Ashlyn T. Baker shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Ashlyn T., so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
Honestly, I lose track of time whenever I’m doing things that take me back to what I loved as a young girl. Lately, that’s been little creative things like making jewelry, or playing around with random crafts. Thrifting is also something that makes me lose a since of time. I could be at the thrift for hours and not realize it. These activities make me feel grounded and reminds me of the parts of myself that have always been there. I find myself again when I do things that pull me out of my head like getting dressed and spending time with my amazing group of girlfriends, who are always so encouraging and supportive. Those moments remind me of who I am and what really matters.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Well for starters, I am a makeup artist, creative, and style enthusiast. My freelance business is built around complexion-first artistry that empowers people to feel confident in their own skin. Beyond makeup, I have a deep love for creating content, styling, accessorizing, and thrifting. Fashion has always been another form of self-expression for me, and I was recently honored as the 2025 Sunshine Thrift Style Icon, which felt like such a full-circle moment in celebrating individuality through style.
What makes my journey so unique is how I merge beauty, fashion, and community. I recently began working with a non profit organization, the Pinellas County Urban League, through their youth empowerment program, where I mentor and support young people. Giving back and creating spaces for others to shine is just as important to me as artistry.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
The relationship that has most shaped how I see myself is my relationship with God. In 2023, I hit a season of complete surrender. I was staying with a friend, sleeping on an air mattress, and at one of the lowest points in my life at the time. Yet it was in that place that I chose to rededicate my life to Christ. What felt like rock bottom ended up becoming the foundation for everything I am today. That relationship completely reshaped how I see myself and how I see the world around me.
Even though it’s not easy and I’m still in the midst of this journey, I am learning not to depend on external validation but to rest in what God says about me. Scripture reminds us that we are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14), that we are chosen and dearly loved (Colossians 3:12), and that we are God’s workmanship, created with purpose in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 2:10). I have never seen myself in such a light before. I am learning to love myself, not for what I do, but for who I am in Him. I am exactly who God created me to be, and that truth has been the most freeing and beautiful part of my journey.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
If I could say one kind thing to my younger self, I would remind her that she is one of a kind. She was multifaceted, loving, caring, and always craved unity. I would tell her that the world can be cruel and will try to strip away everything that makes her special, but to hold on tightly to her fire, her creativity, and her passion.
I would want her to know that the path God is taking her on will not always feel straight or simple, but it’s purposeful. To keep following her dreams, to trust the process, and to believe in herself even when people or circumstances make her feel otherwise. At 25, I can still see sparks of that same girl alive in me today, and I know now that everything she carried within her was always enough.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Is the public version of you the real you?
I would say the public version of me is the real me, but not me in my entirety . I’m someone who truly opens up over time, and there are so many layers to who I am. The public usually only sees the surface, a glimpse of my personality, my creativity, and my passions. The deeper parts like my reflections, my struggles, and the quiet moments of growth are reserved for the people and spaces where I feel safe.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. If you laid down your name, role, and possessions—what would remain?
Last year, I experienced a season like that which really challenged who I thought I was. I stepped away from a scene and community that had given me recognition and validation, I quit my job, which so many people knew me for and a month later, I was in a car accident and totaled my car. On top of that, I was struggling with my self-image as I was gaining weight and dealing with acne and hormonal changes. I had no consistent income, no car, and I felt like everything that had given me meaning was being stripped away.
Even though this wasn’t everything, it was a moment where I had to confront what really defined me. What remained was my mustard seed of faith and the belief that I was going to get through it. In the midst of losing so much, I realized that when everything else is gone, God remains. That truth became my foundation.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @aashlyntb, @complexionbyashlyn & @ash2stylish
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashlyntbaker/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ashlyntb
