Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Danielle Hunte.
Ashley Danielle, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Graduating from Suffolk University with a BFA in Interior Design, I knew Boston was the perfect city to grow in my career. While attending school, I had the opportunity to intern for a small high end residential design firm on Newbury Street. My internship transitioned to a full time position which allowed me to fully dive into the world of residential design. The experience at this firm was invaluable, it taught me how to run a successful business based on having structure and systems in place. Learning how to enhance work flow efficiency allows one to operate a strong successful business. I worked at this firm for about two years and I decided that it was time to move on and gain new experience. I took a 90 day temporary to permanent position at a large corporate firm with a design position as a 3d Stylist. The experience at this job was great, it taught be how to work in a fast paced environment, but I quickly realized that 90 days was just enough experience for me. I was proactive about finding a new design job at a commercial and residential firm, at the time I figured it would be a good decision to switch over to commercial design because it would be a new field of design to venture in to. I was offered a position at the commercial and residential firm which was pretty exciting. I was ready to learn about commercial design and continue working on residential projects. This firm was architectural design focused and I saw it as chance to develop and strengthen my technical skills. I worked at this firm for a brief period but I quickly realized this job wasn’t for me and parted ways. After parting ways with this job I recognized that this was my moment and time to take my leap of faith and work for myself. One thing that I’ve done along my journey of working in the design field was investing the time after work to put into my business. I was laying the foundation of my business as I worked for other firms so when the time came I’d be prepared.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I’d say it definitely has not been a smooth road and that’s a good thing. When you have challenges and obstacles in your way, it teaches you life lessons and how to approach them. Each obstacle is a new life lesson learned which helps you develop as an entrepreneur. One struggle along the way was learning how to manage my time and being consistent. Time management is important, I didn’t have the time during the day to work on my business because I worked a 9-5. I would spend most of my time working on my business from 6PM-12AM almost each night after work while trying to be a 2o something year old living in the city. I learned that in order for me to get the most out of my business I had be consistent about the time spent on my business and who I gave my time to. If someone or an event wasn’t on my calendar I wouldn’t meet with them or attend that event. Time is something that you can’t get back, once you understand that you learn how to manage your time efficiently.
Please tell us about Ashley Danielle Designs.
Ashley Danielle Designs strive to create beautiful yet functional spaces where a person feels at home. I aim to create timeless spaces that have personality, tells a story and create memories. Our focus is residential design specifically apartment living. Boston is a unique city, the apartment turn around between August 31st and September 1st is a great niche to be in. I focus on making a temporary space feel at home while on a budget. An important factor with apartment living is investing in furniture and decor that’s timeless and adaptable. Most people in Boston live in their apartment for a year and typically move onto the next apartment. I’ve seen a lot of waste throughout this city from renters because they invested in furniture that’s specific to the apartment they were living in at the time. Tapping into this niche is perfect because I can relate, I’m a young professional who rents in Boston. What I’m most proud of as a company is understanding my target audience and being able to cater to young professionals in the Boston area. I’m also proud that I took my leap of faith and to go after my dreams, not many people my age are able to leave the comfort of a 9-5 job.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
When I was younger my best friend and my brother were both amazing artists, I was jealous of the fact that I wasn’t as artistic. I decided that I was going to teach myself how to draw, I was very determined. Every weekend I made it my mission to practice drawing. With dedication and consistency I taught myself how to draw which would eventually pay off and play a part in helping me become an interior designer.
Contact Info:
- Website: ashleydanielledesigns.com
- Email: ashleydanielledesigns@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashleydanielledesigns/
Image Credit:
Personality/ Headshot Photos: Rachel Leiner
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