HER STORY ⟡ Ashley Abarr
Meet Ashley Abarr, owner of Abarr by Ashley Creative Studio!
Hey ya'll! I'm Ashley, the visionary behind Abarr by Ashley, where I proudly wear multiple hats as the founder, CEO, and Creative Director. Think of me as your personal "Abarrtender" – I adore a clever play on words! Nestled in the vibrant landscapes of Northeast Florida with my husband, teenage son, and our slew of animals (we have 5 Australian Shepherds and a cat). I am fortunate to embark on journeys across the nation, capturing exquisitely curated images that celebrate YOU! At Abarr by Ashley, we offer Abarr of Services (and I'll get to those later), with my personal niche being Women's Portraits (focusing on empowerment and boudoir) and Business Branding. I use the click of my camera to elevate and empower YOU!
How Did You Learn Photography?
I've always had a camera in my hand; in middle school, I remember being the photographer for my cousins' kids' birthday parties as they "walked the red carpet" and put on a fashion show. I'm one of the lucky ones who somehow turned that passion into a career. When my son was a baby, people saw my photos of him and started asking me to take theres. It took off from there. I am self taught, and thankful for some amazing mentors over the 13+ years' I have been a photographer.
How It Started:
You see, I haven't always been the confident, bold woman you see today. This strength was forged through years of struggle and resilience. I navigated being adopted, survived and escaped an abusive marriage, and witnessed my almost 14-year-old son overcome the odds as a micro-preemie at birth. Leaving my abusive husband led me to close my photography business and take a corporate job to provide benefits for my son. It was a period where I felt like a failure.
Starting out in the corporate world as a college dropout single mom, living a one-bedroom garage apartment, barely making ends meet. I chose not to let my circumstances define me. So I climbed. I absorbed like a sponge. I went from front desk receptionist for a Commercial General Contractor to Vice President of Development. Despite my accomplishments, a sense of fulfillment remained elusive. It wasn't until I heeded the call of my heartstrings – my yearning for creativity and purpose – that I found my true path. Last year, I launched Abarr by Ashley, leveraging my story and experiences to uplift and empower others primarily though my art of photography. My journey is deeply personal, and my focus on helping others thrive and embrace their most confident, empowered selves is rooted in my own struggles. I want women and people everywhere to recognize their limitless potential and believe that they can achieve anything they set their minds to.
What I love about being a business owner:
I cherish the freedom and flexibility that comes with being a business owner. Yet, it's crucial to dispel the misconception that entrepreneurship equates to endless vacations and carefree days. Quite the contrary, it demands relentless hard work, long hours, and unwavering dedication. In fact, I find myself working harder than I did in my corporate role, with late nights and early mornings becoming the norm. However, amidst the hustle, being a business owner grants me the flexibility to prioritize what truly matters. Whether it's serving on the PTSA Board at my son's school or seamlessly integrating work during spring break, I'm empowered to be a better mom while pursuing my professional endeavors. Gone are the days of feeling torn between excelling in my career and nurturing my family. Society often imposes unrealistic expectations on women, expecting us to excel in both realms without compromise. While I haven't discovered the "perfect balance" yet (if you've got the secret sauce, I'm all ears!), I've found a more harmonious rhythm in life as a business owner. It's a journey of continual adjustment and growth, but one that allows me to lead a more fulfilling and balanced life.
What type of impact do you hope to have on those you meet and/or who purchase your products?
I find immense joy in witnessing others succeed and navigate their paths with less struggle than I faced. As women, we often prioritize everyone else's needs, leaving our own cups empty. I aim to be a beacon of empowerment, playing a part in replenishing the cups of others. If you can't tell, my love language is acts of service and through my work, I strive to uplift and support individuals on their journey to fulfillment and success.
Who or what inspires you?
My first and most profound inspiration will forever be my mother, who also happens to be my biological grandmother. Her unwavering presence as a calm, collected woman of wisdom continues to guide my journey every day. Additionally, I draw inspiration from the countless remarkable women I encounter and their unique stories. Their resilience, courage, and grace in navigating life's challenges inspire me to see the beauty in the world.
What is your favorite quote?
My favorite quote is one from Audrey Hepburn and has been in my LinkedIn Headline and at the bottom of my email signature probably since 2017: “You have two hands, one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.”
What does beauty mean to you?
Beauty, to me, extends far beyond surface appearances. It's about embracing inner strength, resilience, and authenticity. True beauty lies in the courage to navigate life's challenges, in celebrating individual journeys, and in finding confidence in one's unique story. It's the authenticity that radiates from within, the resilience that shines through adversity, and the self-acceptance that transcends societal norms. Beauty, in essence, is the embodiment of authenticity, resilience, and self-acceptance – qualities that elevate and empower every individual.
What advice would you give your past self just starting your business?
Trust your vision, embrace failure as part of growth, prioritize self-care, seek support, celebrate victories, stay adaptable (knowing how and when to pivot is crucial), and believe in yourself.
What would you like our Beauty Boost members to know?
I'll give you my signature phrase, that if you've known me for very long you've heard me say "Every version of YOU is Beautiful, Worthy and Deserving of Love". No matter your age, stage in life, or your circumstances you are BEAUTIFUL. Claim it. Believe it.
Where our community can find you?
Our website is currently being re-done, so checkout our LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/abarrbyashley
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abarrbyashley
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abarrbyashley/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@abarrbyashley
