We had the good fortune of connecting with Ashtin Montalto and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ashtin, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Starting a business was never something I saw in my future but it truly is what I LOVE. I was in the middle of getting my masters degree in exercise science and I was so sick of working, going to class, coming home to do homework & then barely getting any sleep to then start over again. I was looking for a way to make some money to keep me afloat while I was in school. My friend had been continually shopping this clothing brand with new launches every week and I asked her about it. I learned that this lady had a small online boutique in her home ! That was when I thought, maybe I could do this during the day, then have more time to focus on class and homework.

One month later, I started my business with plan on how to make it work with school. Within 60 days, I was profitable and have been running on cash ever since. I was making more from my business than the salary of job I thought wanted after my masters degree. My business had given me the freedom to invest, travel and live life on my own schedule and terms!

What should our readers know about your business?
What makes my boutique different than others is the variety of prints and colors along with having sizes XXS to 3XL. Back in 2016 when I started you didn’t see as much size inclusivity as there is now and some brands still havent gotten there. I am most proud of the fact that I took the risk starting my business while knowing I would have to work hard for the things I want out of it. Being self employed can be difficult but the reward is worth it. Work hard, play hard is the motto. I have learned that you can do what you set your mind too !

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
San Diego is such an epic vacation spot! I would take our friends out on our little wood boat to see the amazing San Diego Bay, we could dock at Bali Hai and get some amazing good. I love to go to any of our amazing beaches, take them to see the sunset at Sunset Cliffs after you snag a burrito from Ortizs ! SeaWorld or the San Diego Zoo are great for park lovers. Some of my favorite restaurants are Ototto Sushi, Pizza Nova & Don Pietros. My favorite things to do are go to Dog Beach with my pup, walk Balboa Park, skate the Mission Beach board walk and check out the shops in Ocean Beach. San Diego is so exciting for so many reasons!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Shoutout to my mom! Thank you for supporting me every step of the way with my business!

Website: www.shopashtin.com

Instagram: @by.ashtin

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutSocal is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.