Ashro Woman: Elena G.

Meet Ashro Woman of the Week, Elena G. from Stockton, CA!

Known at church as the “Hat Lady,” Elena loves “the transformative power” of style. It was her godmother that taught her to make sure her wardrobe reflected who she is on the inside. To this day, Elena loves to dress up—and even separates her closet  into categories: casual, work, church and special events. 

As much as Elena loves the fun of fashion, she is also a woman of substance, faith and hard work. Brought up by parents who “modeled what marriage and financial stability looked like,” she was always encouraged to be her best self. Today she teaches at the university level and is active in her church ministries—helping teen moms, giving to the less fortunate and sharing her faith. At the holidays, her family and dearly-loved grandchildren look forward to her delicious banana pudding. YUM!

Name
	Elena G.
Where do you live (city & state)?
	Stockton, CA
How would you describe the Ashro woman? How do you embody her?
	Walking in a room as cool as she pleases with fire in her eyes, swing in her waist and joy in her feet, flashing her pearlie whites;an inner beauty that is built to suit a fashion model. I embody her with the arch of my back, the sun of my smile and the grace of my style.
What makes you get up every morning?
	God’s favor
What do you do for a living? What do you like most about it? What don’t you like?
	I am a Lecturer/teacher for Calstate Teach University; I enjoy mentoring new teachers, there is absolutely nothing about my career I don’t like
How do you spend your free time?
	Reading, bike riding, scrolling Facebook
What small thing makes you happy?
	spending time with my grandchildren
What is your best dish? Who do you make it for—and where do you typically serve it?
	Banana pudding, I make it for my family and typically serve it during the holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas)
What has been your greatest struggle…and your greatest (or latest) triumph?
	Exercising/eating healthy; career choice
Who influenced you the most in your life. Why? And in what way?
	Parents, they were the wing beneath my winds. They continuously modeled what marriage, financial stability looked like as well as encouraged/inspired me to be my best self.
Do you volunteer or do charity work? Tell us about it!
	Volunteer and do charity work via my church, Progressive Community Church. We help teen moms, walk the community to share the Word, prayer sessions and give to the less fortunate
Are you in a sorority? Or is anyone in your family in a sorority? If so, which one and what does it mean to you?
	No
What do you love about fashion and style?
	Hopefully what I wear reflects my personality. I love the transformative quality, the effect that an item captures me feeling very elegant
Has anyone in particular influenced your style?
	My God mother, Odessa Battle. She would tell me to set my closet such that it reflects the inner me whether I am dressing casual or special occasion wear.
What occasions/events do you dress up for? (for example-do you often dress up for church, cultural events, charity events, going out, etc.) And how often do you typically get dressed up?
	Dress up for church, cultural events, special events such as firefighter dinner, ski nightly events, etc
How has your style evolved over time?
	I have my wardrobe separated into casual, work, church, special events
Do you wear hats? How often and what type of hat? Do you wear them to church? If so, be sure to share a pic of you in a hat with us!
	Most definitely. I am known as the hat lady at my church (giggle)! Every Sunday and all types.
Do you wear headwraps? How often? Where did you learn how to tie it? Share a pic of you in a headwrap with us!
	yes, usually when I wear culture attire. I learned to tie from my sister, Brenda.
Do you wear wigs? How often and what length or style? If so, be sure to share a pic of you in a wig with us!
	No, I will wear a ponytail piece
Are you a woman of faith? How does that faith affect your life? Please tell us more.
	yes I am a woman of faith.
Do you attend church? What church do you go to and what do you love most about it?
	Yes, Progressive Community Church; the fellowship, choir and most importantly the Word being preached
How are you passing along your faith traditions onto your children/grandchildren?
	Sharing the word, daily prayer and listening spiritual hymnals
Are you a First Lady or a Pastor?
	No
Your best advice?
	Love the Lord God with all your heart, do unto others as you would want them to do unto you
What lessons has motherhood (or being a grandmother) taught you?
	That is more of life. It feels like a sacrifice because it’s so full of surrender, but the liberating kind, not the giving up kind. I better understood God’s mercy and favor.
Are you an Ashro Credit customer? If so, how has our credit helped you?
	Yes I am and yes, it has help me to get items that in the moment verse waiting for pay day (giggle)
Do you have a memory to share of when you first heard about Ashro or when you received your first catalog?
	Wow, it’s been so long that I have been an Ashro customer. I remember when I first saw the catalog that I would imagine myself in certain outfits and play dress up in my mind until I got the credit and could actually purchase the outfits

Thanks for inspiring us, Elena!

If you’d like a chance to be a future Ashro Woman of the Week, share your story with us—then watch your weekly Ashro emails to see if you’re featured next! Already filled out our questionnaire? Then you’re all set (you may see yourself featured in next week’s email)! Make sure to tell your friends and family to sign up for emails. We can’t wait to see you!

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