Meet Interior Designer & TV Celebrity: Leah Ashley
We are kicking off the blog this month with the fabulous LEAH ASHLEY. Originally from Austin, Texas, interior designer Leah followed her passion to Los Angeles. She was obsessed with creating style in all aspects of her life and for others. No matter what the budget. She launched her YouTube channel in 2007, offering tips on how to look and live with style on a dime. The channel took off, creating a platform for Leah.
Because of this success, she landed an amazing opportunity as co-host on ABC’s FABLife with Tyra Banks! Viewers took to Leah’s infectious energy and passion, along with her knack for integrating the old and the new into her designs. Now back in Texas, her expertise has led to her latest show, “Vintage Style/Modern Life” on The Design Network. Her beautiful personality has graced many media outlets, including The Style Channel, Discovery, Hollywood Today Live and more!
Needless to say, Leah’s skills as a designer are undeniable, and her style appeal is truly unique and authentic! Check out Leah’s one of a kind design tips on her website and shop at her new company, Finn Trading Co. Your home will thank you! Read on to find out more about this fabulous designer and chic mama. Come see why we are in love!!
Tell us about your art and how you got involved with styling and designing?
I began my career on Youtube back in 2007 doing home makeovers for vloggers and other Youtube personalities. My company focused on how to create a fabulous space on small budget. We gave tips and tricks on how you too could transform any room with easy "do it yourself” projects and simple hacks.
What was a pivotal moment in your career?
The pivotal moment was in 2015 when I was cast as a Co Host on the ABC Daytime talk show FABLife with Tyra Banks. I was the resident DIY expert who led our celebrity guests in creative projects that viewers could easily do at home!
What has been your favorite set to work on? Why?
Besides FABLife, my favorite project has been my latest online show called “Vintage Style / Modern Life” on The Design Network. The series is about how to blend vintage & pre loved pieces with new furniture that you can buy online. Vintage is a big passion of mine and I love showing viewers how to expertly mix vintage and new so that your home becomes as unique as you are.
What is one of your proudest moments in your career?
Having my grandmother live half way across the country and still be able to tune in and hang out with me every day on TV was a pretty cool thing.For years, my family thought I was wasting my time on Youtube. But, when FABLife happened, they finally understood what I had been working towards for all of those years. But honestly, every time I finish a new project… I am proud of myself.
What are some other things you enjoy when you aren’t on set?
I enjoy riding my horse when I am not working. The smell of a horse is incredibly relaxing for me. If I am having a bad day… I hit the barn, and I instantly feel better.
What is your favorite part about being on set?
The creativity that comes with my job is my favorite part. When I am working on a project, I am involved in every aspect of it. From styling, to producing, to directing, to hosting, to writing, even to editing. Figuring out how to create a story that is both informative and entertaining is an exciting challenge for me. I really do love every aspect of my job.
What does #ponyup mean to you?
To me, #PonyUp means to show up, put your best face forward and get the job done no matter what it takes.
What is YOUR favorite hashtag?
I’m terrible at social media! I don’t really use hashtags!
What is one thing your fans may not know about you?
I volunteer every week at The Burke Center in Driftwood, Texas in their equine therapy program. The Burke Center is a residential treatment center that serves boys who are unable to live in a family setting due to traumatic events in their lives. I love watching the boys connect with the horses and helping them do that is one of the highlights of my week.
What advice can you provide for aspiring designers?
JUST START. If you do ONE thing every day towards your goal….then you are on track! Even if that thing is as small as making a phone call or ordering business cards. If you have a dream and you take one small step towards it every day…. eventually, you will get there.
What current projects are you working on?
Besides, working on my vintage home decor site, Finn Trading Co, I am working on a new idea in the Airbnb space. More to come on that soon!
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