Ashley Ford is the Kendra Scott Community Relations & Events Manager, but she’s known as so much more in the community. Ashley gives her time to the Valley of the Sun Active 20-30 Club, in addition to helping multiple charities year-round through her role with Kendra Scott. Learn more about this boss babe powerhouse…
Hometown: Harker Heights, Texas
First job: Texas Roadhouse. Yum I still crave their rolls and cinnamon butter on the reg. Almost every time I am back in my hometown I make my family take me there for dinner.
Favorite AZ restaurant: The Beverly happy hour. This is the best hidden gem. I have dreams about their deconstructed wedge and mac & cheese. Their lemon drop martinis are amazing too.
Person who has impacted your life the most: My parents have always supported me through every crazy decision I’ve made even when I know they don’t agree with me.
Your biggest accomplishment in your eyes: I just bought and remodeled a townhome!!! That’s probably not my biggest accomplishment, but right now it’s the one that is consuming most of my free time.
The biggest obstacle you have overcome: I moved to AZ 4 years ago not knowing anyone. It was exciting being somewhere new but also pretty scary and sad not having any friends. I really had to put myself out there and take risks to meet new people. After a year or two of trying on my own, I joined a philanthropic and social club, Valley of the Sun 2030 Club, and everything changed! I made some amazing friendships and became so much more involved in our local community. I now love living here in AZ and don’t see myself going anywhere else.
Someone who inspires you: It’s probably cheesy to say the founder of the company I work for but it’s so true! It is amazing to me how Kendra Scott was able to turn her vision and dream into what it is now, and in such a short time. How much she values philanthropy and giving back to our own local markets is almost shocking, people all the time just assume she is local to Scottsdale because of how much we do here in AZ. Working for her company has taught me so much and made me such a better person all around.
Favorite quote: “Enjoy it. Because it’s happening.”- Stephen Chbosky
Advice to someone pursuing a career path in what you do: Have fun and be friendly! It is so easy to let the stress of retail and event planning get you down. Things go wrong literally every day but being able to just laugh through the challenges makes it all so much better. Being friendly and nice is also so important. I will hire someone who gives off that happy vibe and has a big heart over an impressive resume every day.
What you think makes someone fabulous: Kindness, humor, passion, creativity & an amazing pair of earrings 😉
