How/when did you get into the tanning industry?
I started working for New Sunshine over ten years ago. I grew up tanning at a small-town salon in northern Indiana – it was in the back of a video rental store! After college, I was working in financial aid and trying to get into marketing. One day, I drove past the building, saw the giant Australian Gold sign and immediately went online to see if they were hiring. I was very excited to learn that the creator of all these great tanning lotions and sunscreens was located in my backyard! And it just so happened that a marketing position had just opened up there. I was hired to support marketing for Swedish Beauty, Australian Gold and eventually, our line with Jenni “JWOWW” Farley. For the majority of my time here, however, I was working on our sunless brand, California Tan Sunless.
What was your first job?
Outside of babysitting for the neighbors, my first job was at a local pizza restaurant. I was hired to be a server, but they needed more help delivering the pizzas. This was before we had cell phones with GPS directions, so being freshly 16 and trying to navigate my way around was not a great fit for me. However, it challenged me (as an adult) to not rely on my GPS so much because I hated the feeling of being “lost” and not knowing where to go.
What is your favorite game or sport to watch or play?
I love to golf! I grew up playing in tournaments and then, also played on the varsity team in high school. While I’m a little rusty now, I love going to Top Golf.
Name one of your biggest pet peeves.
I would have to say it’s rude or negative people. I’m a big believer in treating people with kindness and respect, even if they’re strangers! I would put loud chewers in a close second.
If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
This is tough. If I had to choose … tacos with chips, salsa & queso. (When in doubt, the answer is always tacos!)
Necessities aside, what one thing could you not go a day without?
This is easy: coffee! Drinking coffee is the first thing I do every morning. It’s rare when I go a day without it!
What advice would you give 16-year-old Ashley?
I would tell her not to worry what other people think. Listen to the opinions of trusted loved ones, and shut out those of everyone else. Good or bad, people will always have something to say, and we choose whether or not to be affected by it.
