I’m excited to announce a new feature to Positive Publicity, “Person of Interest“, where we’ll be interviewing up-and-coming people in the music and fashion worlds. I’m also excited to introduce you to our very first Person of Interest: Ashley Linda Vargas, creator and founder of fashion website ALV.
I first met Ashley in college while she was going through sorority recruitment. The following summer, we bumped into each other again on the subway while we were both interning in New York City. Flash-forward to now and Ashley is well on her way to taking over the fashion world with her new company. The pieces on her website are not only one-of-a-kind, but also affordable (who doesn’t love that?). Learn more about her style, life after college, and the inspiration behind ALV in our first edition of Person of Interest.
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
My name is Ashley, and I just graduated from Penn State (Go Nittany Lions!). Ever since I could remember, fashion has been a huge part of my life. I always loved giving my friends style advice, rating my mom’s closet and reading fashion magazines since I could remember. Once I got to college, I had the opportunity to work for awesome brands like Cosmopolitan Magazine, Seventeen Magazine, ASOS, and CollegeFashionista. I was turning my hobby for fashion into a career, and while doing that I was discovering new things about myself. Fashion has become a way for me to express myself to others everyday.
You just graduated from college and started a new job in New York City. How does it all feel?
Since I was in elementary school, I knew I wanted to move to New York City, so to finally be here working for an incredible brand {Oprah Magazine} is an unreal experience. Walking home from work, I still pinch myself because I am finally living my dream. Every day is a new adventure.
Describe your style in three words.
Fun, chic, fearless.
Describe ALV to us; what inspired you to begin your company?
ALV is an online store that allows fun girls to shop vintage clothing and jewelry. ALV features designer brands and styles that are exclusive to ALV for an affordable price. Starting a fashion company has been my ultimate career goal. I always wanted to do it, but I never really knew how to go about starting. A few weeks before graduation, I bought Sophia Amoruso’s book #GIRLBOSS. I was completely inspired by Sophia’s entrepreneurial, go getter attitude. She had nothing and built an empire. On Christmas day, I decided to make my dream a reality after my mom encouraged me to just go for it. I spent the rest of the week glued to my computer building a website, buying merchandise, photographing my products and building ALV. A few all-nighters later, ALV was live and running with customers.
What are some of your goals with ALV?
Of course my goal for ALV would be for it to become a global company and name that people know around the world that also provides people with jobs. However, I do have a full time job to focus on, so I’m happy with ALV being a side project that I can always have to call my own. At the end of the day, I hope ALV can inspire others. Whatever your passion is, follow it. Following your passion and dreams aren’t the easiest things to do (otherwise everyone would it), but take risks because in the end you really don’t have much to lose. If I never took the risk to start ALV, I know years from now I would look back and always think “what if?”
What staple of clothing can you not live without?
Dresses. They’re perfect for any occasion whether it’s a date, out with friends, work or to run errands. My favorite dress in my closet right now is a black leather dress that I wear differently every time with either a different jacket or accessory.
Who are your fashion inspirations?
I have a lot of fashion inspirations ranging from Sophia Armuso to Diane Von Furstenberg. Their spirit is fearless and inspiring. Both women are wise and knowledgeable. One of my favorite quotes from Diane is, “I didn’t know what I wanted to do, but I always knew the woman I wanted to be.” I feel like so many young woman can relate and be inspired from this.
What advice would you give to anyone interested in starting their own fashion company?
Find what you love, and work your hardest at it. It won’t come easy. In fact, you can love something so much, but know the road can be hard. You might want to give up. You might face people who don’t believe you, and they might make you want to give up. Never lose sight of your vision. Follow your passion. Take risks. It’s scary, but at the end, it will be worth it.
Anything else you’d like us to know?
Check out ALV online, follow on Instagram @ashleylindavargas and Facebook. Also, feel free to reach out to me on my personal social media accounts for career advice or just to chat fashion!
*Images via ALV*
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