Meet Ashleigh Esprit: Startup Founder & Interior Designer

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

Hi Ashleigh, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
My thought process behind starting my business was me ultimately working for myself. I wanted to use a few of my many ideas and create a business and workplace that held values I believed in. I have had many jobs in the past. From big corporations to small businesses and I’ve always felt like this was not something I was suppose to be doing. None of those jobs gave me the excitement I was yearning for. Also, none of them were helping the select group of people I wanted to help. As time went on, the stars aligned for me to use my skills, eagerness, and connections to build a service that helped people with their livelihood.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
The Studio Social is an employment-oriented online service designed for the interior design industry. The website is mainly used for professional networking for design creatives. The Studio Social allows interior design students and job seekers to post their CVs, portfolios, and projects. While employers can post jobs and view candidates, The Studio Social is mixing social media, blogging, and a forum to the mix. Allowing the industry to connect on another level. I am so proud of the transitions The Studio Social went through to get to the solid platform it’s building up to be. Even though my road to where I am today was not easy, it was much needed. I had days where things didn’t make sense and I wanted to give up or I had small wins and it solidified my idea and I needed to keep going. Where I am recently is all thanks to Atlanta Tech Village, It Takes A Village Pre-Accelerator program. Because they helped me conceptualize my business and build on what I have. The major lesson I’ve learned along the way in my journey is to always remember “The why.” I was once asked to record a video on my phone of me stating what The Studio Social is and why I am doing it. At first I thought it was silly but I look at that video at least once a week haha. Its motivational. It reminds me of who I am doing it for. I would want the world to know that I am selfless. I truly love helping people. I want individuals to live and be their best selves. For people to not experience the struggles I have, especially in the design industry. Easily finding their place in design and showing their skills to the world.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Day 1 – The City Life Breakfast in Midtown @ West Egg Café Head to the heart of downtown and take the streetcar to: Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park SkyView Atlanta World of Coca Cola Visit Trap Music Museum Dinner @ Negril Village Atlanta Day 2 – Nature OTP Breakfast @ The Waffle House Stone Mountain Park Dinner @ Sunshine Jamaican Restaurant Day 3 – Nature ITP Breakfast @ Thumbs Up Diner Piedmont Park Ponce City Market Walk the Beltline Dinner @ TWO urban licks Day 4- Nightlife Drinks @ Hotel Clermont Appetizers @ Barcelona Nice lounge spot in the city.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would love to shoutout and thank my awesome mentor Elayne DeLeo, Co-Founder of MA! Also, my behind the scenes team, my 3 F’s, friends, family, and Fiancé. Because I am a solopreneur, they have been my sound board. They have always supported me, told me the truth, and listened to my countless ideas regarding my business.

Website: www.thestudiosocial.com
Instagram: @ashleighesprit and @thestudiosocialid
Facebook: www.facebook.com/thestudiosocialid