Happy Women’s History Month! As you all know, March is Women’s History Month and ”Nikki and The City” wants to celebrate by highlighting women who are doing amazing things.

Fact: “Black women continue to be the driving force in the market’s growth”. (www.targetmarketnews.com)

Basically, us as Black women are spending a lot of money. I’m guilty of spending a lot of money on clothes, but I’m getting better.

This is why I was amazed to hear about Ashley Small. A woman who went the entire year of 2011 without shopping. It’s true. Here’s her story:

Nikki: Where are you from?

Ashley: Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Nikki: What city do you live in? What is life like in that city?

Ashley: I currently live in Houston. It’s the ideal city for a person like me, a young entrepreneur, a newlywed. The entrepreneurial spirit here is contagious and it’s the perfect city to raise a family in.

N: What do you do for a living?

A: I own a Brand Development company (Medley Inc.), we specialize in building brands in a variety of industries- from fashion, to non-profit, to entertainment. My role includes overseeing the day to day operations. My passion includes the web and PR. I’m a digital PR gal…totally.

N: Last year you challenged yourself to go an entire year without purchasing clothes, what was that like?

A: It was awesome. My best year yet – hands down.

N: What was the purpose of the challenge?

A: I inherited a splendid collection of vintage fashion from my great-grandmother, upon her passing. I decided that I wanted to let her legacy live on, save money, invest more in my business, travel and enhance my overall quality of life- while preserving our natural resources (going green).

N: Leave us with words of inspiration (favorite quote, scripture).

A: “I work creatively and thoughtfully for God and my life is filled with wholeness, harmony, and abundance.” -John Randolph Price

Thank you Ashley! I plan on going a year without purchasing clothes, but not this year…

-N-