Celebrating International Women’s Day With Ashley Stark
Creative Director and mom of three talks about the women who inspire her, her love for PJ’s, and more.
Meet Ashley – the force behind STARK Carpet and Ashley Stark Home. As the Creative Director and founder, she blends her keen eye for design with the demands of owning a business, all while being a mom of three. In other words, she’s the epitome of wearing many hats, and she wears them well.
In celebration of International Women’s Day, we sat down with Ashley to take a peek into her world, discussing what keeps her inspired, her love for winding down in the softest PJ’s, and more.
In celebration of International Women's Day, could you share a memory about a woman who has inspired you?
When I was in college, I interned for my family business every summer. We owned a fabric company, Old World Weavers, founded by Iris Apfel, who had become a great aunt to me. She took me under her wing and taught me all there was to know about our industry. She inspired me to always be true to myself, never care what anyone else thought, and to always trust my instincts. I was young and impressionable and remember thinking that Iris is a totally unique and eccentric yet totally powerful woman, and I want to be just as sure of myself one day. I often think back to my moments with her and remember to always be true to myself.
What accomplishment are you most proud of in your career?
I am most proud of founding and launching Ashley Stark Home. I love working for my family business, but having my own company has been a lifelong dream.
If you could go back and give yourself some advice, what would it be?
I think the hardest thing for me was the work-life balance. After my first child was born, I threw myself back into work, but whenever I was at the office, I felt guilty I wasn’t at home, and whenever I was at home, I felt guilty about not being at the office. It was a really tough time, and I felt pulled in so many directions. I would go back and tell myself that no one has it figured out and to try to be present wherever I was. That my daughter would not only be fine when I was at work, she would grow to be proud that I worked, proud of me. When my kids see my ads in magazines, their faces light up and they rip them out and hang them up! Makes it all worth it.
When things get busy and life gets overwhelming, what soft side rituals do you turn to?
When life gets overwhelming, I have a few things I turn to. I love to put on cozy PJ’s and snuggle up with a good book. I love going for long walks outside, no matter how cold it gets, and I do yoga. Doing yoga helps mentally because I have to unplug and breathe, which is so helpful for me.
How do you incorporate softness and comfort into your everyday life?
I am a homebody! I always joke that my bed is my favorite place. After being out of the house all day at work, the first thing I do is throw on my soft PJs, some slippers, make a cup of tea, and cozy up with my kids to talk about our day. I am really active during the day, so when I am finally home, I make sure to set the tone by changing out of my day's clothing right away. I also have a huge collection of cozy socks and robes that my kids often fight over.
How do you believe that fashion and design, such as sleepwear, contribute to women's empowerment?
I think women need to feel good about how they look and feel, and so much of that can be tied to fashion and design. I want to come home to a soothing house that brings me relaxing vibes, the same way I look to fashion. Good PJs make me feel comfortable and relaxed, just as a blowout and a killer dress make me ready for a night out.
How can women in different industries collaborate and support each other for mutual success?
If you follow me on Instagram, you know I am the most supportive of my followers and people I follow. I want everyone around me to succeed and think crossing over industries helps everyone. I often collaborate with people outside of the home industry and love supporting amazing brands.
What do you love about Eberjey PJ’s?
I love that Eberjey PJs are so so soft yet still fashionable. I feel comfortable, relaxed, and good about the way I look in them.
Your go-to PJ?
I love my Frida PJ’s and grab them the most. They are super soft yet have this cool edge because of the whipstitch detail.
