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

Hi Ashley, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?

I grew up in Memphis, Tennessee, the youngest of 4 girls from a working class family. Growing up, my parents instilled in us the value of education and hard work, and that nothing is given to you. You have to earn it. It shaped my drive and ambition. It pushed me to work hard and persevere through anything, that no matter how many times I fall, to get up and keeping going. My father was a business owner and he envisioned everything he did. So I think you have to envision success for yourself as entrepreneur before it can happen. Then,
you have to be savvy, persistent, innovative, and resilient to persevere through the many challenges that may come with being an entrepreneur.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?

Ann & Ashley Skincare is a clean, high performance skincare brand that firms and hydrates, and soothes and retexturizes using unique and intensely hydrating ingredients such as Blue Algae, Rosehip Seed Oil, and Avocado Oil in our body polishes and body butters that boasts high levels of Vitamin C, Omega 3’s and Omega 6, and antioxidants that transforms the skin from the inside out. Our story began when I decided to develop a solution to help alleviate my mothers skin condition. I realized that a homeopathic solution would help reverse the symptoms affecting the texture and color of her skin. Recognizing a valuable opportunity to provide for this niche market, Ann & Ashley Skincare was born. The inspiration behind Ann & Ashley (hence our brand’s name) named for me and my Mother. At Ann & Ashley, inclusivity for all women is at the core of why we exist because every woman deserves to feel beautiful in her own skin.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Oh wow! Houston has so many amazing places. So being that I’m a southern girl and we love our turkey legs, the first stop would be the turkey leg hut. Hands down! It’s absolutely incredible! Then maybe Bloom & Bee or Caracol for some brunch vibes and drinks.
I’m a huge fan of the arts, so maybe early in the week, explore the museum district, visit MFAH or NASA space center. Definitely, catch some of Houston’s nightlife scene, or catch a Rockets game or Astros game at Minute Maid field.

I love places like Mastro’s and Moxies for the ambiance, the food quality and service is at the highest standard. Uptown/Midtown offers so much diversity. It has something for everybody that’s what I love about those areas.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?

I’ve been fortunate on this journey to have some incredible people who’ve equally invested time, resources, and capital in helping to bring my vision from a simple idea to a scalable business model. From my friend Leslie Smith and mentors Lakesha Williams and Victor Santos, CEO of Natureplex Pharmaceuticals, who helped me write business plans, develop an effective marketing strategy, and chemically test my products for efficacy; and organizations such as Communities Unlimited, a community empowering organization based in Arkansas, that awarded me a series of grants that helped me open my first skincare store. Also, the ICIC. also known as Inner City Capital
Connections, based in Boston, that has help businesses like mine through Harvard Business School lectures and seminars to create and shape economic development strategies in under-resourced communities across the country. The impact that they’ve had on my life has been tremendous and I remain inspired by there influence and positive impact they continue to have.

Website: www.Ann-Ashley.com

Instagram: Instagram.com/ann.ashleyskincare

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnnAshleyskin/

Other: Personal IG- girl.mogul

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutHTX 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.