Meet Ashley Johnson of Custom Designs By Ashley

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Johnson.

Ashley, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Well, I’ve always been very creative since grade school and high school. In 2015 my life suddenly changed, my Dad passed away very unexpected. I was so hurt and left with so many questions unanswered. I kept so much hurt inside, I had no choice but to pray even harder and dive deeper into my craft. I started pinning projects on Pinterest and using DIY projects as an outlet. On my niece Asia’s 3rd birthday, I happen to be taking a sewing class and wanted to cut a number 3 out of fabric for her shirt. I found out about a cricut machine and purchased from Michael’s. I paid so much money for the machine at the time, I wanted to know what else it could do lol . I started googling and vinyl came up, I researched and found out I could vinyl print and press shirts. I found a local store called SK Houston and I was able to purchase all my vinyl printing needs. I began custom making shirts for family, friends, church members and co-workers.

In 2017 I tried to start my own custom t-shirt line on Etsy, it was a fail. I never had enough time to set up listings due to my work schedule and personal custom orders. I tried again to launch on Etsy 1/1/2018 with 100+ t-shirt designs and it was extremely successful !! I was shocked, I’ve shipped to customers all over the United States and even as far as Australia, France, Norway and UK. As of today, I have 1,699 sales and currently a Five Star Etsy Shop! Within the past year, I’ve hosted and collaborated many Pop Up Shops with local small business friends @creationsbyshe @majestic.moments.by.niquie @adoretrinkets @kaptivatingkreationsbykirsha @vance.devon.dixon.23 @miss_rhoegard .As well, attended local markets (BLCK Market Houston) was one my first markets to attend , so much fun ! In 2019 I hosted my first t-shirt printing class, with about 25 students. It was a joy to share and help others learning a new hobby and skill ! My t-shirt business has helped me heal in so many ways and learn more about myself , which truly means the most. I love creating something so unique as a t-shirt design, which all started from a pen and notebook. With the help of YouTube tutorials, photo shop, personal life experiences and amazing peers, family and friends have brought me where I am today.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been easy at all, I’ve continued to work a full-time job as a Medical Claims Processor currently for Texas Children’s Health Plan. Working full time ,while running a part time business can be very hard at times. It’s been many nights I’ve stayed up late pressing shirts and had to be up for work within 2-3 hrs even miss family and friends events. I really appreciate those who understand, my life has completely changed but overall I’m loving my accomplishments and the confidence it’s built within me. I truly thank all my family and friends especially my sisters  (Adrianne , Alexis, April, Crystal  ) for always pushing me to do my best and being awesome walking billboards for me .  Also to those hard working individuals  (GG, Aunt Mary, Crystal aka Wild Melanin, Tameka , JJ, Tavariuos, Trice ) who came many times to help me set up my office space, help print shirts , and assisted me with difficult large orders and gave awesome advise .I could not have done it without you all ! You all are appreciated !  Keeping up with trends while managing social media content has been difficult as well, but over the years I’ve learned to prepare my self and set monthly and weekly goals. I’ve done pretty much everything from having an office space, coming back home to save money and even re branding. Yes, I re branded myself, originally I was called Poparazzi Tees but everyone would confuse me with a jewelry company lol. So I made the big change and I’m loving it !  I was nervous and felt embarrassed about what others would think but being an entrepreneur I’ve learned it’s always revolving and not all changes are bad. So far it has worked out amazingly!

Custom Designs By Ashley – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
My business is called Custom Designs by Ashley, currently a Five Star Etsy Shop. I offer custom vinyl printing and my Etsy Shop consist of over 100 + t-shirt designs. My t-shirt designs are created based off my personal experiences, trending news, religion, humor and the  beauty / intelligence of black women and men. I’m known for having very unique t-shirts with bold and beautiful meanings. I’ve heard and experienced being stopped by many people while wearing my custom t-shirt designs lol . I’m proud to be a Five Star Etsy Shop, I  would’ve never imagined shipping and conversing with customers all over the world. I think what sets me apart from others is my dedication and drive towards my goals . I’m not afraid to take chances or fail , also if needed I always step back and  regroup. I have a heart of a leader , so  it excites me to see my friends and family grow into their craft and purpose. I continue to seek ways to expand my brand, like currently I’m working on my first lifestyle blog @iamashley.johnson  I feel like I have so much to share and say , hopefully I can reach other small business owners or up and coming ,  who may also go through the same challenges and experiences.

What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
The proudest moment of my career has been winning Rated Boujie Awards 2018 T-shirt Line of The Year !!  It meant the world to me to be nominated and win! It was truly a wake up call to me. When you think no one is watching, they are. Thank you Touched By Tay , whose a local small business owner here in Houston as well. We met as co-workers and I started printing t-shirts for her business. Eventually, I was her go to person for all her t-shirt printing needs. Every new milestone excites me even more, I’m just grateful for all opportunities and achievements. You all reaching out to me , could’ve been at a better time .It gave me the fuel to keep pushing and know someone out there is watching me and appreciates my craft and hard work .Thank you for this opportunity, this was so much needed .

Pricing:

• Custom T-Shirts Starting Price $ 20
• Etsy T-Shirts Start Starting Price $ 15

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