Boss Doll® Spotlight — Ashley Hensley

Ashley Hensley can do it all!  That’s why The PR Dolls knew we had to feature this gorgeous gal in a Boss Doll® Spotlight!  From hosting a podcast to designing both women and children’s fashion, Ashley has taken the world by storm.  We were so excited to snag her for an interview!  Read all about this unstoppable woman here!

When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up? 

When I was a little girl I always wanted to be a teacher.  I would line my doll babies and stuffed animals up and teach them all of the lessons I would learn in school.  

Did you imagine yourself being in the fashion industry? 

Honestly?  No, I never did.  But when I think back to my childhood, one of my favorite toys were the fashion plates that you would put under paper and then use crayons to color on top of and design your own clothing.  I should have known then!

What inspired you to create your children’s clothing company, Smocked Polkadot?  

My children inspired me to create Smocked Polkadot.  After my second son Eli was born, I loved dressing my 2 boys in matching and coordinating outfits.  I would go out and shop for them and then think to myself I could design clothing exactly that I want for them.  So I came home, told my husband Adam my idea and started Smocked Polkadot!  I never looked back.  

When did you decide to transition into women’s fashion and what was the motivation behind it?  

It was December 2018 when the idea came to me to start the Seecaas Hope for Adoption Foundation.  As I was thinking about starting the foundation, I knew that I wanted to design a shoe that had the adoption symbols throughout the entire design process — that is where Seecaas came from!  I knew that we could have this company to help with our foundation, as well.  The motivation behind it is my family.  Seecaas stands for all of our family members.  S - Sophie, E - Eli, E - Ella, C - Caden, A - Adam, A - Ashley.  

Would you ever scale Seecaas to clothing in addition to your flats?

I don't think so — I love doing the shoes!  I do, however, plan on adding accessories and bags that we are very excited about!

Seecaas are known for their sparkly soles.  What brings that sparkle into your own life?

I have 2 things.   The first is family.  Family has always been such an important part of my life.  I feel like when we are all together we are just laughing and having fun — it just puts that sparkle in your eyes and your children's eyes that I love to see!  Another thing that brings sparkle to my life is helping others.  One of my favorite things is when I can help other people even if it is just in a very small way. That puts a sparkle in me! 

Adoption is an essential part of your story, as well as both of your brands’ stories.  Just recently, you and Brandi Redmond launched a podcast centered around adoption called The Darling Journey.  What has that experience been like for you? 

It has been absolutely amazing!  I was so excited, but also nervous to start the podcast and have the first episode.  After we did the first one, I got a little less nervous.  I have loved every minute of doing the podcast.  I look forward to the days that we record and, more than anything, I LOVE to hear the stories our guests have to tell.  It really is an amazing experience.  

What’s the one thing you’d like your podcast listeners to know about growing their family?   

That it's not always easy, but it's always magical.  There are so many ways to grow your family so don't get discouraged at the road blocks you may face. Keep pushing forward and know that at God's perfect timing you will have your forever family.   

So you’re an entrepreneur, fashion designer, podcast host, and an amazing mother and wife. Is there anything else that you would like to add to that? What’s next for Ashley Hensley?  

There is one more thing.  We are working on writing a children's book that I am SO excited about!  I cannot wait for that to happen.  I read the book to my children every night even though it is not out yet :)

We told you, Dolls — Ashley is just amazing!  This fashion designer, entrepreneur, boss mom, and all around beautiful human is just so wonderful.  We hope you loved learning more about her!  Follow along her accounts to keep up with all the magic she’s creating: @loveashleyhensley, @seecaas, @thedarlingjourney, and @smockedpolkadot.

Xo The PR Dolls

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