Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Catron.
Hi Ashley, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My name is Ashley and I am the owner and creator of A. Dawn Catron. A. Dawn Catron is a fashion accessory company. The accessories are funky and bold. I gather inspiration from Africa, nature, and culture. The accessories are made from natural materials like wood, fabric, gemstones, or shell. I have always been a creative person. As a little kid, my mother would have arts and crafts time with my sister and I. From that point forward, I have loved to create. I would enjoy and be opened to learn how to make just about anything. My mother gave me space that allowed me to bring my imagination to life, in full color.
In 2013, my sister was designing jewelry and selling her creations in Houston. Watching her, I was interested in making earrings. She encouraged me to try my hand at jewelry making. I wanted to produce earrings that were eclectic. I was looking to make earrings you couldn’t find in any store and that represented my culture. I started making earrings, but they weren’t very attractive and extremely heavy for pierced ears. I needed to take time to practice and learn more. I slowly began to get better. Unfortunately, in 2016, I took a break from earring making. I couldn’t get any traction with my designs.
In 2018, I decided to resume earring making. During this time, I started attending pop-ups at Pan-African Connection. Akwete Tyehimba and the women there were very receptive to my designs. The love I received there, helped propel me forward and I began to believe being a jewelry designer is something I could actually do. However, during the summer of 2019, I became discouraged when all my earrings were damaged at an event. I took a break to regroup.
In 2020, the pandemic changed everything for me. I had extra time on my hands and the sadness of the state of the United States with Covid, policing, and unrest made me stressed and uneasy. I needed a way to channel my energy and feelings. I started to think about my life and my dreams. I have degree in Fashion Merchandising and it was always my dream to work in the fashion industry and own a business, but I found myself doing other jobs outside of my dreams. I knew it was best to double down on my dreams. Creating accessories gave me the release I needed. Being creative allows you to express yourself, reduce stress and share a part of yourself with other people. So, in 2021, it was official and I was ALL in. A. Dawn Catron became my business. I moved my hobby to a business. I felt I found my stride in 2021. I have improved my process and my designs. I have been doing pop-ups all over the Metroplex and Houston. I haven’t looked back. The future excites me. I love to share my gift with women and men. It gives me honor and pleasure for people to adorn themselves with my creations.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Being an entrepreneur is a rocky road. There have definitely been challenges along the way. Finding quality materials is an ongoing challenge. I have learned to be very selective when purchasing materials for the accessories and check the finished product. I want to always provide quality accessories to my customers. As an entrepreneur, you wear many hats. I have to constantly be prepared to switch roles and adapt.
I have also learned; you have to be dedicated to your dream and craft. You can’t let doubt creep in. I believe my starts and stops gave me the needed time to prepare for this moment and what’s to come.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I design and make fashion accessories. My specialty is earrings. I am known for unique earrings. I absolutely LOVE earrings. They can completely take your look to another level. Earrings add character to a woman’s outfit. The best thing about offering earrings, is they fit everyone, regardless of shape, size, or weight. Every woman can find a pair. Earrings are inclusive. Women can feel and look beautiful in earrings. I am proud I can offer this experience when someone purchases a pair of my earrings. I am also proud to have wonderful customers and repeat customers. I offer one-of-a-kind earrings or a very limited number of each design. I push the limits with color, size, pattern, and design. When women wear my earrings, they won’t see themselves around town.
What makes you happy?
What makes me happy is creating. Creating is like giving birth to something the world can see and take pleasure in. I can share my art with others. The process takes me to a peaceful place, where there is so much joy and calm. I am also happy when I meet new people at pop-ups. I am overflowing with happiness when people immediately, after purchase, wear their new accessories.
Contact Info:
- Website: Adawncatron.com
- Instagram: @adawncatron
- Facebook: @adawncatron
