Ashley-Victoria Smith, founder and producer of Descalzo Shows, a fashion show production company focused on women empowerment and working with female-owned businesses and brands, helps small business owners find the tools and resources they need to grow, scale, and build their businesses, and ultimately themselves.
How did you get involved with Descalzo?
Descalzo Shows is a rebrand of my first production company. Taking things back to the root, the purpose of the production which was, women empowerment. The first three years of my first company, took off so quick and grew so much I lost track of the purpose and I knew if I wanted to grow and to have meaning to why I do what I do, I need to take a step back, re-evaluate and rebrand.
It’s an interesting name. What does it mean? How did you come up with the name?
Descalzo means ‘barefoot’ in Spanish. I wanted to find a connection to lingerie & swim (which is what we focus on) and I thought, when you’re wearing both, you’re usually barefoot. I couldn’t call it Barefoot Productions because I am sure that’s taken, so Descalzo Shows just sounded right.
What’s your favorite quote?
“The poorest of all men is not the man without a cent, it’s the man without a dream” — Unknown
What’s your best business tip?
Know your purpose — people are naturally drawn to those who show and share their passion for what they do, they genuinely want to help, contribute, be involved when they see that energy. Ultimately, you sell you, they buy it.
How do you overcome challenges?
Ask for help. I know this sounds easier said than done, especially amongst us women, but we need to learn to be humble and remind ourselves that it’s OK to struggle but it’s not OK to think you can do everything on your own. Reach out to your mentor, your fellow women in business, ask for help for guidance.
What’s your best tip for aspiring entrepreneurs?
Say ‘yes’ to the opportunity and then figure it out later.
How can readers connect with you?
Website — www.descalzoshows.com
Instagram — descalzoshows
Email — [email protected]