Meet Ashley Catron | Accessory Designer & Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ashley Catron and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ashley, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
Work life balance has changed for me. In addition to being an entrepreneur, I work a full time job. As an entrepreneur, you do so many jobs, to keep your business going. In the past, after work, I would immediately begin working on tasks for my business or make earrings and other accessories. I would often stay up until 11p or 12a. I always felt, I was not doing enough for my business. It was a cycle of work, work, work. I noticed, I was not taking care of my home, myself or making time to enjoy other things in life. During the tail end of 2022, I realized, I needed to take breaks and stop putting so much unnecessary pressure on myself to consistently create. Now, I make time to take care of my home, exercise and rest. I set a daily goal for the number of accessories I would like to craft. Some days, I meet or exceed my goal and somedays, I just take a break and it’s okay. You have to take care of yourself physically, mentally and emotionally or you won’t be much good for your business, yourself or anyone else. I now schedule time everyday to do things that bring me joy and satisfaction, other than creating. I also set a bedtime, to ensure I get adequate rest. I have noticed, since I set daily goals and made balance a priority, my creativity is at a much higher level and I am at ease with my life.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
A. Dawn Catron is a fashion accessory brand. All the accessories are handmade from natural materials, by me. The accessories have a global, eclectic feel. The accessories are one of a kind or made in very limited quantities. I consider my jewelry to be art. I want people to embrace their individuality. I am excited about what the future holds for my brand and what is to be created next. I feel the sky is the limit.
I arrived at creating accessories through my love and need to create and to embrace being different. I learned how to make accessories through trial and error. I have also taken classes to learn different techniques and sharpen my skills.
Being an entrepreneur/accessory designer has it’s challenges. I have made mistakes along the way, but I see them as opportunities for growth and learning. I have learned to be patient with the process and to appreciate every customer and person I meet.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Dallas has some fun and interesting places to visit. The following are my favorite places to visit and share with others:

1. Pan-African Connection- It really is the shortest trip to Africa, without getting on a plane. There are so many pieces of beautiful African Art from the different countries on the continent. There is so much to see from books to jewelry and Sister Akwete makes you feel like family.

2. The Dallas Farmers Market- There are several amazing businesses to patronize. You will meet unique vendors, selling equally unique items.

3. Klyde Warren Park

4. The Dallas Black Academy of Arts and Letters

5. The Fort Worth Museum District (It’s not Dallas, but it’s worth the drive!)

6. Sunny South Dallas Food Park

The best places to dine (In no particular order).

1. Elaine’s Kitchen

2. Malai Kitchen

3. Dimassi’s

4. Two Sisters Sweet Creations

5. The Island Spot

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are many people I am grateful for in my entrepreneurial life. I would like to shoutout God first, for blessing me with my creativity, ability, skills, vision and always giving me ideas. My family has to be shouted out next! They played a major part in many ways. My mother always fostered my creativity from a young age. She never discouraged my dreams of being a fashion and accessory designer. She is actually the person who taught me to sew and craft. She is still cheering me on, sharing her opinions, ideas and encouragement.
My father also encouraged me at every stage of my life. He suggested, I start making accessories for men, because men like adornment too. This action allowed me to reach new customers.
My sister, Marjie, has been a constant motivator. For every time I wanted to quit or when things aren’t going the way I would like, she always gives me words of encouragement. The conversations help me stand tall and push forward. I can always show her what I am creating.
Mrs. Joy of Unique African Arts, is a mentor to me. She always shares her experience as a successful businesswoman and her back story when things were not easy. Before we end a phone call, she always sows wisdom and encouragement in my life.
My customers absolutely need to be shouted out. Without them, I have no business. I especially want to thank loyal customers, TK Chambers for supporting me from the very beginning and Mrs. Michelle Dean for supporting me and always offering an uplifting word.

Website: adawncatron.com

Instagram: @adawncatron

Facebook: @adawncatron.com

Image Credits
All pictures were taken by A. Dawn Catron.