likely already have everything we need or access to everything needed to execute the vision.

The most essential skill to me and my craft is the gift of vision and skill of trial and error. You won’t know what works or doesn’t work until you try it. Being persistent and consistent is the greatest skill because you’re learning as you go.

I’ve discovered that the obstacle in the way of me learning more was myself. I would often procrastinate, which, I know a lot of us suffer from. My procrastination would come in the form of always being there for everyone else and making sure they were good before completing whatever task or goals that I had set for myself. This is known as people pleasing. I had to learn to put myself first, if I wanted to complete goals and tasks instead of waiting until the last minute or running out of time to complete a project.

Ashley, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am Ashley Monique, I am a Fashion Designer, self taught Seamstress and Award Winning Celebrity Wardrobe Stylist. Born and raised in Warner Robins, GA., I have loved fashion since I was a child. I began styling professionally in 2009. As a self taught designer I made my first dress in 2013 and have been sewing and designing ever since. I have shown my Fashion across the United States and I am looking to make my presence known worldwide. My motto is “When you look good, you feel good.” I believe that fashion should be comfortable while still being glamorous. I believe that men and women should have the luxury of looking good and feeling good while remaining comfortable. Step into my closet and be transformed by the Fairy Godmother of Fashion. 💫✨🪄

I have accomplished a lot so far in my career and I am excited about the new goals and challenges ahead. As a designer the Funnest part is being able to design and create something unique. I love it when my clients trust me and allow me to create a masterpiece specifically for them. My ultimate goal is to provide comfort & confidence, i like to call it feel good clothing where you feel like you can conquer the world being completely fearless. I love for people to feel good from the Outside & Inside. I’m often asked how do i create my pieces… everything I do has an emotion and feeling In it. I am able to look at my client and create something so Amazing specifically for you if you let me. Most of the time people come get custom clothing because they don’t want to look like anyone else and I will ensure you that you will be the one standing out in the room. It’s the angles for me!

I am most proud of doing everything that I dreamed I would, from celebrity clients, trademarks, websites, award shows, TV appearances and much more and Im not finished yet. I have huge projects underway for the couple of years and I can’t wait to share them with you all! I am proud of myself for never giving up, no matter how hard it gets. The mission is to keep going and never stop!

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

The most rewarding aspect of being a creative is knowing that I can take something I love creatively and transform someone’s life. Through my creative talents, I am able to help build confidence and give people the opportunity to look good and feel good. It’s not just about the outside appearance it’s about how we feel on the inside as well. I host annual Makeovers called “My Fairytale Makeover Giveaway” in which I do just that. I select two winners to be pampered from head to toe and inside and out by myself and other local businesses who also share the same desire of using or creative gifts and talents to help others feel amazing and look amazing.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

There is a really simple and easy answer for this… and it is to simply BUY from us, SUPPORT us, and SHARE our products! As a creative, we put a lot of work into what we do. All done by our hands and time. Most of us don’t have manufacturers and marketing teams; it’s all done by us. We watch people say they support us but then, we see them go spend hundreds of dollars on a name brand item and won’t spend that money on a handmade custom exclusive item made just for them. The creative ecosystem will thrive much better with the support.

Contact Info:

• Website: AshleyMonique.com
• Instagram: @ashleymoniquedesigns @thefairygodmotheroffashion
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ashleymoniquedesigns?mibextid=LQQJ4d
• Youtube: @thefairygodmotheroffashion3780

Image Credits
Kamie Photography Aaron Brown of 1826 Photography