The Art of Ashlee Nicole [INTERVIEW + PLAYLIST]

Did you know that in 2012, a report from eMarketer found that 82% of consumers trust a company more — and 77% are more likely to buy from a company — if the founder uses social media?

We live in a world where your online reputation can be your strongest asset or your biggest liability. As a business owner, you are the face of your company, so it’s essential that your first impression is the best impression. So whether you invest in hiring a web designer to create easy online navigation, a social media manager for marketing/aesthetic purposes, or a photographer for nice headshots - it’ll all be worth it in the long run. 

For St. Louis native Ashlee Nicole, she prides herself on creating affordable brand design experiences for small business owners. Ashlee launched her self-titled company in 2010 as an ambitious college student who held photoshoot session in your parents basement. After 7 years of building her skills, portfolio and clientele, she expanded her agency to serve as a learning community for aspiring designers and creatives. 

Photo cred: Mena Darre Photography

“I like to create an experience with my client’s, as well educating them on WHY things are setup a certain way and identifying the importance of knowing your target audience and marketing strategy. ” 

To launch the start of workshops and events under the Artistry Studio creative hub, Ashlee is hosting a Portrait Pop Up Interactive Mixer on Saturday June 15th at Fresh & Co. Studios. 

We recently got a chance to chat with her about the inspiration behind the event, what’s next and more. Check out the full interview and official event playlist below: 

What makes your artistry/brand RARE?

I think I’m doing something a little different. Not in a general sense but locally, at least. A lot of my field peers in the area focus on one specific part of what a full creative agency could offer to a client seeking digital graphic or photographic services.

 I’m trying to help shape and nurture the visual components of businesses as a whole. I do this by offering strategic brand consulting alongside any and every service. I don’t think temporary. Entrepreneurs waste a lot of money really early and really quickly with temporary solutions. I challenge my clients to think about where they want to end up instead of just what’s currently trendy. A cool logo is fleeting.

 I ask the hard questions and charge accordingly. And sometimes that means turning away business that doesn’t align with my mission. Or people being turned off by price tags and the ways I challenge my clients. It’s necessary. And I think it’ll make a huge difference in the long run.

What is your ultimate goal with the Artistry Studio hub/Artistry academy?

Eventually, I want to open up a physical studio location. Not just for myself, but for other creatives and entrepreneurs who are just starting out to rent the space, host workshops and resources. As a DIYer and entrepreneur myself, I understand the need to get things done but not necessarily having the budget or resources to do so. Though I hope to work with you all one day, I understand when it’s not feasible.

via FB// Artistry Academy

What can attendees expect at the mixer?

Attendees can expect a productive networking event centered around literally posing for the ‘gram; but in a branded way.

I planned this event with the annoyed and maybe slightly introverted millennial in mind l0l I understand the value of networking. I really do. But there’s only so many events you can attend without walking away with something tangible. You may feel like you had fun or feel inspired but didn’t accomplish much besides getting up from behind your computer screen.

I also see very often that my fellow entrepreneurs don’t have professional images of themselves. There’s only a few times you can use that selfie and get away with it. It’s not cutting it on promo flyers and definitely not your website. But as a photographer, I get it. Brand shoots are expensive. I don’t want that to keep people from creating the brand they dream of though. Whatever I can do to help people elevate their brand.

So this event is “Ashlee is tired of pointlessly networking” meets “Don’t send me anymore cell phone photos to build your website”.

There will be 3 booth setups - (1) Studio Setup: Lights, Backdrops (2) Office Setup: Desk, Chair, Office Props (3) Outdoor/Lifestyle: Greenery Wall, Flower Props. Plus mimosas & appetizers.

For ticket information visit www.artistrymixer.com.

Be sure to check out the official event playlist curated by none of than the Rare Radar crew. Special thanks to Ashlee for allowing us to be apart of the event. Press shuffle and get creative!!