We had the good fortune of connecting with Ashlee Stone and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ashlee, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
As the CEO of The Pretty Girl Company, I, Ashlee Stone, am driven by a personal journey that has shaped the essence and uniqueness of our business. Growing up in a small town, I faced the challenge of not having a role model who exemplified what a “pretty and successful” black woman looked like. This absence of representation ignited a passion within me to break barriers, empower others, and redefine societal norms.

Being the second person in my family to attend college, I understand the significance of education and its potential to open doors. I wanted to show individuals who grew up in small towns, just like I did, that they have the power to not only pursue higher education but also become successful entrepreneurs. I believe that no matter where we come from, we all deserve the opportunity to thrive and create our own paths.

In 2022, I embarked on a mission to establish The Pretty Girl Company. The premise of our company is simple yet profound: every pretty girl deserves a pretty bag. We recognize that beauty comes in all shapes, sizes, and backgrounds, and we aim to celebrate the unique beauty that every woman possesses.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
What sets The Pretty Girl Company apart is our commitment to inclusivity and the challenge we pose to society’s conventional beauty standards. We embrace diversity and believe that there is no singular definition of beauty. Our company offers a wide range of stylish and fashionable bags to cater to the diverse tastes and preferences of women, ensuring that each woman can find a bag that resonates with her individuality and personal style.

At The Pretty Girl Company, we understand that a purse is more than just an accessory; it is a symbol of self-expression and confidence. We take pride in our keen eye for design and our ability to create bags that cater to the unique fashion choices of women. Whether it’s a classic, sophisticated purse or a trendy, statement-making bag, we strive to offer something for every woman, empowering her to feel confident and beautiful in her own way.

Through The Pretty Girl Company, I aim to provide not only high-quality bags but also a platform for empowerment. By sharing my own success story and experiences, I aspire to inspire others who come from small towns or have been underrepresented. I want to demonstrate that it is possible to achieve one’s dreams, redefine societal expectations, and embrace individuality.

Starting a business definitely wasn’t an easy decision and there was a lot to learn along the way. From establishing an LLC, to distribution, and things like business credit. I learned that everything doesn’t have to be perfect to start you just have to start and learning is a process along the way. I want people to understand the importance of the message behind the brand that every woman is pretty by her own standards and not societies.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’d definitely check out the local festivals that are going on and vibe out there. We could go to a braves, hawks, or falcons games if there was an opening. We would have to hit Southern Fire Kitchen, Ponce, and Your Third Spot

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to the incredible strong black women in my life—my mom, aunt, and grandma. Their hard work, dedication, and constant encouragement have set a powerful foundation for who I’ve become. They’ve been amazing role models, pushing me to surpass expectations and shape your path. Their influence has been instrumental in making me the person you are today. Another influential person in my life was my 9th grade physical science teacher Mrs. lambert. She showed me that family isn’t defined by blood and the importance of having strong women outside of your family who care about you.

Website: www.theprettygirlco.com

Instagram: @theprettygirll.co

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.