Introducing the babes behind the popular romper and loungewear company, Smash + Tess. After struggling to find cute, comfortable
Ashley’s lifelong best friend, Mercedes LaPorte, came on board and together they’ve created an amazing brand that has girls across North America #rompingsohard.
Smash + Tess is ethically produced, celebrates women of all shapes and
What does babes supporting babes mean to you?
It means lifting other women up, collaborating, building and innovating. It means respecting each other’s ideas and helping each other grow.
If you could choose a nickname, what would it be?
Beyonce. Just kidding…. but really.
What’s your spirit animal?
I would say a bear. I’m super protective, fierce… but also my husband likes to point out that my hands resemble bear paws. #chubbyhands
What’s your proudest babe moment or achievement?
Our most recent #reasontoromp campaign. We created a romper for Crohn’s and Colitis Canada and donated all net profits to the registered charity. We also asked our network of supporters and customers to share how their romper brings them comfort or their #reasontoromp.
I struggle with Crohn’s disease and it felt really good to do something to give back to the Crohn’s community and help support the search for a cure. The response was both heart-warming and inspiring.
What’s the most unexpected thing you have in your purse or wallet?
An M&M from the movie theatre last week.
Tell us about a time when you were faced with a situation where you could have been unkind, but chose to be a babe instead?
In this business, every day we’re faced with a challenge where we have to go from 0 to 10 in a matter of seconds. When your business is your baby, everything’s personal. Whether it’s hurtful comments, clashing ideas, or just the day-to-day grind, our mantra is “be kind always… no exceptions.”
What product would you seriously stockpile if you found out they weren’t selling anymore?
L’Oreal Infallible 2-Step Lip Color. It stays on forever and I can’t imagine life without it!
If you had a yacht, what would be the name of it?
Yeah Buoy!
What was the best piece of advice you received when you were first starting your career?
The importance of networking. Or ensuring our net is working! We do some of the best work when we’re collaborating with like-minded business partners and artists.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received now that you’re in your career?
To be kind always, no exceptions.
When I dance I look like….
I’m in my happy place! And also in a 90s teen movie flash mob scene. Mercedes and I are known for our choreographed dances.
Tell us about a Babe who has supported you?
My partners Mercedes and mama Tess. We support each other every day… and I’m so appreciative. Not only is it SO helpful to have a team to bounce ideas off of, but it’s also way too much fun!
Who do you channel when you’re about to do something that scares you?
My mom Tess. She’s totally fearless in business. It’s so badass.
What’s your favourite destination to visit?
Home! I moved to Los Angeles about a year ago and I love nothing more than coming back to Vancouver, seeing my friends and family and spending time at S+T Headquarters! Also, our baby girl, Frankie, loves spending QT with her fam!
What’s your favourite meal to eat?
White Spot’s grilled cheese and fries. Done.
What’s the most fulfilling part of your career?
Bringing women comfort and joy. It’s why we started Smash + Tess and this mission is at the core of everything we do.
Where’s your favourite place to draw inspiration from?
Girls, girls, girls! Street style is everything and we let it inspire us daily. Also, we also get a ton of inspiration from our social networks. We’re always getting messages from #smashtessgirls about what colours, styles and vibes, they’d love to see. We listen. 🙂
What’s your guilty pleasure?
Reality television. Bravo on-demand is my homie.
What quality are you working on yourself right now?
My ability to let go. I’m a touch high-strung and continue to work on my ability to be in the present moment and to worry less about the things I can’t control.
What’s the biggest hurdle you’ve had to overcome in business?
Production and fabric flow. It’s a constant challenge as we continue to scale up and grow, but keep it local. There isn’t a perfect science, but every day we get a little bit smarter. Huge props to Mercedes who keeps this part of our business on lock down.
If you had an unlimited budget for 2 hours of shopping where would you go?
I’d be on a red-eye flight to London and I’d be hitting up Harrods. Am I right, mama Tess?
What’s your favourite movie?
So many. But I think it’s a dance battle between Pulp Fiction and Dirty Dancing.
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Keep up with Smash + Tess on Instagram @smashtess.
Introduction written by Lindsay Pearce.
Photography by Ryan Pugsley.