We’re looking forward to introducing you to Ashley Love. Check out our conversation below.
Good morning Ashley, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
I started focusing on other ways to create fashion illustrations. Lately, I’ve been thinking about creating coloring books, and I’ve begun working on that. It allows me to continue creating fashion illustrations, and as a professor, I can also include educational insights related to fashion terminology.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Ashley Love—a fashion designer, fashion illustrator, and fashion professor. I teach Fashion Merchandising at Tarrant County College–Northeast and work as an art instructor with YMCA Fort Worth. I also run my freelance business, Ashley D Love, where I create fashion designs and illustrations for both start-up and established brands. What makes my work unique is my dedication to illustrating and celebrating Black women in fashion.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who taught you the most about work?
My mom taught me the most important lessons about work. Whenever I wanted or needed something, she reminded me that I had to work for it. She taught me that nothing in this world is free, and if you want something, it won’t be handed to you—you have to earn it. While my mom definitely bought me things, she always reminded me that I had to work hard to earn my ‘wants,’ which was especially true when I got my first car.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
One of my greatest fears is that I lack the finances to pursue my true passions, like creating a clothing line. I often let financial concerns stop me before I even begin. I’ve always dreamed of designing for plus-size women, and I get incredibly excited about the vision—until I start thinking about the resources I lack, the capital I don’t have, and the mystery of the manufacturing process. That is when I shut down and move on to something else.
Ultimately, my fear is rooted in a lack of access: I don’t have an angel investor, I don’t know how to raise funds, and I don’t have the roadmap needed to bring a collection to life.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
There was once a belief that plus-size fashion was not ‘real’ fashion. This was told to several people at my grad school alma mater. One student wanted to create a plus-size line for her senior collection, but she was told she couldn’t—and that if she did, she wouldn’t be able to graduate. Her committee forced her to create a menswear collection instead.
That was in 2012, when plus-size fashion wasn’t considered legitimate. Today, the industry has changed. The plus-size market has grown immensely, with major brands like ASOS, Universal Thread, and Anthropologie now offering dedicated collections. Additionally, brands such as Torrid, Fashion to Figure, and Eloquii were created specifically for plus-size women who want great style and unique trends.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
I would stop worrying about what I haven’t done and instead focus on what I genuinely want to achieve, such as creating my plus-size clothing line. I would also take time to travel outside of the United States to places I’ve always dreamed of visiting, including South Africa, the Philippines, the Maldives, and Paris.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.behance.net/ashleylove
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashley.d.love
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleydlove
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AshleyLoveIllustrations
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ashleydlove
