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

Hi Ashley, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
As a fashion intern in London, a woman I worked for said to me, “You are going to be your own boss one day.” At that point, I had never considered it but her words lit a fire.

Years later when working at TOMS, I became aware of a movement of socially conscious businesses. At that time, not many people knew about these mission-based entrepreneurs. Co-creating within this ecosystem and amplifying these creators became a main driver to go off on my own. It was also increasingly clear I was becoming too radical for corporate America.

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.
As an artist and entrepreneur, I’ve learned to settle into the unknown and the rhythm of being independent. If client work permits more space, I step deeper into my art practice. I find this causes a ripple, and I attract more projects.

Success to me is co-creating with people and causes that are meaningful to me. As I continue to simplify my lifestyle, I am able to live in accordance to my values and be selective of who I support.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Smoothie bowl at The Hive in Santa Monica Hike in Topanga, lunch at Topanga Canyon Cafe
Weekday walk around the lake at The Self-Realization Center in the Palisades
Lunch at the hot bar at Erewhon – I love the Eggplant Lasagna
Vintage shopping at In Heroes We Trust in West Hollywood
Browsing the library at The Philosophical Research Society
Dinner at Tara’s Himalayan Cuisine in Culver City
Sunday Ecstatic dance on the beach in Venice
Dinner after at Cafe Gratitude – the Humble Bowl is my favorite
Sunset bonfire at Dockweiler State Beach
Weekday morning stroll around an Art Museum or Gallery (LACMA, Hauser & Wirth, Gagosian Gallery)
Weekly walk around the Huntington Gardens

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?
My gratitude goes to creators striving to live their life according to their values. For those who are willing and ready, you are a quiet guide with the power to alter our future’s course.

Website: www.ashleyedes.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashleyedes

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyedes

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.