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

Hi Ashley, we’d love to start by asking you about lessons learned. Is there a lesson you can share with us?
Starting a business takes a lot of research, commitment, and some creativity. The most important lesson that my business has taught me is perseverance, however. Starting the business is great! But maintaining it and taking the downfalls to readjust the plan to make it successful, is what really counts.

In my particular industry, cosmetics, the product popularity and colors that consumers wear will shift a few times per year, so keeping up with the trends and staying relevant is key to survival.

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.
In 2009, I graduated from the University of MO-Columbia with a Bachelor’s in Textile and Apparel Management. This degree taught me essentially everything that I need to know about Supply Chain from top to bottom.

After graduation, landing a job was difficult though. Most employers wanted 3+ years of experience, but I didn’t have that. I was in school!

In 2011, I began working for a small company called Cotton Babies as a Buyer and inventory control. This industry was not fashion but the baby industry had a lot to offer and I learned so much.

In 2013, I moved to Houston and shortly after, began working for a cosmetic company called Colorescience. Again, a difference industry from fashion, but still had a lot to offer. I remained at this company for 6 years. This company and being in this industry, plus having the social knowledge of what the community and small businesses were doing in my area, motivated me to start my own business. I LOVE lip products myself. If I never wear foundation or mascara, I will definitely have something on my lips!

Corporate America is tough. It’s rigid in that it is someone else’s dream and you have to stick to their rules, but overall I have learned so much from being a part of a larger corporation. Sometimes that lesson was “make sure you don’t end up like this!” Inventory control issues in the Corporate space has allowed me to put in place measures that ensure that my inventory is always accounted for, for example.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Friday – Best Friend arrives mid morning. We go to the Toasted Yolk for brunch and mimosas. Catch up on the details of the flight. Likely stay for at least 3 drinks and finish our food. After brunch, it is likely around 3pm, so we head to Midtown, where there is a fun event happening at a bar called Present Company. Midtown has so much to do in the area, so we also walk around after the event. That night, we go to Painting with a Twist and create a fun painting together!

Saturday – We wake up and head to a nice local restaurant that has great brunch and a full bar. on the agenda today is a pop up shop in the Heights full of music, cool vendors, food trucks, and more. This is where we spend the majority of the day after breakfast. The weather is perfect and the sky is clear. The people outside are friendly and cheerful. Just so many great vibes from the music to the people to the vendors.

Sunday – Since Summer is crawfish season, we are going to my favorite place, Krab Queenz. The mixture of crawfish and other seafood with amazing flavors plus daquiris is the perfect combination. Later in the day, we go to the Mural District that is right outside of downtown. So many talented artists have made their mark in this part of town and people use it for their own personal photo shoots all the time. Time for some real BFF photo ops!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My shout-out is simple 🙂

My mom and my best friend have been the biggest supporters and encouragers in this business!

Website: liplockdcosmetics87@gmail.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/liplockdcosmetics

Facebook: www.facebook.com/liplockdcosmetics

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