Ashro Woman: Paulette G.

Meet Woman of the Week, Paulette G. from Washington D.C.

This feisty retired government worker follows her own advice. She now has a second career acting on stage and film—and spends her free time enjoying family, church activities and charity work.

“What makes me get up in the morning is my anxiousness about what God has waiting for me. ‘So God, what’s in store for today?’”

As a woman of faith, Paulette has plenty in store every day. One of her missions is to use her own life lessons to help young women. “I birthed my son at an early age. My body was ready but my mind was not…This experience has provided me with the knowledge to be a mentor/advocate to young women. I speak to them and challenge them to give motherhood a lot of thought.”

Name

Paulette G.

Where do you live (city & state)?

Washington D.C.

1. Why are you an Ashro woman?

I am an Ashro because woman because I embody my own personal style, welcome diversity, and open to life changes in the wind.

2. What is your favorite part about fashion and style?

My favorite part about fashion and style is I am able to dress up, down in what makes me comfortable.

3. What makes you get up every morning?

What makes me get up in the morning is my anxiousness about what God has waiting for me; so God, what’s in store for today”?

4. Your best advice?

My best advice is to go forth and be unapologetically the fiercest you can be.

5. What small thing makes you happy?

The small things that make me happy are giggles from s small child, DIY, my hair after I shampooed it and how it smells

6. What has been your greatest struggle…and your greatest (or latest) triumph?

My greatest have been sugar. I was brought up in a household where there was always dessert served. Unfortunately the taste of sugar is part of my DNA. I want to rid myself of this issue as I am pre-diabetic. My greatest triumphs been my lifestyle change; adjusting to a different way of enjoying food.

7. How do you spend your free time?

I spend my free time with family, church activities, my second career which is acting, helping with my charities.

8. What do you do for a living? What do you like most about it? What don’t you like?

I am a retired federal/city government worker. I am enjoying being in film, stage productions. Acting allows mr to Entertainment people but also to become someone else whose persona is not mine. However this could be scary in a way that I may not want to go to a place I feel is uncomfortable.

9. Who influenced you the most in your life. Why? And in what way?

The most influencers in my life, aside from my late mother were those women who made a difference and made changes. I applaud these women who did the unexpected, unexplainable, the boldest without fear.

10. What is your best dish? Who do you make it for—and where do you typically serve it?

My best dish is old fashioned pot roast in a crock pot. I make it for family during the Christmas holiday at family gathering.

11. Are you a woman of faith? How does that faith affect your life? Please tell us more.

Yes I am a woman of faith. My faith plays an important in making important decisions. My mantra is when I need guidance I do not consult a celebrity; I reach for scriptures guidance.

12. What makes you laugh?

The sound of a small child giggles and their chil conversations; a small puppy who when their owner is walking them little legs look as though they are moving double time

13. What lessons has motherhood (or being a grandmother) taught you?

I birthed my son at an early age. My body was ready but my mind was not. However I had my mother’s and older sisters help. This experience has provided me with the knowledge to be a mentor/advocate to young women. I speak to them and challenge them to give motherhood a lot of thought.

14. 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?

I enjoy dressing up for cultural affairs, particular Afro-centric flavor. When I dress for church services it is not in a way to offend God. I typically dress up when an occasion comes up, i.e., a wedding.

15. 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!

Yes I wear hats. The hats that I wear are unisex, i.e., man style, skullies, straw hats. I generally wear weather specific hats to church.

16. 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!

Yes I wear wigs. I wear a wig for a different look. My style of wig is short pixie style or medium length with color. My own hair is salt and pepper.

17. 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 I wear headwraps, love them for different looks. I learned to style it on my own

18. 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 I am not in a sorority. No one to my knowledge is or ever was in one. My granddaughter is off to college this year, she could be a pioneer.

19. How would you describe the Ashro woman? How do you embody her? Does the brand mean something to you? Any memories associated with the catalog?

My best description of the Ashro woman is bold. She is not afraid to move beyond traditions or society fashion acceptance, while not forgetting to be that classy woman. I embody the Ashro woman because I am not afraid to step out of the box to try something new; with the self confidence of knowing who I am. The Ashro brand new name speaks to me of style that the ancestors embraced; that is with all that is going on in the world a woman or man can look classy

What an inspiration! Thanks for sharing your story, Paulette!

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!