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Ashley Eckstein says she was born with Disney in her DNA. So it’s only fitting that she’s spent her life working with Disney in some way or another. She saw a need in the pop culture community for fangirl clothing that represents how much women enjoy sci-fi. So in 2009, she created a line of clothing and accessories called Her Universe and her life was forever changed.
Of course nothing is that simple. Her success didn’t happen overnight and she’s the first to admit she made some mistakes and learned from them. But the fact is, she didn’t give up. She had a dream and went after it. Now Her Universe is a very successful clothing line and was recently sold to Hot Topic.
Female sci-fi fans can now get a dress with their favorite Star Wars character on it or a t-shirt that comes in more than one color and is made for a woman. During our conversation she explains why giving women options to express their fandom was so important to her. Her Universe has also carved out a place in pop culture at places like Comic-Con, where they hold an annual fashion show for female fans.
In her book, It’s Your Universe: You have the power to make it happen, she explains how her family worked at Walt Disney World when she was growing up. Most of us have a backyard or playground to visit when we we play. Ashley’s playground was Disney World. So it’s no surprise she grew up loving the Disney brand and wanting to work with them. Her book is littered with engaging activities to get minds young and old inspired to follow their dream. It also has several quotes from Disney characters and Walt Disney himself that really make you feel the magic.
She also talks about finding her prince charming in Southern California but he actually grew up about 30 minutes away from her in Florida. It’s just one of the ways life has a wonderful way of working out. I also talked with her about how she came out to LA to be an actress, was cast as the voice of Ahsoka Tano in several animated Star Wars projects, again finding her way into the Disney family.
I can’t wait for you to listen to this interview with Ashley. You can feel her positivity and passion in our conversation and in her new book. I’ll be giving one lucky listener a copy of her book, It’s Your Universe: You have the power to make it happen. Just comment below or on the MIH Facebook page post of this article and you’ll be entered to win.
The book comes out May 8th and I’ll announce a winner that day. Ashley is also embarking on a national book tour so check here to see if she’ll be in a city near you.
