Ashley Chaffin, Senior Brand Strategist, is the spotlight of our June employee profile. We sat down for a Q&A to deep dive into her refreshing way of thinking and insightful vision that drives our team every day.
Tell us about where you grew up?
I grew up in Gainesville, Florida, a college town too far from the coast to go the beach as much as I would have wanted. Living so close to a major university gave me the biggest love of college sports, in particular college football, which I still love today. Although you’ll find me rooting for a different team after going to Alabama for school (Roll Tide!).
What brand is your personality most aligned with and why?
Moleskine. A mix of professional and playful, all about the possibilities of what writing and creativity can do.
What led you to choose this field of work?
A deep curiosity for how different people fill the same 24 hours. Brands, whether people are aware or not, are deeply tied to how we live our daily lives. This job gives me a glimpse into people’s day-to-day and lets me consider how brands reach those who need them and/or will delight in them.
Who inspires you? Who do you aspire to be like?
I have always aspired to be like my mom. She has the biggest heart for helping others and is the hardest worker.
What’s your most irrational fear?
Sleeping without my feet covered. I cannot fall asleep without my feet tangled in a big blanket, even if I’m camping in the heat of summer. Something about my feet being covered gives me a sense of security.
If you could keep only 5 possessions, what would they be?
- Phone. It gives me a direct link to my family and friends who are scattered around the country. Plus, it has my Kindle app, a great camera and access to any streaming service. Even with just those apps, I’d be set.
- Basic cooking set. Cooking is both a hobby and stress reliever for me. I’d take a set with all the bells and whistles or my simple camping set as long as I can still create something delicious.
- Ember. A travel cup that keeps my coffee the same temperature for hours… life changing!
- Planner. I love physically checking things off a list and having a single place for all my random notes.
- Moisturizer. This dry Colorado climate is a killer for my skin.
What are you drinking come five o’clock?
My husband and I named our dogs, Barley and Brewer, for our favorite evening drink. I’m partial to an amber ale or a wheat beer.
What’s the best book you’ve read so far this year? Ever?
This year: Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner but I’ll confess this was my favorite book of 2021. Emily and I have the same answer for this year, at least so far.
All time: Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut
When you’re in need of creative inspiration, where do you go? What do you do?
My biggest source of creative inspiration is studying other’s creativity. If I’m feeling stuck or uninspired, I love to disappear into a great book or TV show. The way writers can create whole worlds of characters that you can relate to and care about is inspiring to me. I also find that some distracted thinking when I’m truly stuck can help snap a good idea into place.
What was the last picture you took with your phone?
Our dogs and their best “please give me human food” faces. My camera is mostly filled with photos of these two.
If you could give your younger self any advice, what would it be?
Spend your time and money on experiences. You’ll never regret spending time with your people or taking a trip, but you may regret the times you prioritized other things.