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

Hi Ashley, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I started the styling portion of my business to help the everyday woman find and elevate her personal style. While I’m a project manager for my 9-to-5 career, my love for style fuels my creativity outside of the office. I started my business right out of college, worked for a prominent stylist & men’s executive clothier, and later branched out on my own. My style blog prissywithpearls.com and my style Instagram- @prissy_with_pearls, represent the lifestyle portion of my brand; each provide helpful style tips and inspiration.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m a local government project manager & I started as an intern right out of college. Professionally I haven’t arrived, but I’m Working towards the goal— and will be graduating with my Masters of Public Administration this year. None of it has been easy, but it’s definitely been a blessing. All of which, have taught me the importance of developing & maintaining meaningful partnerships inside and outside of your community.  Partnerships and knowing your community are all important in the style community as well.

Some challenges, I’ve experienced are significant & some are not, but being a young black woman in local government is such a unique arena & I’ve overcome countless challenges by, adjusting my perspective, valuing the input & expertise of my boss & advisors, and simply not taking things personally. I’ve learned so much about diligence & patience, I know those are both simple, but in the grand scheme of things they matter. When it comes to my brand, all it was created, with diligence & patience— diligence because you have to keep going, growing, and stretching yourself and your business, to new heights. I was never comfortable with leaving, things unfulfilled.

Patience is the second part, because with a business and a brand, “success” doesn’t come over night and it’s nothing guaranteed., no one owes you that. Instead hustling, learning & growing and being patient enough to wait for your moment & wait for brand recognition to come, is key. I started my blog in 2018, small, and with my dad taking most of my photos w/ no brand partnerships, and a handful of followers. Now, the brand has expanded, I’ve worked with great brands, other creatives, and just received an ambassadorship that helps highlight all the wonderful things about Columbia.

Overtime, Honestly, when it comes to the styling part of the business /brand, it’s all about helping my clients and followers of the Prissy with Pearls brand, feel confident with their personal style, to help elevate their confidence, their personal presentation, and even their own brand recognition. The brand name actually comes from my love for pearls, and my love for “ everyday glam.,” which is all about adding luxe touches to an everyday wardrobe. I love finding luxury items & mixing them with affordable pieces, and helping clients develop a cohesive wardrobe that fits their lifestyle.

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?
The day would definitely kick off  with checking into my favorite boutique hotel, Hotel Trundle, the minute you walk into their lobby and see their one-of-a-kind art & design, you know it’s going to be a good weekend! Then brunch at Spotted Salamander or Bourbon. Next up, some pampering & retail therapy. We’d definitely start with a mani-pedi at Glowout salon, then head to Pout for all things cosmetics, Handpicked for all things jewelry, and pop into Fabrik & Scout and Molly’s to pick up some new outfits for the weekend. Our next stop would definitely be Main Street historic Main Street & the vista. Main Street has one of my favorite shops to find unique gifts for any occasion, Uptown SC. After letting them get settled & freshened up, we’d definitely pop into Hendrix for dinner or grab a night cap & dessert, at Kaminsky’s Vista. Over the rest of the weekend, we’d definitely have to have coffee at Drip, visit the Columbia Museum of art or any of the local galleries, pop in to have dinner & enjoy the live jazz at Hall’s Chophouse, and maybe spend the rest of the weekend relaxing and exploring. Columbia has an exceptional small business, food, arts, and music community; that never disappoints.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to dedicate my shoutout to my village- from my mentors, to my parents, family & friends, and my fiancé. My village has been so supportive of my brand, and have each imparted wisdom, resources, and more importantly their understanding. A special shoutout to my mom, dad, & my fiancé.

Website: www.Prissywithpearls.com
Instagram: @prissy_with_pearls
Youtube: Prissy with Pearls

Image Credits:
– white romper photos, tan and black outfit photos, pink bodysuit photos, and spotted top photos are by @southern_stitched -All olive green suiting photos are by @stillcosc – multi color dress photos w/ green purse are by @henryjonesphotography

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlana 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.