Rêve Rider Spotlight: Ashley Tucci

Over the last several months, we have been endlessly inspired by our fellow small business owners in and around Portland. With the arrival of the pandemic, we have observed them as they have adapted and adjusted—and readjusted one, twice, maybe 20 times—to the new conditions of running a business in the constantly evolving reality that we are living in. For this reason, we were so excited to sit down with one of the earliest Rêvers and badass businesswoman, Ashley Tucci. Some of you may recognize Ashley from her stable spot in the spin room; she is the kind of rider whose presence makes you want to turn up your resistance a little bit higher and sprint a little bit faster. However, outside of the studio, Ashley is the owner of Aristelle, a gorgeous lingerie store located on Exchange Street, which is committed to helping everyone who walks through its doors (or its online store, as the case may be) “love what’s underneath.”

From the first minute you meet her, you realize that Ashley is laser-focused on helping women find what makes them feels good. Her store is immaculately curated with a wide range of pieces that will make every woman feel comfortable. Looking for something sassy and sexy? She’s got you covered. How about your new favorite sports bra? Yes! Looking for something that you can be comfortable in for 8 hours straight of Zoom calls? She’s got you covered, too. She carries a number of boutique brands, and has made a commitment to diversifying who she buys from. With her kind presence, Ashley turns what can sometimes be an awkward chore into making you feel like you’re chatting with a pal—and leaving with precisely the thing that you probably didn’t even know you needed. And best part, it is obvious that she loves what she does.

When we visited her store, she greeted us in an incredible Farm Rio dress from one of her neighboring favorite spots to shop, Zane (“Oh yes, this is the dress!” She told me as I complimented it profusely.) We caught up to discuss what it has been like being a new business owner during a global pandemic, what keeps her moving—literally and figuratively—and what would her dream day be, if given free rein on the city.

First things first, what have the past several months been like for you as a new small business owner?

Whew! It has been a challenge. Entrepreneurship isn’t for the feint of heart, let me tell you. However, through this time, I’ve been all about community and Portland is home to the most vibrant community in the state. I think many of us business owners have been forced to ditch traditional approaches and step outside of the box. This means softening our boundaries a little bit and leaning on one another as a collective that is in this challenging time together. I will always take a minute and hype other businesses—I’ll tell you where I get my brows done, I will send you to Zane to find your perfect dress. I’m so grateful for the business community in our city and for the opportunities we’ve had to help, be helped by, and collaborate with a wide range of them.

How did you get into the lingerie business?

I had worked in software sales for financial services for a decade. I traveled a lot, and it was hard work. I was good at my job and had made a leap to a really tough position a few years ago. Last year I found out that my contract wasn’t going to be renewed. I was initially upset and scared, but I had a moment where I stopped and said to myself, “Ashley, the universe is clearing space for you.” I felt that there may be a new opportunity—and boy was there. In a lot of ways, things fell into place and I wound up right where I needed to be.

At Aristelle, you’re committed to helping women find what feels good and love what’s underneath. How do you do that for yourself?

I am a lifelong athlete, and for me, I need to carve out a little bit of time each day to show up for myself. This became especially true when I became a mom. I was working full time, my husband was traveling a ton for his job, and I was raising a tiny human. I needed one hour to just be. I think that women, especially, oftentimes overlook their own needs in an attempt to be everything to everyone, but I realized quickly that in order to be the best mom, wife, and employee (and now boss) I can be, I needed to take that time for me. I love to break a sweat, so I make sure to prioritize that and it helps me to feel my best.

What are some of your favorite workouts?

Over the years, my workouts have looked different at different times. I have been a self-described “gym rat,” a runner, an Olympic lifter, an Orange Theory devotee, a cyclist, and a spinner—just to name a few—but one thing has been consistent: I’ve always shown up. The motivation is always there for me, but I love to change it up. I will try almost any sweaty workout, and each one serves a different purpose. With Olympic lifting, there is a technicality to it that requires intense focus. In contrast, in a spin class at Rêve, you can close your eyes and just let the music take over.

What is your favorite part of a Rêve class?

For me, the experience is as much about mental as it is physical. When you’re in that dark room—or these days, focused on the horizon beyond Thompson’s Point—you find that affirmation that you’re enough. I love that feeling of a mental/emotional connection to the movement and finding the space even on a difficult day. The instructors connect with every single rider, regardless of their fitness level or whether they’ve been to 1 or 1,000 classes. While you’re on that bike, you’re part of a community where you are allowed to just be. It can feel almost spiritual.

When someone comes into your store for the first time, what can they expect?

As we already discussed, I am hoping to help every single person who walks into my store feel their very best. Sure, we sell physical products—and I have to say we’ve done a great job curating an extensive selection where everyone can find something—but we understand that everyone is motivated to enter our store by a different reason. Lingerie isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity. We are committed to helping every single one of our guests find something that meets their needs. We want them to feel heard and seen, to feel comfortable—with us and with themselves. We want everyone to leave our store feeling that they’ve had a wonderful experience that was more than simply finding the right bra—and they’ll have that too!

Last question, if you have a day off, what is your ideal way to spend it?

First off, I love Maine—and not just because I’m a native. There is never a shortage of things to do, so my answer to this will depend on my mood. One day, I may get outside and explore. Portland has grown so much through the years that it can be fun to be a tourist in your own city. Some days that means taking a class at Rêve, grabbing a coffee, and finding a scenic spot. Other days, that may mean getting dressed up and throwing on your favorite heels for a delicious meal with some girlfriends. Regardless, it’s just taking up the opportunity to take it all in.

Aristelle is located at 92 Exchange St, and is opened with very thoughtful safety measures in place to ensure your health. They carry something for everyone with 30-44 bands and A-J cup size. We can confirm they truly do have the perfect something for everyone, as we couldn’t leave without making a purchase of our own: an adorable pair of Eberjey shortie PJs for me and a Commando bralette for my 80-something year old mom. Reviews are in and we’re both obsessed!