Meet Ashley Thornton | Principal of A|T Home Staging & Interiors

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

Hi Ashley, how do you think about risk?
I have always said, “I’m not a risk-taker.” Anyone that has ever heard me say this has responded with, “Sure you are! Starting a business is taking a risk”, but I never looked at it that way. I like to think I take calculated risks. I don’t make decisions without full thought behind them.

When I started my business, I didn’t really think about failing. It never crossed my mind. I made every decision with intention and forethought and didn’t have any fear in my actions as I moved through that new chapter of my life. I was full force ahead. I was going into an unknown world of entrepreneurship and owning a business, which I knew nothing about, but when you really want something, you just figure it out.

I had a full-time job as I started my business. I set the goal for myself that once I was making equal to the amount my salaried job was paying me, I would quit my job. My thought was, I would then be able to support myself and devote more time to my business. Within 6 months of starting my business, that goal was met. That was the start of many calculated risks in my future. It was planned and well-thought-out, so there was not much room for error, therefore little fear ensued.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
We are an interior design and home staging firm, that originated in Atlanta, GA. We specialize in helping people sell their homes for more money/more than asking price and aim for a quicker sale.

What sets us apart is our unique designs. As an artist, your designs tend to change with your mood. I’ve always been told that I have a colorful personality which I believe is reflected in my work. I love color, I’m not afraid of it.
I got to where I am today by putting in the hard work required, shadowing and mentorships, working side jobs that put me in front of the right people and taught me the right things, going back for additional education within my field, and having the confidence to know that I could do it even if no one else thought I could. It was not easy, I worked excruciating hours working a full-time job, going back to school, interning, and trying to start my business. I just kept going. Failure wasn’t an option and never has been. I never thought I wouldn’t be able to do it. If I couldn’t figure it out I would find someone that could, whether that be outsourcing, etc; you have to know your strengths.

The biggest lesson that I learned is that you have to do a lot yourself… no one cares about your business as you do. Hire out for the jobs that you can. Hiring trustworthy people is key and learned to delegate and manage. Just because you are good at your skill doesn’t mean that you are good at running a business.

I’d like the world to know that it is not easy and there are going to be a lot of obstacles along the way, but if you push through the struggles, stay disciplined, and put your mind to it you can do anything. Being proud of your own successes builds confidence to keep going. We are a woman-owned business and we are proud of it!

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 Chastain and Carroll St Cafe are tops for breakfast, coffee, and lunch.

Favorite outdoor activities would include the Beltline and Chastain Park.

If there is a show going on at the time, the Fox Theatre is a beautiful theatre to preview.

The Southeastern Designer Showhouse which only comes around once a year, is a must-see for an interior design overload.

City Winery for an intimate concert and live music. Apres Diem has live jazz on Wednesdays… LOVE!

Ponce City Market, Krog Street Market, and Chattahoochee Food Works are great food halls.

Favorite dinner and nightly outing spots would include Tuk Tuk, Chops, Bar Margot, St Regis, Marcels, and Gypsy Kitchen.

Johnny’s Hideaway and Clermont Lounge are Atlanta staples, you have to go at least once in your lifetime.

Looking at the different architecture that Atlanta has to offer with historic elements. It’s just really beautiful to drive around the city. One thing I love about Atlanta is that it has many pockets that each offer a different neighborhood ambiance, such as Inman Park, the Highlands, Buckhead, Midtown, West Midtown just to name a few of my favorites.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
People come into our lives in different chapters to provide us with the tools required for success. I met a person that really inspired and mentored me to be creative in who I was as a businesswoman. They encouraged me to go for it. They introduced me to the right people and guided me in the right direction, giving me the tools to be successful in the business world. I wasn’t aware of all the resources that were at my disposal, but along the way I was able to put more and more tools in my bag. It fortified the strength in me to learn more. They sharpened the knife, so to speak, to see the greatness in myself. I had the raw talent to be a designer and businesswoman, but there were aspects that I wasn’t aware of. For example, learning to navigate vendors, adversity, unhappy customers; you have to learn to not take things personally, which can be hard as a creative. I quickly learned in business how to control my emotions and the right timing for each situation… key elements! I blossomed not only into a businesswoman but also into the woman I am today outside of my business.

My family, of course, is the other major source of my talent and success. My dad is my best friend and one of my biggest supporters and has always steered me in the right direction. My dad is very much of the mentality, “If you give a person a fish, you feed them for a day. If you teach a person to fish, you feed them for a lifetime.’ My family has always been very supportive of my entrepreneurial spirit, dreams, and goals. They always say that I march to the beat of my own drum, how my grandad used to do.

Website: https://www.athomestagingandinteriors.com/

Instagram: @stagingwithat and @athomestagingandinteriors

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/athomestaginginteriors

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