Meet Ashley Over an Americano (Preferably with a Croissant on the Side)
Ashley Barby, Founder of FashionTech Toronto, COO of Specsy | Toronto, Canada
Immediately following out first Macchiato <> Americano exchange, I became inspired by Ashley’s magnetic positive energy, constant desire to keep her curiosity alive through deep learning, and magical ability to connect those around her.
Ashley Barby is the Founder of FashionTech Toronto and COO of custom 3D printed eyewear manufacturer Specsy. With a decade of experience across fashion, retail, and tech, her work has exposed her to new and emerging fashion and technology markets. From innovating with luxury retailers in Canada, to launching industry disruptive retail technologies in the United States, to establishing fashion innovation partnerships in the UK.
Ashley sits on the board the City of Toronto’s Fashion Industry Advisory panel and on the advisory board for Humber College’s fashion management program. She is also a long-time business and entrepreneurship mentor with Futurpreneur Canada. Previously, Ashley was the founder and CEO of luxury consignment Ecommerce company ShopLux, and held a series of leadership roles with luxury retailer Holt Renfrew.
And now few words of wisdom from this beautiful soul.
What does community mean to you?
A.B.: Connecting people with a common passion.
Out of the growing need to connect with more fashion and tech entrepreneurs and advocates, you instinctively decided to create a FashionTech community. Your events and gatherings have garnered hundreds of inspiring attendees and partners. Many coffee meets and connections have been made thanks to your dedication to this community. What do you envision next for FashionTech Toronto?
A.B.: That’s exactly what I am working through right now. There is certainly an opportunity to elevate Toronto’s fashion-tech sector on the global stage and provide relevant, timely sector specific news to the local fashion-tech community. These are both areas that I for see FashionTech Toronto playing a role in over the coming months.
You’re a beautiful mom-to-be, the growth leader of Specsy, the CEO of FashionTech Toronto, the ultimate connector, the MBA candidate… the list goes on! What daily ritual fuels your mind, body, and soul and keeps you sane?
A.B.: I find that having lots of ongoing projects fuels my need for variety and excitement. I’m a big believer in the intentional use of time and the power of physical fitness. I start every morning by taking 5 minutes to plan out exactly what I want to accomplish that day and how much time I intend to allocate to each task on my to-do list. I also try to hit either the gym, a pilates class, or the pool every morning. I don’t believe there is a better way to clear your mind and start the day on a positive note than with a dose of endorphins. I recently finished Neil Pasricha’s book The Happiness Equation and am now focused on writing three gratitudes every evening to end the day on a positive note.
Any leaders / companies that inspire you in your life and in the work you do?
A.B.: I tend to default to leaders in my community, as I find people these people more relatable than the unicorn stories we constantly hear about in the news. The most enduring inspiration in my life is my Aunt Laraine, who is a senior executive at a large insurance company, and rose through the ranks during an era when women were ‘doing it all’ for the first time. She is my example of a true trailblazer. I look to her example any time I feel imposter syndrome setting in and I need to channel an ideal example of professionalism and leadership.
What brings you the most joy in your 360 life?
A.B.: Achieving small goals that I set purely for myself and require ongoing discipline to achieve. The most recent example of this was completing my first triathlon. I set out to complete a triathlon solely to prove to myself that I could do it. The weeks of training and preparation were worth it the second I crossed the finish line and felt a sense of great personal accomplishment.
Mindset you live by?
A.B.: If you’re comfortable, you’re not growing.
Connect with Ashley!
Learn more about FashionTech Toronto and Ashley’s Journey