Meet Ashley Albrizio | Actor and Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with equipt founder and CEO Ashley Albrizio and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ashley, how did you come up with the idea for your business?
I have been working in the restaurant industry since I was sixteen and have been purchasing the same variation of work clothing for jobs since then. At some point around 2019, I decided to create a “go-to” place for restaurant employees to get their clothing, well aware that whatever everyone is currently buying is not only always different, but also isn’t functional for what we do. It is then that I began equipt, which is a performance apparel brand that is specifically designed for people who are running around for hours at a time, in hopes to bridge athletics and lifestyle with work wear. Clothing that is comfortable and accessible, that elevates and empowers the people who work hard to provide others with memorable experiences. Ranging from servers and bartenders to valets and musicians to drivers and security and more.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Again, I have worked in mostly fine dining restaurants since I was in high school and at that time, gained the experience to be qualified to work in some of the best restaurants in Los Angeles. When I moved to LA, most of my jobs were to support me while pursuing other career paths in music, dance, and acting, but I still took great pride in my restaurant work. Some of these jobs were the most fun and memorable times of my life and I have met people who have ended up being some of my closest friends. I learned how to be myself and be confident. I understand that restaurant and hospitality work is sometimes a career and sometimes a means to get by and no matter which scenario, I want to provide people with the tools for success in this field. When you are comfortable, naturally you are more confident. I choose/chose to purchase clothing that looked good, thus made me stand taller. I want my brand to make people feel good thus they perform better and are altogether happier at work, even if ultimately they are working towards other aspirations. I want people to know that this brand comes from a lot of love, personal experience, and attention to detail, in hopes to appreciate, acknowledge, and honor the service industry.

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 try to keep visits fun and innovative and it depends on the best friend but I definitely have my go-to spots and activities. I think Dan Tana’s , Cecconi’s, and Pace in the Canyon are always pretty high on the dinner list and any other classic and cozy kind of place. Definitely Jones Cafe as well for dinner and/or drinks. Usually, a drive through the canyon to Malibu is on the itinerary with a stop at Nobu or SoHo Malibu. Again, depending on the friend, a hike or fun workout class is usually on the list as well as a music or sporting event or comedy show. If we made it down to Venice, I’d take them to drinks on the roof at Hotel Erwin, which in my opinion is one of the best views in the city. In general, there is usually a lot of eating and drinking, so I would also take that trip as an opportunity to try new restaurants and maybe even do things I’ve not experienced before!

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 am incredibly grateful and lucky to be surrounded by the most supportive and loving friends, family, and community. I realize that like most things in life, it takes a village, and every conversation, word of advice, and even encouragement from a stranger has allowed me to be on this journey and has helped me believe in my brand. And with that, the brand is very much about community, knowing how tight knit the service industry is, I feel very fortunate to have the support of my peers and know that this will be a contributing element to the success of the brand.

Website: equiptla.com

Instagram: instagram.com/equiptla

Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/ashleyalbrizio

Image Credits
Kabir Affonso & Goldframe Media