Co-Founder, Principal and CEO, Smash + Tess
Born and raised in Vancouver, Ashley built Smash + Tess with her mother and best friend after recognizing an unfilled niche in the fashion industry for comfortable and stylish loungewear. Founded in 2016, Smash + Tess has since grown from just two employees to a team of 65+ in five years, landing the #8 spot on Canada’s Top Growth Companies list in 2020. As Co-Founder and CEO, Ashley was named one of Canada’s Top 40 Under 40 in 2020 and spearheaded several notable collaborations with celebrities like Jillian Harris, Sarah Landry, and Hilary Duff.
TOPICS
Chronically Creative: Reframing Challenges as Catalysts for Change
A shift in perspective can catalyze meaningful change. Diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease, it was clear that my path had been altered, but my goals would not be. Battling life-altering obstacles activates the most profound creativity – in my case, creativity that led me to build a multi-million-dollar brand sparked a Romper revolution, disrupted the elitist fashion industry, all through community building, empowerment, and inclusivity.
Ashley also speaks about:
- Gaps in the fashion industry – why clothes should be made to fit your body and not the other way around
- Opportunities and obstacles small business owners will face in 2021
- Transitioning through careers – professional development
- Women in leadership – the importance of equity, diversity and inclusion in decision making roles
- Building relationships in a digital world – creating an online community and collaborating with top influencers and celebs
- Meaningful mentorship – why it’s important for women entrepreneurs to learn from each other
