Conversations with Ashley Albrizio

Today we’d like to introduce you to equipt founder and CEO Ashley Albrizio.

Hi Ashley, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I am an actor, writer, and entrepreneur, originally from Massachusetts. I started working at the French bistro Bleu on Cape Cod when I was sixteen and worked my way up from hostess to bartender and gained the skills that would then qualify me for some of the best jobs in Los Angeles (I was at Craig’s Restaurant in West Hollywood for many years). Ever since I have been in the business, I have always been responsible for purchasing my own work clothing (some rendition of the same outfit) with a black or white button-down shirt being the staple piece. I always purchase my clothing at nicer stores so they are tailored and look good, but there isn’t a go-to place for people who work in restaurants to buy their clothing. And on top of that, none of what we are currently buying is meant for people who are working on their feet for multiple hours at a time. People ranging from the valet to the servers/bartenders to the musicians playing.  I launched my company equipt this past October with the staple industry piece, the Essential Button Down, in both black and white, in men’s and women’s sizes. My goal was to create a functional (comfortable), stylish, and accessible brand for the service industry. The concept of the brand is to empower and elevate the people who work hard to provide exceptional experiences for people and give them the tools for success in our field. Which is also how I landed on the name.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I feel very fortunate to have a community around me that has and continues to help me very much on this journey. I don’t think anything is ever smooth or easy, especially in the beginning, otherwise everyone would do it. There has been a ton of learning, as I love clothing and fashion, but am new to making and producing product. I currently am wearing all the hats, which can feel overwhelming at times, but I know it is all a part of starting a business and I just need to keep going. I always tell people that I’m seating the guests and washing the dishes (why not throw in a restaurant analogy), but it’s true. I’d say my stronger suit is interacting and connecting with people and sharing information about the product, but I’ve also had to learn everything about the back end, bookkeeping, and tech-related things like Shopify and Shipstation on top of the actual garment-making process and terminology.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I have also been trained in singing, acting, and dancing, which is what I have focused on simultaneously while working my restaurant jobs, and feel very fortunate to have had the ability to support myself with again, some of the best jobs in the city. I also recently wrote some TV and film projects, which I’m very excited about, and I’m still auditioning for theatrical, commercial, and print jobs. I have always been more of a creative person and feel that I can contribute to society through both art and business. I take great pride in my work collectively and hope that that reflects in whatever I’m producing. I think that my work ethic is something that sets me apart, and I would say that others who know me would say the same.

Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up I would say I am a similar rendition of myself today, but with more confidence now. I was always pretty creative and appreciated my alone time. I loved music, singing, and dancing. I rode horses and figure skated and was definitely not that into school to be honest. It came easier to me to learn choreography or song lyrics versus history dates or math facts. I was always kind to other people and was a trustworthy and reliable friend and family member. I always loved people, animals, and hugs, and that is definitely still how I am today.

Pricing:

• $48

Contact Info:

• Website: equiptla.com
• Instagram: Instagram.com/equiptla

Image Credits
Kabir Affonso, Goldframe Media