Members Mart Spotlight: Ashley Sims of Humans Before Handles
Hey ladies! Welcome to another Member Spotlight, featuring our members — influencers, entrepreneurs, bloggers, and girl bosses alike!
Next up: Ashley Sims, Founder of Humans Before Handles + The Aesthetic Girl Design Studio. Ashley created Humans Before Handles for all those who wouldn't dare leave the house without the perfect statement earring. Not because it would yield a great picture for social media, or a plethora of compliments, but because personal style is a value she believes tells the world her mood and attention to detail.
Read on to learn about Ashley and find out what you can expect to see from her at the Members Mart on November 24th (THIS SUNDAY!).
Q: Tell us a little bit about you, girl!
A: Hey guys! I'm Ashley Sims - a Mompreneur & Nothernbelle from New York City - recently moved to Atlanta from Brooklyn. I'm a freelance fashion + beauty branding specialist by day + jewelry brand owner by night! I've lived in Atlanta on and off my entire life, which is why I like to call myself a Northernbelle. My family is from NYC originally, but my dad's side lives in NYC and my mom's family lives here in Georgia :) Since high school I've worked in fashion which often took me back to NYC for work - but I did graduate from Spelman College right here in Hotlanta! (I'm equal parts New Yorker + ATLien)
Q: What is your favorite part of your job?
A: My favorite part about being a graphic + web designer for fashion and beauty brands is the cool content I get to work with! It makes my job easier when I get to work with amazing photos & video and have free reign to create as I please with other creative and incredibly driven women in their respective industries. It's also super cool to see my work in real life in cool places. For instance - recently I created a logo for a store in Buckhead Shops! Check it out next time you're driving down Peachtree St - I created that Sac De Lux logo! :) I also got to work on the branding for Kim Kardashian's favorite vintage luxury bag store, Reinvintage Collection which has been in Vogue.
Q: What advice do you have for women wanting to start their own business/achieving their career goals?
A: The best advice I can give to women starting their own business or striving to achieve a career goal is - GO FOR IT + BE YOU AT ALL TIMES! Know your worth, and give the world what you've got! If you're quirky - or unique - use that to your advantage. I was always the odd ball out growing up - so I made this work for me with an artistic career. As a first generation college student - my parents thought I was crazy trading in my psychology degree for an art & fashion career - but now I am thriving and they're proud! It wasn't an easy road - but I did it for me - and no one else. In other words, follow your heart even when you don't have the support of others.
Q: What’s next for you and Humans Before Handles?
A: My goal for 2020 with my second business - Humans Before Handles - is to get my jewelry into as many retail stores in Atlanta and beyond as possible! I'd love to be able to share and expose my favorite jewelry pieces from the line with fashionable women all over the USA!
Q: What can we expect to see from you at the Members Mart this month?
A: You can expect tons of new styles and great gift options at the Members Mart this month from Humans Before Handles ! We will also be giving away one our cool new headbands to a lucky gal this weekend that tells us her favorite pair of earrings & why she needs them!
Q: What’s the meaning of Humans Before Handles?
A: The name Humans Before Handles refers to who you are IRL, OUTSIDE of the glitz and glam of social media (or your social handle). I wanted to strive to bring attention to always being your most authentic self at all times. With a background in fashoin and previous blogger - I often felt people didn't know the real me outside of the internet and that bothered me. I'm a simple girl, I believe in always being understanding, kind, and true to one's core. I wanted a brand that reflected those values and pushed everyone to be the best versions of themselves. Good human beings.
Q: Where did your love for earrings come from?
A: My love for earrings comes from my great-grandmother Vera. She never left the house without being decked out in gold jewelry from her ears to her fingers and her earrings were ALWAYS TO DIE FOR!
Q: Tell us about some of the amazing products you will be selling at the Members Mart.
A: At the Members Mart I'll have new gold styles, perfect for the holidays, fall colored acrylic earrings, and hair clips!
THERE YOU HAVE IT, LADIES
A little peek into Ashley’s journey. Be sure to follow along with Ashley on Instagram: Humans Before Handles + The Aesthetic Girl + check out her dazzling jewels here. Grab your tickets to the Members Mart this Sunday HERE to shop her jewelry IRL!
Who should we spotlight next?! Leave a comment below!
