Check Out Ashley Caudle’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Caudle.

Hi Ashley, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I have always loved fashion. This love has been fueled by many years of working in retail, studying fashion merchandising in college, and my first big girl job as a manager for a large U.S. clothing retailer.

For the last 15 years, I have been a Product Development Manager for two very wonderful and completely different companies. Garden seed and paper goods! I know how to grow a tomato (if I can remember to water it) and I’ve been instrumental in creating children’s books. Crazy, right?!

With 40 just around the corner, I decided it was time to follow my dream. I have worked my entire adulthood to provide for my family, get the next raise and move up in the business but never felt like I was making a difference in the world. Throughout my life, I have seen and experienced the hills and valleys we women face with our worth, transforming bodies and overall identity.

If I can make one woman feel like she’s found herself again with just one outfit, I will be deeply fulfilled. This may sound odd to some and that’s okay! The 80s babies, now women, know exactly what I mean. With my $5,000 yearly bonus, I created Union Proper.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I knew going in that starting my own business would not be easy.

I understood that it would be slow growth and I needed to work my heart out to make things happen. What’s the saying “if it was easy, everyone would do it”. I knew I needed to lean on connections, family, and friends’ support… and then all of the god-winks started happening!

For months while starting this journey, I continued my full-time career, trying to be the best mom, wife, friend, and sister I could but I quickly realized, I couldn’t do it all. I am 100% in type person and not one thing was getting the best of my abilities. I knew if I was going to make this dream work, something needed to give.

I said goodbye to my work family, a nice dependable salary to chase my dream.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
What I do, am known for, and specialize in is knowing what people want.

I can take the smallest idea, create a connection with the consumer and it sells. I am an observer, a listener, a visualizer, and mostly a lover of people. I want to help solve a problem, be supportive, and cheer them on!

I am most proud that recognized the moment it was time to start living my dream. I didn’t second guess it, if Covid taught me anything it’s that life is too short to hold back. I didn’t listen to the noise. I made it happen.

I think what sets me apart from others is that I am more afraid of not trying than failing.

Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
I am still in the “starting out” phase of this new chapter so I can only offer a few nuggets of advice but I feel they are extremely valuable.

Trust your gut. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, no question is a dumb question! Do your research. Most importantly, lean on the experts in your life!

Previous colleagues, bosses, and friends can add value to your goals. If you keep firm bridges along the way, those will be your yellow brick road.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.shopunionproper.com
• Instagram: @shopunionproper
• Facebook: @shopunionproper

Image Credits
Luke Parker