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BF Spotlight

Blowfish Malibu Spotlight: Ashley Solano

We sat down with Ashley Solano, Activewear Designer in our Design department. 

Get to know Ashley in the interview below:

Tell us about your role at Blowfish Malibu.

I’m an Active designer and developer. In my role, I research trends and create patterns with the Blowfish Malibu DNA. Prints are a big part of who we are. We spend a lot of time creating our very own unique prints that you won’t find anywhere else.

When did you first become interested in Design?

I have always been a creative person and enjoyed sketching and painting. But I was a junior in High School when I knew I wanted to pursue a career in footwear design.  I researched footwear design schools in the US and that brought me here to Los Angeles. I moved here when I was 19 to study at FIDM in DTLA.

What did you do previously before joining the Blowfish Malibu team? 

For the past five years, I was designing for a Surf inspired brand. In that position, I was lucky to travel all around the world for trend shopping and shoe development.

How did you get started with Blowfish Malibu? 

I have been familiar with the Blowfish Malibu company and team for a few years now. When I saw there was a position open, I was excited and applied. Chip reached out and here we are lol. I’m sure they all regret it now since I blast Justin Bieber’s album in the office all day every day.

What projects at the brand have you been working on that you’re excited about? Can you tell us about them? 

We have really exciting new developments in the works but cannot share details at this time. However, I’m excited about working with kids and toddler sneakers and creating fun prints for them. I’m a child at heart and love Disney and fun things. Whenever we get a request for mermaid, unicorn, and fairy prints, I’m here for it!

What do you like most about working in the fashion industry? 

I get bored easily so I love that it is constantly changing. I love everything from making trend books and finding the perfect font (which can take hours) to creating a cool-looking sneaker and seeing the sketch come to real life. It’s a great place to be fun and make mistakes and figure out what works the best.

What’s your favorite part of your job?   

My favorite part of my job is the environment. I love working with the team. We get along so well and get to do what we love. I love that I can come to work in my 90s T-shirt and black eyeliner and know that we will be listening to Justin Bieber all day.

The Blowfish Malibu offices are in LA. What’s your favorite thing about the city? 

I love the food, more food, and food. The team and I have recently been obsessed with Susie cakes. But apart from that, I love the beaches and hikes. I’m a huge outdoor person and love to explore trails on the weekends. Especially ones that lead to some breathtaking waterfalls.

Which is your favorite pair of Blowfish Malibu shoes? 

I love a good chunky sneaker. The clay is my go-to height it is classic and edgy.

What advice would you have for someone who’s trying to pursue the same career as you? 

A footwear design career is not your average career. There are not many of us. It’s a risky career to go into with a lot of competition. But if that is your passion, just like any other career you should follow your heart and dreams. It’s a great and exciting job. We get to travel around the world and get to be creative.

JUST FOR FUN

What was the last thing you were obsessed with?   

Susie Cupcakes and I’m still obsessed *send help

Where are you from and how has that shaped you? 

I’m from a small town in Texas. But I think it’s my family who has shaped me. I grew up with the most amazing parents and brother and sister. I think my parents would say I’m wild and free-spirited but my heart is pure. I think moving out here so young on my own and seeing my schooling and career through is on them. They taught me how to make good life choices.

What’s your dream travel destination? 

Someplace I have always wanted to visit strangely is the Amazon River. I have this daydream that I’m fishing in the swamp, and I catch the weirdest creature-looking fish. I have no idea why but that excites me. Check me into a mental hospital now.

If you could have lunch with anyone, living or dead, who would it be?

Easy, my grandfather who passed away 4 years ago. He was my favorite person who had the warmest heart. He was very exciting and always said yes to everything. He went bungee jumping with me when he was 65 because no one else wanted to go with me lol he was a real one.

When do you feel best about yourself? 

I have the best people in my life. I feel my best when I’m around the people I love. Whether we are out getting drinks or laying out at the beach laughing, you can feel the warm energy when good people are around.

What’s your personal motto?

Something that I live by and tell others often is to live life for yourself. To do what makes you happy. I stress to my younger siblings to find who they are and to do what they love. I tell my younger sister often to forget about what others think as long as she is happy with herself.

What’s a fun fact about you most people don’t know? 

I’m pretty much an open book, but I dislocated my shoulder playing kickball diving to first base when I was 18. I was trying to impress a boy and that clearly back fired.

 

FILL IN THE BLANK!

I learn the most from:  my experiences! Good and bad
I can’t live without:  my family and friends.
You can find me shopping at:  a good vintage shop, I love to find unique pieces.
My astrological sign is: a triple Cancer.
I’m scared of:  Snakes, spiders, and the biggest one of them all the DARK!!!
The last book I read was:  probably in high school because I was forced to read it. I prefer to watch stories than read them unfortunately.

Most people would say I’m:  rather pleasant really (In an English accent)
I’m currently listening to: Peaches by Justin Bieber …. Go listen
My style mantra is:  classic with a bit of edge.
I feel most comfortable:  when I wear red Lipstick.
When I woke up today I felt: like flying
Most people don’t know: I’m really a fairy

I feel the best when: when I have a fishbowl margarita in my hand.

 


Thank you so much for your time, Ashley! We loved catching up with you!

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