Female Feature Friday: Ashley Green of Frankie Jean
As promised, we are bringing you another Female Feature Friday. We are so excited to be sharing a new amazing Girl Boss every week. The inspiration behind this series was to highlight the brilliant women running small businesses in an effort to inspire other women to bring their talents to the table. We can do it all, ladies!
Today were are bring you the lovely Ashley Green of Frankie Jean. Shortly after moving to Texas, I stumbled upon her instagram and was immediately impressed with her clean esthetic and girl boss hustle, happy reading!!
LET’S GET DOWN TO (SMALL) BUSINESS:
DID YOU ALWAYS KNOW YOU WANTED TO OWN A SMALL BUSINESS?
I realized my freshman year of college while studying fashion, that I didn’t want to work for a large company or designer which challenged me to dig deep to figure out what I wanted to do after my education. I think from that point forward I knew that I would want to start something of my own.
What was your first real job?
Well after realizing I didn’t want to work for a large brand, I actually started my first small business while I was in college. It was called AOG and I would take old college T-shirts and turn them into cute dresses for girls at Baylor to wear to sporting events.
Why is small business so important to you?
It gives individuals the freedom to direct their career path and to know that they are 100% behind everything their brand is about because they are the ones that gets to make those decisions. It is empowering, especially for women who want to stay home with their kids, and I think it is something that is really great about our country making this an option for entrepreneurs.
What motivates you to keep going on the less than awesome days?
The encouragement from our fans. It is so great hearing positive feedback from people who love our products or who have given it as a gift and were excited to tell us it was a hit. Those messages float around in my mind on days where I have hit a wall of feeling unproductive or discouraged.
What advice would you give to someone wanting to start their own business?
Research what goes into getting things started. There are a bunch of great blogs out there on this topic. And then I would say to really sit down with a notebook and write down what your mission is and how you think you will go about accomplishing it. This helps get you excited and give you the drive and energy you will need to put all the effort into getting things up and running.
What’s the biggest mistake you’ve made and what/how did you learn from it?
Hmm, I would say the biggest mistake I have made in the past is partnering with other businesses where the relationship was supposed to be mutually beneficial and then getting burned. To this I would say, just really be prepared to stand up for yourself and your brand and make sure to have contracts for everything.
What has surprised you most about running a small business?
The level of support from our customers. I am still a firm believer that word of mouth is still and always will be the best marketing and our customers have done the most amazing job of helping grow Frankie Jean. And with that being said, I would say make sure to listen to your customers so that your products can continue to make them talk about it.
Who have you looked to for advice and mentorship?
Living in Austin, TX I am lucky to have a great community of friends who are also their own bosses. I regularly schedule coffee with new and old people in the Austin small biz community. Katie Jameson is a good friend of mine, who is a Fashion Photographer in town, and we usually go on a walk around the lake once a week to touch base about how business life is going.
What does it mean to you to be a woman in small business?
Honestly, this might sound a bit old fashioned of me but I love the idea of being able to stay home and raise my future kids someday. It was a huge reason I wanted to start something of my own.
What’s next for Frankie Jean?
We are starting to have interest from boutiques around the US who want to carry some of our product, so it might be coming to a shop near you!
LET’S GET THE SKINNY ON AUSTIN:
WHAT BROUGHT YOU TO AUSTIN?
I actually grew up in the area in a small town just south called Buda, TX. I am a 5th generation from the area and I have always known Austin to be a great place to start a business because residents are always so supportive and love to support local.
BEST TACO IN AUSTIN?
I would say the “Don Chago” from Pueblo Viejo. It is my go to!
BEST QUESO IN AUSTIN?
The Smoked Bob from Matt’s Famous el Rancho. It’s not on the menu, but if you order it you will not be dissapointed.
FAVORITE MARG IN AUSTIN?
That would be the Blanche at Salty Sow only $6 during Happy Hour
FAVORITE RESTAURANT IN AUSTIN?
That is a tough one. I would say Eddie V’s or Uchi for a nice night out and any of the great BBQ joints for a casual outing (Franklin’s / Micklethwait / La Barbecue)
FAVORITE WAY TO SPEND A DAY IN AUSTIN?
Jogging the trail around Lady Bird Lake and hanging out at Barton Springs
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT BEING A BUSINESS OWNER IN AUSTIN?
Just the constant support from all the small businesses here.
Everyone is very supportive of each other.
TELL US 3 OF YOUR FAVORITE AUSTIN SMALL BUSINESSES.
Esby - @esby_apparel
Slumlove Sweater Co. - @slumlovesweaterco
Claire Zinnecker Design - @clairezennecker
Want more #GIRLBOSS inspiration?
Be sure to check out our interview with Whitney of Shop Small Fort Worth and my personal journey with Sip Dine Design.