Continuing an upward trend from 2022, experts believe the number of entrepreneurs will increase in 2023. As employees become more disgruntled with the corporate work environment, technology continues to evolve, and social media enables brands to speak directly to consumers, it makes sense that society is seeing a steady rise in entrepreneurship. While these new incentives and lower barriers to entry, ultimately resulting in more entrepreneurs, is a positive societal phenomenon, everyone is not cut out to be an entrepreneur.

While entrepreneurship is a great modern option that enables individuals to work on projects they are passionate about as well as ‘be their own boss,’ this is only the tip of the proverbial iceberg. What most people do not see, what is under the water, is the long sleepless nights, 24/7 work cycle, and overall uncertainty that comes with being an entrepreneur. However, for many, the risks are worth the reward as the people who ultimately find success as entrepreneurs can work in their field of choice and are often happier because of it.

Ashley Cushman is a 22-year-old social media influencer, bikini model, and swimwear entrepreneur. Before leaning into content creation and entrepreneurship full-time, Ashley studied health and exercise science. Now, Ashley is an online thought leader in body positivity and fitness and she has found success as an entrepreneur due to her passion for satin swimwear, strong worth ethic, and authentic ability to garner an audience through social media.

Ashley’s past experience and moral compass have helped her make a name for herself in social media as a topical content creator. Although the Colorado-born TikTok star’s video reels are charged with positivity and the desire to make a difference in people’s lives, she admits to having come under fire on many occasions, especially at the start of her social media career. “At first, this was really hard to deal with because I was getting constant hate. Thank God I didn’t give up, though, because I would never have gotten to where I am today without it. I will never let anyone’s opinion or comments affect what I do with my life or how I live,” recalls Ashley. Ashley truly believes in the power of social media to change people’s lives for the better. Her videos dedicated to her positive lifestyle, passion for fitness and emphasis on body positivity, and love of fashion garner millions of views. Her success reflects a large amount of work and dedication she puts into producing them.

Parallel with her social media activity Ashley recently started a luxury swimwear line CCXSWIMWEAR, a brand that calls Denver its home. Ashley’s swimwear brand is built upon its founder’s love for fashion and her favorite fabric—polished satin that brings out the best in women and holds women in the highest regard. “Our swimwear is made with the finest finishings and highest quality fabrics that are meant to hold its astonishing value. All of our bikinis use a seamless, polished satin fabric made from 85% nylon and 15% spandex. I always encourage my buyers to mix and match the bikinis as well,” says Ashley. “I have searched the internet for satin bikinis and have failed to find one that comes close to CCXSWIMWEAR. This brand is very original and flattering.”

Like a true startup founder, Ashley set out to solve a problem she experienced in her life – and succeeded. Now CCXSWIMWEAR is a top swimwear brand in the industry due to its unique combination of high-quality satin that feels luxurious and comfortable, styles that can be mixed and mashed, and explicit emphasis on body positivity and inclusion.

Whether on social media reels watched by millions of followers or promoting her new swimwear brand Ashley never gets deterred by negativity, her optimistic doer’s nature keeping her projects going.