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

Hi Ashley, what habits do you feel play an important role in your life?
The habits I applied to have a successful business for the past 4 years is treating your business like a true business. If you want it to be your full time job treat it that way, as you’re able. Allowing to make your own schedule and working when you want to is the ultimate dream and goal. Overtime, it’s doable to find the balance and grove that works for you.
Another is to stay authentic to yourself and your brand. Everyone, even unknowingly, follows trends which are fine but the base of your business should stay the same and that will help you more in the long run.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art that I personally draw or purchase from another small business graphic designer, describes and showcases who I am as a person, mom and business, I’m a Filipino American so I designed a whole collection around the future, sayings with a retro twist. Im obsessed with all things retro so being able to put that style towards other topics like mental health awareness, coffee lovers, cow gals and so much more!

It’s such a fun but not an easy task to curate and make things that not only you love but that others will love and enjoy as well. Obviously something’s will go or sell better than others but you will learn the flow overtime and even change your niche like I did. I taught myself how to draw on the iPad and later with the help of friends photoshop and illustrator which is in no way perfect but I’m always learning.

No one is perfect. I assume we all know that in 2025 but need to keep reminding each other. Every business and friendship has its ups and downs but the important thing is to keep going because no one else is going to get your dream other than yourself. With all the ups and downs, youll also realize that everything has a season and sometimes those seasons fly by faster than others. Just be open and willing to pivot to keep your dream alive.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend was visiting the area, I would take them to eat at my favorite KBBQ spot in Artesia that is family owned and operated before heading to Local Gem Collective in Orange, CA to support the 50+ (and growing!) small businesses in the store. Jasmin, owner of Local Gem Collective, has themed events showcasing businesses like tattoo artist, piercers, florist workshops, permanent jewelry, sound bath sessions, tarot card readings and more! It’s such a cute, relaxing and beautiful shop to hang out at. It’s located just half a mile from the popular Orange Circle with boutiques, other shops and restaurants.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I will always begin to shout out my husband, two kids and family for believing and pushing me to keep going when I don’t think I can nor do I think at that moment that I want to. Being a small business owner is hard and surrounding yourself with people who understand, support and are willing to help.

Kelly, owner of The Thrifty Handmade, who not only became a small business bestie but a mom bestie as well as we navigate life with two kids and life as stay at home moms. We grew close very quickly even though we’ve never met in person! I tell her everything and value her opinion so much. Kelly has always been there for me as I her for the hardships and triumphs of our businesses despite being part of different niches over the past few years.

Bianca, owner of @cheekybia on Instagram, who I first found because I fell in love with her graphic designs then later reached out to her for my full branding which everyone loves just as much as I do! Another close friend I’ve yet to meet in person but whose opinion I value so much from graphic design help or shipping each other cute home decor we find when we’re out and about. As like-minded business owners, i love that we are always bouncing ideas and inspo off of each other to not only help our creative minds but its a form of love language!

Jasmin, owner of Local Gem Collective in Orange, CA. Jasmin was my first ever large wholesale order a few months into starting wholesale. I saw she was local so from there I started to follow her on her journey via Instagram when she announced that she was opening her own collective space in Feb 2024 which i was so excited and scared to join since i hadnt joined a space like this before or even had done a pop up at the time.
It’s been an incredible year being a vendor at her store and now working along side her at the new store we moved to in Nov 2024. She’s such a light and just like the others has so much knowledge to share. She was there for me at some of my lowest points in my business and has helped in me more ways than I can thank her for.

Website: https://www.amarieacreates.com

Instagram: amarieacreates

Facebook: amarieacreates

Other: Local Gem Collective 1135 W Chapman Ave Orange, CA

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.