Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley-Marie Pineiro
Hi Ashley-Marie, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My name is Ashley-Marie. I am a Filipina/ Puerto Rican from NYC. My journey in fashion began with a deep love for art and a desire to channel my creativity into something meaningful. I aspired to build a career that combined my passion for design with the business of art, which led me to the Fashion Institute of Technology. My first year of fashion school took me to Florence, Italy, where I immersed myself in a culture rich with art, history, and craftsmanship. This transformative experience not only shaped my perspective as a designer but also deepened my commitment to my craft.
For over a decade, I worked across various roles in the fashion industry, steadily honing my skills and expanding my vision. My career reached an exciting milestone when I accepted a role as a Technical Designer for ASRV, which brought me to San Diego. This bold decision not only propelled my professional growth but also offered an opportunity to create a sense of “home” in a new city. To feel more grounded and aligned with my creative purpose, I launched House of Ladera, my brand, where I pour my passion into every handmade design.
My love for fashion expanded further during my time as a part-time content creator and live streamer, where I connected with a global audience as Fashion Bae on the BIGO Live app. Sharing my designs and creative process with an online community reignited my drive to use fashion as a medium to inspire and connect with others.
Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to achieve incredible milestones, including showcasing my designs at Miami Swim Week, having my work featured in the Sundance Film Festival premiere indie film I Was A Simple Man (which won the Grand Jury Award at the San Diego Asian Film Festival), and hosting my first fashion show at a San Diego fundraiser for the Veterans Employment Committee. Most recently, I’ve expanded my vision to incorporate sustainability, collaborating with Sofia Gomez of Sstilo to create a collection from recycled and upcycled materials. This collection will debut at a fashion show for Connect San Diego this December.
From Florence to San Diego, and from live streaming to building my brand, my journey has been defined by resilience, creativity, and an unwavering love for design. Every challenge has been a step toward building a career and community that reflect who I am, and I’m excited to continue growing, creating, and inspiring.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It hasn’t been a smooth road, and the challenges along the way have shaped me just as much as the successes. One of the biggest struggles was starting out without a strong support system. I often felt alone and misunderstood, navigating the highs and lows of building my career and brand on my own. It was a time of immense growth, but also one of self-doubt as I worked to find my sense of self and identity in an industry that can feel overwhelming.
Another significant challenge came from encountering business partners whose motives were misaligned with mine. Rather than working together to build something meaningful, some sought to exploit the partnership for their own gain. These experiences were not only disheartening but also a reflection of the broader systemic issues of misogyny and racism that persist in the fashion industry. Navigating these realities has required resilience and a steadfast belief in my vision, even when faced with setbacks.
On top of that, finding balance—between my full-time job, my business, and my personal life—has been an ongoing challenge. Imposter syndrome often creeps in, making me question if I truly belong in the spaces I’ve worked so hard to enter. Overcoming those thoughts has been a journey in itself.
These struggles also extend to my personal connections. My ambitions and high standards sometimes intimidate the men I date, who may see my “big dreams” as overwhelming rather than inspiring. It’s a delicate balance of staying true to myself while also fostering genuine, meaningful relationships.
Despite the challenges, each struggle has taught me resilience, self-awareness, and the importance of pursuing my dreams unapologetically. They’ve pushed me to grow into the person and designer I am today, and I’m grateful for the lessons that come with this journey.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a fashion designer with a focus on creating swimwear and sustainable fashion through my brand, House of Ladera. I specialize in crafting handmade, made-to-order designs that emphasize confidence, authenticity, and individuality. My work bridges the gap between fashion and art, blending intricate craftsmanship with a commitment to empowering those who wear my designs.
In addition to swimwear, my creativity has expanded to include sustainable fashion. My latest project is a collaboration with Sofia Gomez of Sstilo, where we’re creating a collection using recycled and upcycled materials like denim and soda tabs. This collection will debut at Connect San Diego this December, reflecting my belief in the power of fashion to inspire positive change.
What sets me apart is my dedication to both the craft and the community. I’m not just passionate about fashion—I’m also a content creator and live streamer, connecting with a global audience of over 26,000 followers on the BIGO Live app. As Fashion Bae, I share my designs, creative process, and thoughts on fashion and empowerment, using the platform to inspire others and build meaningful connections.
I balance a full-time role as a Technical Designer at ASRV with running House of Ladera and my creative projects. This duality speaks to my drive and passion for my work.
My mission goes beyond creating beautiful clothing. I want my work to inspire and empower, fostering a sense of community and connection. My designs are more than just fashion—they’re a celebration of creativity, individuality, and the power of positive impact. I’m excited to continue building this vision and making a difference in both the fashion industry and the lives of those I reach.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
Having a morning routine focused on self-development has been a game-changer for me. It sets the tone for my day and helps me stay grounded and motivated. I enjoy starting my mornings by listening to inspiring podcasts like The Blaze N Smiff Show, Mel Robbins, and Lisa Bilyeu, as well as thought-provoking words from Abraham Hicks and Brian Scott. They provide wisdom and perspective that fuel my mindset for both personal and professional growth.
Books have also played a huge role in my journey. Some of my favorites include “Presence” by Amy Cuddy, which helps me stay present and confident; “The Four Agreements” by Don Miguel Ruiz, a guide to creating a more peaceful and authentic life; and “Reality Transurfing” by Vadim Zeland, which inspires me to embrace the power of intentional living and manifesting my goals.
I’m also committed to mental health and personal growth through therapy and life coaching. The Headspace Care app allows me to connect with my life coach, providing ongoing support alongside therapy. YouTube has become another go-to resource, where I find guided meditations that bring clarity and calm to my day. Recently, I’ve also been attending sound bath meditation sessions led by Kim Dang, which have been transformative for finding inner peace and reconnecting with myself.
These practices, combined with a self-development-focused routine, have been key to helping me thrive, both at work and in life. They allow me to approach each day with intention, clarity, and creativity, and I’m always excited to discover new ways to grow.
Pricing:
- First Consultation is Free
- Custom pieces is case by case based on intricacy of design
Contact Info:
- Website: https://msha.ke/ashleypinz
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashley.pinz/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ashleymarieap/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/user_details?userid=wQdkmm2XJCL9hAPCp2hBvg
