Conversations with Asia Thompson and Danielle Wilson

Today we’d like to introduce you to Asia Thompson and Danielle Wilson.

Hi Asia and Danielle, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Asia and I met on the campus of Cal State Northridge Freshman year, 2010. We instantly bonded due to our similar backgrounds, as well as our love for 90s hip hop culture. We connected on so many levels; in music, dancing, fitness, entertainment and most importantly fashion. I instantly admired her freedom to wear what she was feeling and noticed an instant similarity between the two of us.

As I completed my college courses at the Art Institute of Hollywood with a Bachelor degree in Fashion Marketing and Management, Asia finished her college career with a Bachelor degree in Journalism graduating a few years before me. Working countless jobs during college, Asia took a step outside of retail and received a great position working for a staffing agency right after graduation. She shortly decided she wanted to invest in herself and build her own empire. She did just that by working day in and day out becoming a well rounded make-up Youtuber with high engagement and growing her following on social media platforms. Not only did she grow by keeping her followers updated with new make-up looks but it was her eye catching photos highlighting her overall fashion style that grew her following.

While in school studying full time, I worked full time for contemporary luxury brands such as Porsche Design of America and Maje Paris with intention to  work my way up in management and managing my own store. Right before graduating I was given the opportunity to become a store manager and was delighted to be accomplishing my goals I set for myself.

In 2018, Asia and I decided to move to Atlanta to focus on ourselves and our career paths. The two of us for years have stated that we wanted to start our own clothing brand but with working and school, time was never really on our side to anchor in on something so major. We were only a few months into living in Atlanta, GA when Asia began to come up with a plan to do the very thing we’ve always spoken about; why promote others when we can be promoting ourselves. She felt that there was a gap in the LA culture where affordable and elevated streetwear meet and I couldn’t help but to agree with her. Being that she was already in the field of being an entrepreneur, she helped convince me to better myself and leave my manager position to zone in on building my self made empire. With Luchini Ave, we strive to bridge that gap between affordable and luxury by being a student in this industry, working to master it and make it ours!

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Just as any other small business or business in general, COVID took a toll on the plan we had been working on since the last quarter of 2019. Moving across the country during a pandemic was not ideal but necessary in order for us to get back home and get Luchini Ave up and running. With the shut down of California, we were limited to getting out and taking the proper steps. We endured hurdles that could have left a weak business owner discouraged. Hurdles such as finding pieces that would be unique only to Luchini Ave, and perfecting the kinks on the website. We were hit with almost every possible obstacle you can think of but with our individual strength together, we’re unstoppable.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Luchini Ave is an elevated women’s fashion urban streetwear brand with an aesthetic representing LA culture. We specialize in providing quality pieces while making sleek and bold statements with the looks and content we create.

Luchini Ave is a moving affirmation for anyone who has ever faced adversity and persevered anyway. We take pride in the fact we actually took a leap of faith to bring Luchini Ave to life. In this industry, it comes with ease to lose confidence and sight on the main goal. We vowed to always keep a Boss Mentality to stay above average and motivate our work. Our mission is to create an experience for our customer where she can be inspired by our unique looks and styling tips that we have curated.We take pride in keeping positive to help perfect our craft everyday.

Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
Books such as The Power Of Consistency By Weldon Long, How to Win Friends and Influence by Dale Carnegie, Think and Grow Rich By Napoleon Hill and Rich Dad Poor Dad By Robert Kiyosaki and Sharon Lechter have helped get us motivated to become strong entrepreneurs. Hearing the struggles of other successful individuals and how they overcame obstacles set against them has inspired us to take that step to believe that if you put your mind to it, you can and will succeed.

Entrepreneur Crash Course, Learn With Lilly, is founded by Kemetria Lilly, the owner of successful small business e-boutique, Lilly’s Kloset. This course is an informative platform that gave us insight on what makes a new small business triumphant. She provides knowledge, tips and exercises that we can use in our day to day to move us in the right direction.

Contact Info:

• Email:[email protected]
• Website: luchiniave.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/luchiniave
• Facebook: facebook.com/luchiniave
• Other: pinterest.com/luchiniave

Image Credits
Personal photo shot by: Jejuan Smith COntent photos shot by: 36Neex