Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashleigh Kelly.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Hello, my name is Ashleigh Kelly, and I am currently 31 years old, born in Miami, FL, but was raised predominantly in the Pembroke Pines, FL area; however, currently residing in Dallas, Texas. Growing up as a child, I was always into drawing and my love for it started in middle school when I took art class. I always wanted to learn more about art. However, during middle school, I got introduced to and developed a love for basketball. Basketball was my passion and art my hobby. However, drawing became my place of peace, especially when life got tough or overwhelming. I went through four years of college playing and loving the sport of basketball and I had hoped to make it to the WNBA. Unfortunately, that did not go as planned.
I graduated college with a degree in Criminal Justice, only to discover that was not my passion. After many of life’s rough patches, I started pondering what was left for my life. During one of those times of reflection and drawing, it dawned on me that I was happiest and felt most satisfied with myself when I was drawing. I knew I was tired of my then current situation and unfruitful life cycle. God does not make mistakes; I am here for a reason and there is an active plan for my life so long as I put the work in. Through vigilant prayers, the brilliant idea to turn my love of drawing, my craft of being creative into an fine art of T- Shirt making and a business could manifest.
A week later, I had all the tools and equipment to get started. With the love and support of my family and friends, the business was consistent and kept booming. I enjoyed it each time I received great feedback from a satisfied customer. That kept me going. Before I knew it, I had ordered after order. I love the orders which allow me tap into my most creative self.
I believe this is my destiny so much so that I realized that I wanted to take this business beyond Florida. I gained courage to make a bold move; I decided to stand on my own and given opportunities within the company, I took another role which landed me in Dallas, TX. This was a true step out on Faith! I continued to serve my loyal customers in Florida and now have developed a strong customer based in Dallas, TX.
Each day, I receive confirmations and in continuing to live my life and run my business with the purest of intentions, I remain confident with God’s backing. I aim to touch people’s lives by developing T-shirts to their sheer satisfaction while providing excellent customer service.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Turning my desire for owning my own business and determining all the factors needed to parlay those ideas and visions into a thriving business certainly has not been an easy road or process. It certainly has taken perseverance and endurance especially given that I am still holding down a 40-hour job. That salary was the means to funding and securing all the tools, supplies and products. Initially, I was fulfilling orders with family and close friends and that was easy. One obstacle was that I had not secured a good based of vendors to secure my needed supplies. I wanted to deliver the highest quality products to my customers, but I initially undercharged for my work and overpaid for needed supplies.
Therefore, I had to re-evaluate the economics and determine how to prevent spending more than I was capable of earning. Sufficed to say, there were many sleepless nights, but I was elated to see my customer base begin to grow beyond the family and friend’s orders. There have been countless other bottlenecks I have encountered through this process: Bad Car accident just before my relocation to TX. Got there with no car during a never experienced before snowstorm, which shut the city down with no means to even secure food or storm supplies. However, with my family’s consistent support and encouragement to keep going, coupled with my faith in God, I have been able to remain humble and grateful for each moment, good or bad. Now I see struggles as an opportunity find ways to navigate through and ultimately achieve greatness.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am known for creating the most unique prints for all lifestyles, social, business, and special events. I can place a design on almost any type of clothing, AKA the T-shirt Guru. The business name PURE INTENTIONS BY AK LLC evolved over time and sincerely represents me and my character. Living life in truth and with genuine intentions. Each T-Shirt design is made with love and pure intentions. This is most fitting given my path and vision for life.
I am proud of many things in life, but most currently, in my ability to stay focused on the positives and the ability to not let life experiences change my outlook on life and most importantly, the realization that I can accomplish anything if I remain courageous and have faith. What sets me apart from others is I genuinely love the work that I due and my focus on customer service and satisfaction is key. If my customers are not happy, I am not happy!
What matters most to you? Why?
God first, coupled with love and unity of family for these are both the epitome for why I exist and the reasons why I exist and the reasons why I continue pressing forward. They stay at forefront of my life and drive my ambition to succeed!
Contact Info:
- Email: AKVISUALS44@GMAIL.COM
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/_pureintentionsbyak_?r=nametag
