Ashley Senecal shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Ashley, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
The first 90 minutes of my day are all about starting slow and intentionally. I don’t touch my phone right after waking. I make the bed, tidy up a bit, turn on my record player, and make a coffee to enjoy on the balcony. Sometimes I read, take a short walk around the block, or sketch/journal. After that, I hop on my computer to handle basic admin tasks like checking bank accounts, reviewing sales, and making a priority list for the day.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Of course! My name is Ashley, and I’m the founder and CEO of Wavey, a sunglasses brand I started in 2017. Wavey creates unisex, affordable, and stylish sunglasses that are fun, vibrant, and all about bringing people together. Our sunglasses are sold in retail stores across the California coast and the U.S., but we also love connecting with our community directly through in-person events, pop-ups, and online. For me, Wavey is more than eyewear, it’s about creating experiences and sharing a little piece of the West Coast lifestyle wherever we go.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
I wouldn’t say there’s a single moment that shaped me, it’s more a place: California. Moving from the suburbs of Long Island to this magical state completely opened my eyes. I’ve been inspired by the breathtaking landscapes, from beaches to deserts to mountains, and by the creative, interesting people I’ve met from all over the world. Living here has shown me a lifestyle and a world of possibilities I never knew existed. It’s been life-changing and completely reshaped how I see the world.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I would say, stay curious and creative. Keep following all your weird passions and creative endeavors, and don’t be afraid to explore them. I’d also remind myself to really cherish the moments with friends and family, because life changes fast and nothing stays the same.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I’m committed to Wavey for the long term, and I always have been. As we approach our 8-year anniversary, I’m proud of the brand I’ve built, not just for supporting myself financially, but for bringing joy to so many people. Wavey has also become a creative platform to inspire and support other young entrepreneurs. Every day, I focus on improving just 1%, because the goal is to never stop growing. It’s always just up from here.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
Honestly? SCROLLING. I think one of the biggest lies we tell ourselves in the marketing world is that it’s “research.” As a brand owner, it’s hard to stay in the loop without getting caught in a huge time- and energy-sucking black hole. I’m trying to commit to creating more than I consume!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.shopwavey.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shop.wavey/?hl=en
- Other: pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/ShopWavey/
