Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ashley Pineiro. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Ashley, thanks for joining us today. So, naming is such a challenge. How did you come up with the name of your brand?
The name House of Ladera is more than just a brand—it’s a tribute to resilience, legacy, and the power of storytelling through fashion.
The word Ladera is deeply personal. It’s an homage to the strong women in my family, particularly my grandmother, Eriberta Ladera Abecia, and her sisters. My grandmother, the eldest of five, spent much of her adolescent years overcoming immense hardships. Yet, she didn’t just survive—she took on the role of guardian, fighting to ensure that her sisters could build better lives. She wasn’t just their protector; she was a generational barrier-breaker. She even worked to fund my grandfather’s education, which allowed both of them to become educators, uplifting their community.
This March 16, 2025, my grandmother will be celebrating an incredible milestone—her 100th birthday. To honor her legacy, I will be embarking on a journey to Camiguin Island, Philippines, to celebrate this momentous occasion with family. It’s a full-circle moment, reconnecting with my roots and the legacy of strength, perseverance, and love that she has passed down through generations.
Fashion has always been woven into my lineage. My first spark of creativity came from my grandmother’s late sister, a talented seamstress who crafted many of the clothes I wore growing up. Through her, I learned that clothing isn’t just fabric—it’s a symbol of care, strength, and self-expression.
But House of Ladera is more than just a nod to my family’s history. It’s a mission. The brand is rooted in the idea of stepping into the light, embracing one’s soul, and carrying forward a legacy of creativity, independence, and empowerment. It’s about designing pieces that don’t just make you look good, but make you feel like the strongest, most confident version of yourself. Every stitch, every design, and every collection is infused with that purpose.
At its core, House of Ladera is not just about swimwear or fashion—it’s about honoring the past while creating a future where authenticity, artistry, and empowerment thrive. It’s a reminder to break cycles, redefine norms, and embrace the power of one’s own story.
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?
I’m Ashley-Marie, a fashion designer, content creator, and live streamer, but more than anything—I’m a storyteller. Through my work, my brand, and my voice, I strive to inspire people to embrace their authenticity, express themselves freely, and step into their confidence.
I didn’t grow up with endless options or luxuries. Most of my clothes were hand-me-downs, and my mom couldn’t always afford to buy me new ones. But instead of feeling limited, I turned it into a passion. I learned how to sew—not just to create something new, but to create something that felt like me.
That passion took me to the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in New York, where I honed my skills and deepened my understanding of design. But even as I gained experience in the industry, I knew I wanted something more personal, more intentional, more meaningful. That’s when I created House of Ladera—a brand that’s not just about swimwear, but about confidence, creativity, and community.
My journey has never been conventional. I built this brand on my own, working late nights, pouring my soul into every stitch, and making sure that every piece I create is something that helps someone feel powerful, beautiful, and seen.
But my work extends far beyond fashion.
I’m also a content creator and live streamer on BIGO LIVE, where I share my story in real time with thousands of people. My livestreams are a space for connection, vulnerability, and inspiration—whether it’s talking about my creative process, navigating life’s ups and downs, or just being present with the people who support me.
Through fashion, content, and storytelling, I’ve found a way to build something much bigger than myself.
What Sets My Work Apart?
💫 Authenticity in Every Piece – Every design, every live stream, every moment I share is real, raw, and intentional. I don’t create just to sell; I create to inspire.
🔥 Handmade Fashion with a Purpose – House of Ladera is built on the idea that fashion should empower you. Every bikini is made-to-order, crafted with care, and designed to make you feel confident in your own skin.
♻️ Sustainable, Ethical, & Conscious – I believe in fashion with integrity, which is why I use upcycled and repurposed materials to create unique, meaningful pieces.
🌍 Community & Connection – I don’t just design clothes—I build spaces where people can express themselves freely and feel supported. Whether it’s through my brand or my live streams, my goal is to make people feel understood, valued, and inspired.
What I’m Most Proud Of:
It’s not the fashion shows, the collaborations, or the numbers—it’s the impact.
It’s when someone messages me saying that my work gave them the confidence to wear a bikini for the first time. It’s when someone watches my live stream and says, “I needed to hear that today.” It’s the moments where I realize that what I do isn’t just about creating—it’s about helping others see their own power.
What I Want You to Know
I’ve built everything from the ground up, but I’ve never done it alone. Every person who supports me—whether you wear House of Ladera, watch my streams, or simply follow my journey—is part of something bigger.
My mission is simple: to inspire you to embrace who you are, to own your story, and to step into your confidence—unapologetically, fully, and fearlessly.
So if you’ve ever felt like you were too much or not enough, know that you are exactly who you are meant to be. And I’m here to remind you that your voice, your presence, and your dreams matter.
We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?
Building my audience on social media wasn’t something that happened overnight—it took consistency, authenticity, and a lot of trial and error. When I first started, I wasn’t thinking about “growing followers”—I was just sharing what I loved: fashion, creativity, and my journey as a designer. But over time, I realized that people weren’t just interested in my work—they were interested in me. They wanted to see the process, the late nights, the behind-the-scenes struggles, and the wins.
One of the biggest turning points was when I started live streaming on BIGO LIVE. Unlike Instagram or TikTok, where content is curated and edited, BIGO LIVE allowed me to connect with people in real time—no filters, no perfect lighting, just raw, unfiltered moments. That’s where I built my strongest community, because people got to know me beyond just my designs.
What Helped Me Grow My Audience?
✨ Authenticity is Everything – People don’t just follow for pretty pictures—they follow for connection. I always share real moments, not just the highlights. Whether it’s showing my creative process, talking about challenges, or just vibing on live streams, I keep it genuine.
📈 Consistency & Showing Up – Growth isn’t about going viral—it’s about showing up even when no one’s watching. I posted even when engagement was low, I live-streamed even when the room was empty, and I kept creating even when no one was reacting yet.
🎥 Leveraging Video & Live Content – Platforms love video content, and so do audiences. I focused on behind-the-scenes videos, process reels, and BIGO LIVE streaming, which helped people connect with me on a deeper level.
💬 Engagement Over Numbers – I focus on talking to people, not just posting at them. I reply to comments, DMs, and messages, and I make my audience feel like they’re part of the journey, not just spectators.
🚀 Community First, Growth Second – My goal was never just to “gain followers.” It was to build a community—a space where people feel inspired, encouraged, and connected. That mindset shift made all the difference.
Advice for Those Just Starting Out
1️⃣ Find Your Unique Voice – What makes you different? Lean into it. People connect with personalities, not just content. Share your passions, thoughts, and experiences in a way that’s uniquely you.
2️⃣ Be Consistent, Even When No One’s Watching – Growth is slow at first, but don’t give up. Post even when it feels like no one is engaging—those small moments add up.
3️⃣ Don’t Just Post—Engage! – Social media is about being social. Interact with others, comment on posts, and build relationships. The more you engage, the more visible you become.
4️⃣ Experiment & See What Works – Try different types of content—videos, reels, live streams, carousels. Pay attention to what people respond to and double down on that.
5️⃣ Show Up on Video & Go Live – Video content is king. If you’re nervous, start small, but let people hear your voice, see your face, and feel your energy.
6️⃣ Stay Patient & Have Fun – Growth doesn’t happen overnight. Enjoy the process, celebrate small wins, and remember that numbers don’t define your impact.
Social media isn’t just about followers—it’s about building connections and creating something meaningful. Stay true to your vision, keep showing up, and trust that the right audience will find you. 💙✨
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
Building a reputation in any industry takes time, consistency, and an unwavering commitment to your craft. For me, it wasn’t just about making beautiful swimwear or having a strong social media presence—it was about creating a brand, a community, and a voice that people trust and respect.
What Helped Me Stand Out?
✨ Authenticity & Originality – I never tried to fit into industry norms; I stayed true to my vision. House of Ladera isn’t just another swimwear brand—it’s a reflection of my creativity, values, and artistry. People respect designers and creators who are unapologetically themselves and bring something fresh to the table.
🛠 Mastering My Craft – I didn’t just design for aesthetics—I put in the work to create quality, well-constructed, and thoughtful pieces. From perfecting fit to incorporating sustainable materials, I made sure my designs had meaning and purpose.
🔥 Delivering on My Promises – Whether it’s through custom swimwear, collaborations, or content, I always prioritize quality and integrity. My clients and audience trust me because I’m consistent—if I say I’m going to do something, I follow through.
👥 Networking & Community Engagement – I put myself out there. I participated in fashion shows, panels, collaborations, and industry events. People remember those who show up, contribute, and bring value to the community.
🎥 Storytelling Through Content – Sharing my journey—the struggles, the triumphs, the behind-the-scenes of being a one-person brand—helped me build credibility. People don’t just want to see the finished product; they want to connect with the person behind it.
🌍 Building a Global Presence Through Live Streaming – My presence on BIGO LIVE played a huge role in building my reputation outside of fashion. It gave me direct access to an international audience, allowing me to share my expertise, engage in meaningful conversations, and grow my influence beyond just my designs.
📈 Consistency & Longevity – Reputation isn’t built overnight. It’s built by showing up every day, refining your work, and staying committed even when things feel slow. I stayed patient, kept creating, and let my work speak for itself.
Key Takeaways for Building Your Reputation
1️⃣ Be the Best at What You Do – Whether it’s design, content creation, or live streaming, invest in your skills, keep learning, and always strive for excellence.
2️⃣ Stay Consistent & Show Up – People trust and remember brands that are reliable and active. Keep creating, keep engaging, and keep evolving.
3️⃣ Build Real Relationships – Whether it’s with clients, collaborators, or your audience, treat people with respect, deliver value, and always aim to uplift others.
4️⃣ Be Transparent & Genuine – Your reputation is built on trust. Share your journey, be honest about challenges, and always operate with integrity.
5️⃣ Keep Pushing Your Boundaries – The more you evolve, experiment, and innovate, the more people will take notice.
At the end of the day, my reputation wasn’t built on just what I created—it was built on how I showed up, how I treated people, and how I stayed true to my mission. And that’s something that will always stand the test of time. 💙✨
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.houseladera.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashley.pinz
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ashleymarieap/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleypineiro/
