Meet Ashley Gonzalez | Vintage boutique owner

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

Hi Ashley, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
I’m not afraid of taking risk… I feel that where you want to be in life you need to take risk in order to learn from mistakes. One of my biggest risk in both my life and career was moving to a completely different state. I moved for love, adventure, and to grow my business.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I am a vintage boutique but with a twist. I up cycle thrifted items, make unique one of a kind jewelry, and make vegan lip glosses. I have monthly giveaways with local businesses and businesses from all over the United States. Everyday I pat myself in the back because I am pursuing my dream, I get excited talking to new clients and business owners. I love seeing everyone grow and giving advice to other businesses that are starting off. There is sooo much room for everyone to be pursing their dreams. Where I’m at now business-wise I would say is to network, network, network. That’s helped me as a business to have great connections with a lot of people. It’s never going to be easy if I’m being honest! There will be alot of challenges and bumps on the road so don’t think it happens overnight. I learned that challenges are a good thing because we get to learn from them and it will make you a stronger business owner! What I want the world to know about me is that I’m a brave Latina that decided to grow my business outside of California, chase love and move across the United States to pursue my dream! Anything is possible if you put your mind to it! Don’t be afraid of failing and be an open minded person it goes a long way! I want my brand to show the world that it doesn’t matter what age you can be creative and fashionable in second hand items. At the same time also saving our environment by reducing pollution and waste.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
So I recently moved to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, if my bestie was out here visiting I would take her to my fave local cafe called “Stitch”! The vibe is just western and green. They are a brunch cafe with a plant store on the other side of the cafe. I think it’s super dope cause after you’re done eating you can check out their cute plants . I would take her to the plaza walls at the plaza district! It’s literally an alley with local artist murals super rad for Instagram pictures. For drinks we can go to Zuma they have the best margaritas with a twist of pinaepple juice 🤤. I think my man is an exciting person just because he knows where all the cool spots are at to go to when they are last minute plans.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would love to thank my grandma Amparo for being so patient with me and showing me how to be passionate about the things I love! She had her bridal shop and she would show me how to sew, I would make little purses and have my little fashion shows at the age of 9. Since then I would shop at thrift stores and up cycle the items just a bit to add my touch. Thank you Abue!

I would also love to thank Angela Talamantes for believing in me and for seeing my potential! I modeled for her business The Prelim, for her vintage and sustainable clothing she made! I got to accomplish a dream of mine to be a model. I will cherish that day for all eternity.

Website: Cashdrop.biz/avenuesandalleyways

Instagram: Personal: Peace_love27

Facebook: Avenues and Alleyways

Youtube: Thicccie Ash

Other: Business IG: Avenuesandalleyways_

Image Credits
Personal pictures