At 22, Cherise Ashby is managing two businesses, both stemming from a love for art.
Cher Design and Cher Art are blossoming businesses that she intends to see grow to maturity as she toils to stamp her place in the world.
While she started both in 2010 during her studies at the Barbados Community College (BCC) she made and sold hair bows before branching off to make clothes, throw pillows and doing printing -heat press- on T shirts.
Ashby was following through on a passion for drawing and designing which started while attending primary school and developed at Deighton Griffith Secondary School.
“Both started the same time because I was doing both of them in school, I couldn’t focus on which one was more important but I did art first at BCC. From the time I was in primary school I was always drawing or making things for my dollies. Then, when I went to Deighton I focussed on art and fashion. I did my CXCs and got them back at a Grade 2,” Ashby said.
“I applied at BCC for both art and fashion and got accepted for both but I had to choose one, so I chose art first because I was saying that I could carry the art into fashion and create some things in fashion.”
She likes being in business at her age saying it is a good thing and “I love it!”
Ashby prefers to spend her time working on the orders from customers via her Instagram page or from partying. She also has satisfied clients who tell others and she has started making outfits for the women who do promotions.
Ashby makes one-of-a-kind pieces for any occasion and is willing to design and make shirts and outfits for businesses.
The young entrepreneur says the best part of her job is designing and she can spend hours drawing. First, she looks at the fashion pages on Instagram or the Internet for inspiration, then she starts to work.
With Barbados’ golden jubilee coming up, she wants to do an Independence swimsuit line incorporating printing the trident on the swimwear.
“I’m coming with ideas and drawings and see where it goes. In fashion, [at BCC] when we had a project, we had to draw about 15 designs and out of that 15 we would choose about ten of the best looking pieces. That’s how I work. I just keep drawing and drawing as ideas pop into my head and see which ones I like better,” she stated.
There are times when she would get a second opinion from her boyfriend who has a Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design.
Cher Art has not taken off more than Cher Design and Ashby said this is simply because she has not focused on her art as much as the fashion.
“I have done a couple murals in people’s homes in children’s bedrooms, in living rooms, one bathroom but it was mainly children’s bedrooms. Painting is a lot of fun because I was stuck at school drawing on canvass, restricted to it, but painting on wall is just so relieving.
“I find peace when I’m painting, It’s a lot of fun. Yes, you have to stay focused and get the same image onto the wall but it really is a lot of fun and everything always comes out good and the people love them,” she said with a chuckle.
She intends to advertise this aspect of her business more and will try to juggle both to get more out of it.
“I really need to start pushing my art,” Ashby said, adding “you can’t focus on one thing to bring in money. You have to do more than one.”
She wants to take the businesses “as far as possible” and “know that I can get up a morning and have people working for me, loyal workers, while I travel and do business abroad while I have some going on here in Barbados.”
“I will hire people to work on my designs because it’s a lot of work in terms of advertising, managing, dealing with customers and buying material and other things needed. I definitely need somebody to help,” she said.
Her dream is to be the sole designer for a major pageant or show where all the contestants or model rock her swimwear or clothing on the runway.
She added: “Baby steps, but I’ll work on that.” (GBM)
