OFL Alumni Spotlight: Ashley

OFL Alumni Ashley can tell you from experience that the popular saying, “Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity” is true. She is a talented makeup artist who has evolved into a communications professional for one of the trendiest makeup lines in the world. Currently, Ashley is serving as the Social Media Manager for Kat Von D Beauty, founded by world-renowned tattoo artist and beauty icon, Kat Von D.

Ashley’s story began when she was a student at Valley Community College, majoring in Marketing and aspiring to be a makeup artist and work in digital media. She courageously pushed the limits in experimenting with colors and trends in makeup. Her work was edgy, fun, and incredibly unique.

In an effort to get her talent recognized, Ashley took a progressive step and launched an Instagram page to showcase her makeup skills, and began tagging her beauty inspiration, Kat Von D. After nearly a year and a half of tagging Von D in her Instagram posts, Von D finally recognized one of the photos and reached out to form a connection. Von D hired Ashley as the makeup artist for one of the various projects she was working on, and over time, their relationship evolved. Eventually, Von D learned of Ashley’s interest in digital media and recognized how well she utilized her personal Instagram account to market herself and offered her a position as the Social Media Manger for the Kat Von D Beauty line.

Ashley has been with Kat Von D Beauty for over a year now, and is loving her career. “I’m living my dream. I never thought that my makeup posts would take me anywhere. But here I am, working under someone I look up to, doing what I love.”

Ashley ascribes part of her success to her high school, Opportunities For Learning. “OFL taught me how to be independent, and not be afraid to put myself out there.” As a result, Ashley has secured her dream job working for a famous makeup line. When asked what advice she has for others pursuing their dreams, she said, “Always be yourself! You never know who’s watching!”