Spiked Intuition by Ashlei Banks

After meeting Ashlei Banks, the owner and creator of Spiked Intuition, last Fall I have been patiently waiting for the opportunity to interview her. I've followed her budding career via Twitter and Facebook only to watch her blossom into an amazing shoe embellisher, blogger, and entrepreneur. In a matter of months Ashlei managed to have her shoes seen on VH1's reality show 'Love & Hip Hop' via Hip Hop Starlet Somaya Reece, as well as, debuting her collection this past March in CT's biggest fashion experience; the 3rd Annual Ricky Trendy Da'Vista Runway Show.  Recently, I got the chance to ask Ashlei some questions about Spiked Intuition's past, present, and future and all I can say is ladies if you're into edgy, sexy, and flirty shoes then Spiked Intuition is for you.

(Me) When, how, and what inspired you to begin Spiked Intuition?

(Ashlei) About a year ago I saw a pair of [kick ass] shoes Nicki Minaj wore for Summer Jam 2010, the price was over $1200, I wanted them so bad and didn’t want to pay that so I challenged myself. After 2 weeks and $500 later I had the same exact shoes. My dad has always admired my creativity and is a firm believer in “being your own boss”. Every business idea I come up with, no matter how out of this world my visions are, he’s always told me to “Stop talking about it and be about it.” I showed him the shoes and that’s when it all started.

(Me) Did you have any background in design or is it all natural talent?

(Ashlei) All natural baby! (laughs) The time between me thinking about something and actually doing it is usually a matter of hours. I’ve always been that way. Spontaneous. If I would have enrolled in design classes to see if that was something I really wanted to do I would have lost my desire before I completed the classes. BUT now that I’m sure that this is my thing I plan on sharpening my skills by talking a few classes and indulging more in field.

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