Issue link: http://maconmagazine.uberflip.com/i/1540272
66 maconmagazine.com | October/November 2025 Ashley Monique, wearing a set she created. ASHLEY MONIQUE Tell me about how you landed in Macon. I'm from Warner Robins and Macon is now home. I moved to Atlanta. I came down to Macon for a fashion show that Jamice [Bentley-Terry] was doing, it was Fashion in the Streets. And it was creative… and I got reconnected with creativity. Macon pulled me here. I love my loft. I love downtown… The creativity here is growing. What's your favorite style to create? My favorite is just comfortability. Like, I love everyday wear. I mean, you see, I'm dramatic, so everyday to me is not everyone else's everyday. I work with ties, I'll work with couches. I'll work with blankets, whatever. You can give me anything, and I'll create. I do a lot of reconstructing [old pieces]. If you really sit and think about how much money you've spent on these quick pieces that aren't gonna last: You could take that same amount, put it into a custom outfit that you can break into pieces and wear different ways. It's all about accessorizing style. So don't be afraid to reach out and get something custom made. What or who has influenced you to get to where you are today? Life has inspired my work. I have been into fashion since I was a kid. I used to get in trouble for cutting up clothes when I was a child. My mom sewed, my aunt was a seamstress as well, so I was around it, but no one ever taught me. Because I feel like clothes should make you feel good. When you look good, you feel good. Why do they call you the Fairy Godmother of Fashion? When I was living in Atlanta, I created a men's line. Everyone's clothes fit to a T. I had guys that are like 6'6", 6'7". They were like, "Oh yeah. Pants don't ever fit me… they fit me perfect." My sister was like, "You're like the fairy godmother of fashion!" I love makeover shows and just love seeing the joy that came from people and how it made them feel. I started doing Fairy Godmother makeovers. I have people submit, have some beautiful stories, and pick two winners. I create a team, hair, makeup, from food to head-to-toe wardrobe. What are your challenges? Lack of knowledge. People don't look at it like this is my living … I am my manufacturer. You have to source your own fabric. We're coming up with designs, cutting them out, so that it can fit you properly. Why should people get dressed? Put it on because you should! So many people say, "I have this dress, I haven't had anywhere to wear." I'm like, "But you're outside all the time. Put the dress on. Why not?" Don't let it stand in your closet. Contact: @ashleymoniquedesigns Ashley Monique