Ok, ok, I know it's corny...but honestly EVERY great story starts with...Once Upon a Time, and well, I have a tendency to be a bit dramatic, enthusiastic, if you will. Also, it's my blog, so I can start it however I want, right? Plus there is that whole happy ending thing. I digress...seriously though, when I started thinking about taking this business live, (or this blog for that matter) I fearfully anticipated a lot of things. Would people want to watch/read? Would they like the products I chose? Or the topics I wrote about? Could I keep up with all of it and still be there for my family?

Most of these concerns revolved around failure - around the things that would go wrong. What I didn’t prepare for was all that would go right. I love doing this! I mean, I really, really love it!

Our New Year's Eve Show 2019!

My family says I’ve always had a bit of a flair for the dramatic. At family gatherings, I was always the first to step forward and belt Christmas songs like they were Broadway showtunes. I had all of the hand gestures to every Sunday School sing-a-long down pat. I never shied away from the spotlight. So while many people cringe at the thought of being on camera, I simply find it fun!

Can you guess which one is me?!?

February marked the one year anniversary since my first experience going live. That's so crazy for me to think about. If you've followed me from the beginning, then you'll know that this wasn't my first gig. I had initially started with a different live business that sold gently- loved clothing. I made so many lasting relationships along the way.  And while it was an amazing learning experience that has helped me grow and taught me about life and business. I made the decision in October to close that chapter and start anew.

Of course, with that exciting leap of faith also came a big pile of fears. But my aunt once said to me that if ever you felt like you failed, like you were lost, like you weren't sure how to restart, just go home - that’s where you'll find support.

Ashley and Aunt Val

So that’s exactly what I did. I went home. I rallied my friends and my family. And together, I truly believe, we have built a fierce team.

Just a few short months later, this company has skyrocketed, and honestly, the sky is the limit. Our team of hardworking, dedicated staff members have grown a page of 3000+, over 1000 Chic VIP strong, serve 100's of people every week and continue to grow this amazing community of chic women and men. We are so proud to be a family-oriented company. Danae brings her kids to work, while I also get to be home with mine. My husband is even part of the fun and is my partner in every way. He’s not even camera shy anymore! And I value the input of my whole staff when choosing beautiful, high-quality clothing and accessories I know my customers will love! I am so blessed!

But this isn’t just about me or the staff, or even the business. What I think about every single day are the 100’s of women, and even a few dozen amazing men, who watch nearly every show. The people who support us not just because they love to shop, but because they love to have fun with us. The people who laugh with us, who share in our goals and victories,  and trust us with so much more than just their clothing preferences. They share their lives, their struggles and triumphs. They support each other with kind words, prayer and encouragement. I am so deeply inspired by the strength and love that these people bring to the show. I get giddy before every live because I look forward to the way we all walk away lifted, not to mention with a closet full of gorgeous clothes and accessories.

This is what people dream of! To go to work and be surrounded by positivity and to feel like what you do matters. I have big goals for this business, but at the heart of it will always be these incredible women and men. I love helping each of them feel as beautiful and handsome on the outside as they have shown me they are on the inside.

Thank you to all of my Chic Family for making this so much more than my career - you are a piece of my heart!

Chic Blessings my friends!

Contributor/Editor: Kristy Porter