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

Hi Ashley, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
A Visual Theory started as an escape from my life at the time. I grew up dancing and eventually went to college for dance where all I did was train, rehearse, and audition. I felt like I was stuck in the same routine, doing the same thing, over and over again. It was a never-ending cycle of taking countless dance classes and standing in line waiting to be seen for an audition. My personality had changed, I felt unfulfilled, and I no longer loved what I was doing (A classic case of burn out). I so badly wanted a place to redirect my creative energy and bring back my love of art. The first step to that was purchasing a sewing machine and the second step was taking online sewing classes. I had always loved fashion and would regularly re-work my outfits by turning shirts into dresses and cutting pants into shorts so this was the perfect outlet.

After spending some time with my sewing machine, I decided to make a few pieces of clothing and put them up on Instagram. I was so scared… not only because I didn’t know what I was doing but because it’s petrifying to share your ideas and creations with the world. I decided to continue making pieces and posting them on social media because for the first time in a long time I was genuinely having fun while creating art.

Eventually, I started to expand my clothing ideas from small sewing machine projects to full collection drops. I learned how to acid-wash and tie-dye and I began heat-pressing and screen-printing my designs. Still to this day I am learning new ways of making clothing. It’s a continuous labor of love built from a moment in my life where I felt completely empty. I had no idea this would be my path or that I would be able to make a career out something that brings me so much joy. A Visual Theory brought back my love of art and it has allowed me to share positivity and creativity with others. I love it here!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I have always wanted A Visual Theory to be more of a lifestyle and a community rather than a clothing brand. I feel like my pieces are a direct expression of how I feel about the beauty of life and the magic of connection therefore my social media and marketing is on a more personalized level. I am the only worker and creator for A Visual Theory so I use my social media as if my followers are my best friends… because they are. I always say that my favorite part of my small business is being able to connect with my customers and have a dialogue between us. It fulfills me in so many ways and deepens my passion for clothing and life in general. I love learning about my followers and sharing both my business life and personal life with them. It helps me create better pieces and allows me to build a relationship with the people who love my products.

I am full of so much gratitude for the community A Visual Theory has built. It’s like one big happy family full of people who bond over creativity and emotion. I love them so much it hurts.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
As the Shoutout series states: Part of success is thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. My personal shoutout is dedicated to my parents, a couple of inspirational teachers, and Nicholas. You continuously make me better and fill me with so much love. I am me because of you!

Website: www.avisualtheory.com

Instagram: @avisualtheory

Facebook: @avisualtheory

Other: Tiktok: @avisualtheory

Image Credits
Julia Rose Photography and Ashley Aquilo

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.