Meet Ashton Smith | clothing company owner

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

Hi Ashton, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
risk taking is one of the most important aspects of being a business owner, you never know what is around the next corner unless you are willing to take that jump. back when i first started i was always afraid of taking the next step because nothing was ever certain but if you don’t ever bring yourself to overcome self doubt and fears you will never succeed in anything to the extent that you are wanting. if you have something that isn’t guaranteed but it is still an opportunity to progress or get connection and you don’t take it, WHAT ARE YOU DOING? the situations that i have gone to just thinking nothing of it is usually when i found exactly who/what i needed to help me take the next step. but if i was never to walk into rooms that i didn’t know one person and just start talking to people and making connections where would i be? we will never know because i took the step and i urge you to as well, i am only 22 years old and have the clothing company and a print company as well you need to take initiative and get out of your comfort zone that’s when you will start seeing changes for the better in your career if you take anything away from this is that no matter what you think someone is thinking you never know but you can always control what your aspect is so always approach any situation with optimism.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Factory Error is a clothing company that was made for the reason of making clothing that was targeted at the groups that mainstream doesn’t acknowledge, i have always grown up with a punk mindset of wanting to rebel and i wanted to make clothing that showed emotion not just a basic graphic design, i put bold messages on my clothing because we want to be heard but you dont want to listen so we will let all the people watchers just read our message and get offended to whatever extent the goal isnt to harm anyone just bring more awareness to our side of the culture, doesnt matter id you are wearing a spiked vest or a tshirt how you look is uniquely you and my clothes shows a message to just accept that.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
my favorite part in the city is the wooded areas, city life is not too much my vibe i like being alone and away from majority. get out in the nature take a break from the city and let your mind relax. not everything in the city is bad but if you havent tried finding a local creek or wooded area you are missing out. find a spot with running water then relax.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
there has been a lot of people that i have met along the way but the 2 that i have gotten the most help and support from are andre valentine and Christopher craig. these 2 have been by my side the whole way from before i even really started to this day. me and andre actually co own the print shop together and chris was always there documenting the process weather it be pictures or videos he has always been there with encouragement and energy to help me with whatever it was that i needed. some others would be 3DC, OGX, 96, ASHXS and a few others they really helped me find my niche

Website: factoryerroeofficial.com

Instagram: @factoryerror

Facebook: Factory error

Image Credits
christopher craig, and jake williams(red ting pics are jake williams)