Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Watts.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Ashley. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
As a Title 1 District Contractor, and MPA candidate at Texas Southern University, I needed an outlet and that was digital art. Being in the realm of private sector leadership my world is filled with running programs, compliance measurements, data analytics, and research. When I am not directly working with my scholars and community, I am researching and traveling to conferences and panels to present topics that bring awareness to policies pertaining to low-income communities.
During COVID, I took the time to become more creative and resourceful, and while I had already downloaded several apps to my iPad Pro, I never explored them nor was I interested in doing so. I’ll never forget the day I picked up my Apple Pencil and began scribbling, I was so shocked how everything flowed easily for me. Within a matter of a couple of weeks I had months’ worth of content, and everything fell into place from there. I branded myself and made a business account on social media and other Third Party shops, such as Etsy. My products include everything from digital or printable art pieces to stationary pieces such as digital planners, thank you cards, and weekly planning desk pads.
I am excited to announce that I am currently working on launching my website very soon to showcase my portfolio as well as, other resources for those who need an outlet! I am also looking forward to expanding my brand and directly linking it to my first passion of social advocacy.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Starting a new journey is never as easy as one may make it seem. For me, I had major self-doubt, I wasn’t sure if I should even be devoted to this with everything else, I have on my plate. But I quickly realized that was all the more reason to do so. I need to have something just for me, everyone should.
ArtByAsh – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
ArtByAsh is a small black owned and woman led business. I take pride in all of the above. If I can make this happen so can you. I also take pride in having feel good affirmative art. Art that calls your spirit or soul or makes you even want to call into action.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
I wouldn’t have doubted myself. Everyone has to start somewhere, and we all start somewhere differently. “Start where you are, use what you have, do what you can”. – Arthur Ashe
Contact Info:
- Email: artbyashw@gmail.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/ArtByAshleyW
Image Credit:
ArtByAsh
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