ALIVE & FINE STORE OWNER ASHLEY SMITH

Ashley Smith opened “Alive and Fine” in 2016. The shop sells vintage clothing and housewares and periodically serves as an unconventional exhibition space, showcasing the work of local artists in shows that Ashley organizes. Ashley is the front-person of the rock band Whips, the co-founder of Girls Rock camp Milwaukee and the annual craft fair Hover craft.

What are you most proud of? "My babies. My first baby was my business and I worked really hard to grow and nurture that into what it is today. And then of course I had a real baby last year. Sid is the sweetest and so funny and I can't wait to see what kind of kid he turns into. And now,  with baby number two on the way in just a little over a month, I know I'll have a new floppy human to be super proud of!"

Is there something new that you've started doing in the past 4 months? "Outside of eating a weekly Reuben?!? I blame the pregnancy :) I've taken this time to pivot into using my platform as a small business owner to give back! Each Wednesday I do an Instagram story sale with 40% of sales to be donated to a non-profit or local business."

What’s the first thing you think about when you wake up? "Rubens."

Shop Alive & Fine story sales on Instagram @aliveandfinestore