We recently had the chance to connect with Ashley Barnett and have shared our conversation below.
Ashley, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
Absolutely! One of my most recent proud moments has been when I successfully obtained my Professional in Human Resources (PHR) certification. After a few different retakes, lots and lots and lots of studying, prayer and determination, I finally passed.
This accomplishment was not only special to me professionally, but also personally and I’m glad I didn’t loose sight of achieving this goal regardless of the timeline.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My personal and professional journey began in Houston, TX, where I cultivated expertise in luxury retail management and freelance fashion styling. My styling work involved collaborations with domestic photographers, models, designers, and fashion shows, including a well-respected modeling agency in the Houston area. I also briefly ventured into entrepreneurship with a photo booth business. I am an alumna of the University of Houston-Downtown (UHD), holding a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Management and come from a family that deeply values entrepreneurship.
While I have since retired from freelance fashion styling, my passion for style inspiration remains a core aspect of my personal brand. Since my last interview, I transitioned into the corporate sector as an HR professional. Concurrently, I am the Founder of Nine Twenty Nine Couture, an online women’s store. In addition, I have also tapped into the Influencer industry, creating content that highlights fashion, lifestyle, food and simply flourishing in my lane with enthusiasm, creativity, dedication and a ray of light.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
There are a handful of individuals who have contributed to who I am today. However, my relationship with my Mom has been one of the most impactful and cherished relationships in my life, especially as an adult. I feel there’s a different side you experience with your parent(s) as adults.
She’s been a listening ear when I need to express my thoughts, a wise voice when I need direction and my biggest cheerleader for life ventures and creative ideas. Having her as a mother, I truly believe I can do any and everything I want to out of life even if it doesn’t work.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
While, I believe you can learn many things whether you’re in a challenging season or not. My challenging seasons, revealed to me how important it is to have perseverance and determination to navigate through.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
The idea that individuals must excel in only one area is a common misconception across both professional and non-professional sectors. In reality, many people hold multiple talents and should not be confined to a single specialization at a time. So, I’d like to encourage people to not allow folks to box them in because if they can, they surely will….flex those talents!
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
The ability to cultivate relationships is underrated and highly important regardless of social class. I know people frown on those that’s worked in retail, but there’s so many transferable skills you obtain and for me, relationship building has been one of many skills that I’ve been able to utilize everyday!
Contact Info:
Image Credits
Photographer credit (personal photo): Daryl Hamilton
