Entrepreneur’s Dreams Sprinkled with Pixie Dust
“The nickname ‘Freckles’ came from my husband Ray; he just noticed that I had a lot of freckles and called them kiss targets . . . so that just stuck.” –Ashley Ormaza
As a student at Brevard Community College, Ashley Ormaza (Hughes) learned that the majority of Americans find themselves in careers that are not where they want to be or address their true calling. Vowing not to let this happen to her, Ashley pursued numerous paths — including assisting Brevard political campaigns, teaching English in Taiwan, and working for Christian Care Ministry in Melbourne.
It wasn’t until she started making flower crowns to sell on Etsy (the ecommerce website for handmade and vintage items), that she tapped into a passion and fulfillment that never faded.
“It seemed too good to be true, but that was what I decided life was meant to be,” says Ashley, the founder of Freckles Fairy Chest. She had finally found a way to express her creativity while making money, which was always her goal.
Her fantasy-inspired accessories were an instant hit on Etsy, making over 1,000 sales and growing her social media following to over 50,000 on Instagram and Facebook. With her creative makeup looks and creations featured in Dark Beauty magazine, Faerie magazine, Kat Von D Beauty, Jeffree Star Cosmetics, and the Summer 2016 cover of FAE (Faeries And Enchantment) magazine, Ashley recently created a new fantasy themed makeup company, Fantasy Allure, which exceeded its crowdfunding goal of $15,000 on Kickstarter.
“For me, the challenge has been pairing up my passion with what is in high demand from consumers. It has taken a few years for me to find that place, but my new company will reach a whole new production level that is challenging and exciting, all while allowing me to express that creativity,” says Ashley.
At age 31, Ashley states, “You are never too old to be who God calls you to be. It took me awhile to find my calling.” She hopes that her story inspires others to dream big and work hard towards their career goals, no matter how impossible they may seem to attain.
Pictured:
Model/MUA: Ashley Ormaza
Photographer: Shelby Robinson Photography
Accessories: Freckles Fairy Chest
To follow Ashley or learn more…
Website: FrecklesFairyChest.com
Instagram: @frecklesfairychest and @fantasyallure
Facebook: Freckles Fairy Chest
Twitter: @Fairy_Chest
YouTube: Freckles Fairy Chest