“Life starts when you step out of your comfort zone” Ashlea Rockett, Founder of AJROXX
First Inspired by a music festival in Romania 2018 Founder, Ashlea Rockett wore some hippy styled maxi skirts and dresses made and altered by herself, with the compliments of many girls at the festival, she then went on to make them back in the UK.
The demand grew and grew throughout summer. Ashlea has designed many styles of dresses and now launched bikinis, with the help from her sisters and inspiration from festivals and adventures, our goal is to keep bringing you unique bespoke womenswear.
BE DIFFERENT, be AJROXX.
- What made you want to move to Dubai and how long have you lived here?
I felt like there was a gap in the market for a unique brand so I wanted to give it a go! I’ve been here just over a year now. The place is amazing and very appealing – you have everything you need on your doorstep – the beach, tons of beach clubs not to mention the best bars and restaurants. I like to feel the culture of a new place so the best part for me is stepping out of my comfort zone and going to explore new places work wise, investing in the local community and getting some of my production made here. Wherever I go I like to find local suppliers.
- What was your first job?
I never knew exactly what I wanted to do but I was always into fashion and design. After finishing school I went on to Leeds University to do fashion and design, I dropped out after 2 months and a couple years later I started my own brand – funny how things turn out!
- What’s your job role now?
I am the founder and owner of my own clothing line AJROXX. I cover all aspects of the business, from postage, packaging, fabric shopping, finding suppliers, tailors, marketing and finances – and also modelling my stuff! But I dont think I’m a model haha.
We like to source things locally, put them into the local community instead of fast fashion, we like to be unique and exclusive to our customers and make them feel special.
- Who inspires you?
There’s a few people that have inspired me – from a young age I would have to say my sisters, they’ve always been into fashion and crafty things – when I hit my teens we made a dress out of a table cloth 😂 and I wore it for a night out in Leeds, it surprisingly looked really nice. Another thing we used to do was make dresses out of grannie skirts from the charity shops, we had endless nights out wearing these lol
Also there are brands on Instagram that really inspired me before I got into ajroxx, I don’t think we should be ashamed to say a particular person / brand has inspired us! We all get inspiration from somewhere !
Ash’s sisters brands are:
@pr3ttyradical
@JRX.LEVIS
Any tips for girls wanting to find work?
I would say if you’re new here there is a really helpful group on facebook called ATB, in there you can ask all sorts of things like jobs. Go out and socialise, even if you’re out of your comfort zone, the best way is word of mouth and networking.
How did you find accommodation and do you have any recommendations for first time movers?
Luckily I knew people here before I moved out! However the group I mentioned before on facebook always has people posting for room shares etc, honestly it’s a life saver.
- What’s your recommendations on best places to get your hair and make-up done?
These girls have always been my go to in Dubai, they work at the salon in the Rixos & Ying Yang located in JBR. Check them out on instagram!
@hairbyniamhdubai
@Hairbysuz.dxb
@lushlocksdubai
- Favourite clothing stores?
Clothing stores for nice quality clothes out here I would say Mango and Zara
- What are you favourite Ladies Days?
Ladies days wow there are so many good ones!
Paradise beach which is new, located down the palm – it’s got a really good party vibe and amazing food and also mega cheap!
Another would be on thursdays ladies day @ five hotel which has a huge atmosphere and always really busy
Ladies nights – I’m obsessed with sushi so Ramusake which is located in the Hilton.
STK is a must – the steaks are amazing and the entertainment is top!
- What do you do when you’re not working and partying?
I try to keep as active as possible. There’s loads of gyms here and outdoor activities and classes to try.
Apart from that my mind is 24/7 on Ajroxx, I’m always on the lookout for new materials, styles and shoot locations – I love stepping out the box and finding some rustic places for shoots – it’s nice to go explore out of central Dubai, that way you really get a feel for the culture here.
- Any tips for ladies wanting to move to Dubai
Go for it! What’s the worst that can happen, life starts when you step out of your comfort zone, there are amazing opportunities here and people that will help you every step of the way. I’m not going to lie, it’s not easy at first but you will settle in time. You are in a perfect location for work, business opportunities and to travel the world.
To shop AJROXX visit:
@ashlearockett
www.ajroxx.com