Today we’d like to introduce you to Quinetta Ashford.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Quinetta. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I believe my story starts right after my daddy (grandfather) passed in 2015 from dementia. I was living in a small town in Alabama and moving up the ladder pretty fast at my job, but I did not feel fulfilled. After thinking of my daddy and everything he accomplished, I decided to figure out what direction I wanted my life to go into. I made a list of things to accomplish within two years, and picking up my acting career and starting my own business was on it. I have been acting since I could remember. I, also, love trying to find my own style and sunglasses are my favorite way to express myself whether on the best or worst day. Next thing you know, I picked up my entire life and moved to Atlanta by November 2016 and haven’t looked back.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It DEFINITELY has not been a smooth road. I laugh as I say this. I just had a house fire that took out most of my life I built here. Self-doubt and wavering faith played a nice part in my testimony. I was so confident and strong in my faith in the beginning, but life tests how strong you really are. I had awesome success, and then the rejection came. Somewhere along the way, I started to falter in my faith and felt lost and questioned my purpose. “What if people don’t like me? This is stupid. What if people don’t buy what I have to give? What if I fail? So much money I am putting into myself, is it worth it?”, were my thoughts. I felt like I was giving a piece of myself. People believe that in your 20s you have to have life all figured out and live in it before you’re 30. I am definitely not one of those AT ALL. God and I are always a step closer to becoming one, but I still remember I am human. The word “Renaissance” is tattooed on me and it is a reminder that there will be transitional periods of growth in life and no matter how bad it gets, remember that beauty is after the ashes.
80Twenty – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
80Twenty is actually named after my mom and grandfather’s birthdays (02/08 and 08/20). I adore sunglasses and was usually seen in unique ones. When it got harder to find exactly what I was looking for, that’s when my business was born. I wanted others to feel complete in their outfit with an extra boost of confidence whether it was a brunch in the day or a party at night. I use my 80Twenty Dolls as my models and highlight them on my Instagram per their permission. Recently, I started to volunteer with the Georgia chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association to learn more about what my grandfather went through and to, eventually, use a portion of my business to donate to help with studies and prevention. Unfortunately, the Black community is the highest affected with dementia and it all starts with knowledge on how to prevent it. The business is being revamped at this time and planning to relaunch in late summer.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
To be successful, you have to have self-love and assurance with yourself and your beliefs. If you talk positive words and/or care to a child or plant, why not yourself? God is my water and I grow from being in His word and blocking out what does not sit with my soul. Also, being resilient is another characteristic to have with your purpose. This is your vision and everyone is not going to understand or see it the way you do. Everything is not going to go as you planned, but stick to it and it will all come together and make sense when it is time. For the time being, change what you control and let go of what you cannot.
Contact Info:
- Website: Shop80Twenty.com
- Email: 80twenties@gmail.com
- Instagram: @Shop80Twenty @NettaTessa
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