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

Hi Ashley, how do you think about risk?
All of our lives are risks, and I stand by the bigger the risk the bigger the reward. Growing up I’d say I really wasn’t a risk taker, I followed the rules, did as I was told, and didn’t really question anything. However, as I got older my loud mouth got me into different situations. At the age of 18 I applied to a school across the country without telling anyone, especially my parents, until I needed some support financially. At 19 I was accepted and moved to LA from Chicago which to date is by far the biggest risk I jave ever taken in my life. I had no job, hardly any money saved, and at the beginning not even sure where I would live. My parents told me if this is what you want you are going to have to work and work hard because we financially cannot support you. This I knew from the moment I applied and it scared the crap out of me. Going to a school where half of the school is very privileged and does not have these things to worry about. I encourage everyone to take a risk especially on oneself because you legit just never know until you try. I took a risk and quit retail and took a seasonal job at my company I work for now and 3 years later I’m still there. Almost 8 years later I think of that 19 year old self of mine, and can’t help but smile. Because of her I am where I am now, exactly where I want to be of course not because always aiming for more, but farther along that she could have ever imagined.

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.
To say what sets you apart is sometimes hard as it seems like such a brag, but I think I would say that my passion for things and constantly looking ahead leads me- in work, my personal life, and in all the dreams I have. My brain is in a never ending cycle constantly looking for what’s next, and what I need to do to get there. I currently work for a Fashion company doing eCommerce , but to get there I have done just about anything and everything in between. It has been far from easy, but I acknowledge that simpler than for other people as well. At my hardest times I was working 3 jobs, going to school full-time, at some point with internships in the mix too, and still keeping up with my social butterfly ways. Stretching out my money sooo thin that I still laugh as I have no idea how I made it work. If I got to go back I honestly wouldn’t change it though because if it weren’t for those super low times I don’t think I would appreciate where I am now. I started Gold Baby with all that past in mind even though in recent day I’ve been neglecting it I always remind myself why I wanted to do it in the first place. The story behind Gold Baby and my own brand as a person are one in the same. I never want to hide my past, where I come from, or where I plan on going. I want people to see either and know that right away because I am proud of my roots, I am proud of myself, and I am proud my story.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I literally have various texts like this because anyone that ever comes into town asks me or when my friends and family come this is kinda of what we do. This of course taking the person into consideration, but if it’s my best friends I know they’re here looking for a good time. I’ll usually tell my friends from LA as well so that we can meet somewhere or catch up with them out for a week or/weekend full of food, drinks, and laughs. I love taking them to the San Pedro Fish Market it’s one right next to the water, the food is delicious, there’s always live music, and the micheladas are mouthwatering! In the itinerary will also depend if it’s their first time here or not, because if it is we have to do some of the touristy things including: Santa Monica Pier, Venice, maybe a theme park (Universal/Disney), LA Live, LACMA for sure at night to take a picture, hiking up Runyon Canyon, and of course driving down Beverly Hills and Hollywood Blvd. A stroll down Melrose ave and Fairfax is usally fit in on a chill day for a coffee or photo op as I live right there. My itinerary will always include a day of brunching anywhere that will do bottomless haha, (Saddle Ranch, Eat This Cafe, Sunny Spot), also depending on the part of the city we’re trying to stay in. I tend to end up in DTLA either going to The Ace or Broken Shaker for a rooftop drink, Las perlas for good music and great tequila, or in the Arts distract at one of the breweries. On our official going out nights West Hollywood is always on the list for a crazy fun night out, but my go-to I constantly end up at are either General Lee’s in Chinatown or Black on Santa Monica. If you ask any of my friends they could confirm they have gone too all or most of these places listed at some point,

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My story would not be my story without first and foremost my parents and family. Although, half the time they think I’m crazy they are my biggest support system. Along with them all my friends that I also consider family. They have cheered me on, let me cry, and reminded me of the bigger picture. They a lot of the time hold me up on a higher standard and because of that I cannot let them down. They all push me to a potential I don’t even realize I have at times. Sometimes we need that kind of more random person watching from afar for that extra encouragement and push so, I’d also like to shoutout the acquaintances that have at random times let me know they see what I’m doing and also cheer me on. Thank to anyone that’s ever told me to keep going. Thank you for believing in me!

Website: https://www.shopgoldbaby.com/
Instagram: @IspeakAshley_
Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/ashley-monzon-052016106

Image Credits
Breyden Moore