Ashro Woman: Bobbi S.
Meet Ashro Woman of the Week, Bobbi S. from Jacksonville, FL.
Classy but sassy, Bobbi Simmons is a wife, mother, author and retired educator who loves jazz, overseas travel and writing. After recently retiring from 25 years of teaching, Bobbi’s husband pushed her to pursue her dreams as an author.
He has shown her “support beyond measure” and been her greatest influence. On March 12th, 2021, her first book, Birwild, was published. She then wasted no time and partnered with her husband to begin a children’s book series. In fact, they just finished their first book!
As a natural-born writer and teacher, Bobbi gives back through her own writing club called Free to be Penned Up. It was created for young artists that have a love and passion for writing and art. Bobbi dedicates her time to molding them into published authors.
Guided by faith in all things, Bobbi believes that spiritual health is just as important as physical and mental health. She starts each day with prayer and meditation. “Tending to your spiritual wellbeing will enable you to feel at peace about all the other parts of your life.”
| Name |
| Bobbi S. |
| Which city do you live? |
| Jacksonville |
| Which state do you live? |
| Florida |
| How would you describe the Ashro woman? How do you embody her? |
| An Ashro woman epitomizes the true essence of being classy and dignified with a subtle hit of being sassy. |
| What do you do for a living? What do you like most about it? What don’t you like? |
| I recently retired after being an educator for twenty-five years. I am following my passion as a writer. My first book, “Birwild” was published March 12, 2021. My huband and I just finished our first in a series of children’s books. I love the freedom writing allows me to be creative and inscribed. I do not like negative energy.. |
| How do you spend your free time? |
| I spend my free time gardening and taking care of plants inside and outside our home. I am a jazz enthuasist and love jazz concerts. My husband and I travel overseas at least once a year to a new destination. |
| What small thing makes you happy? |
| Sitting in my garden watching the newness of each day. |
| What is your best dish? Who do you make it for—and where do you typically serve it? |
| My best day that my family love and cannot get enough of is my macaroni and cheese. Generally I will make it for Sunday dinners or holiday gatherings. |
| What has been your greatest struggle…and your greatest (or latest) triumph? |
| My greatest struggle has been learning to say no without feeling a sense of guilt. After so many years of running on fumes, I committed myself to talking to a therapist. For me this was an amazing decision which came with great revelations. |
| Who influenced you the most in your life. Why? And in what way? |
| The person that has influenced me the most, has been my husband, Thomas. He has encouraged me to follow my dreams of becoming a writer, and shown support beyond measure. |
| Do you volunteer or do charity work? Tell us about it! |
| I have a writing club, “Free to be Penned Up” I created for young authors and artist that have a love for writing and drawing. I help guide them to getting their works published. |
| Are you in a sorority? Or is anyone in your family in a sorority? If so, which one and what does it mean to you? |
| No I am not in a sorority. |
| What do you love about fashion and style? |
| I love bold and bright colors. My jewelry sets must match my outfits. |
| Has anyone in particular influenced your style? |
| The outfits in the Ashro magazine are provides great ideas for coordinating my styles. |
| What occasions/events do you dress up for? (for example-do you often dress up for church, cultural events, charity events, going out, etc.) And how often do you typically get dressed up? |
| I personally feel all occasions lends an opportunity for being dressed up. But for special occasions like church, concerts, cultural events I do add a different level to my style. |
| How has your style evolved over time? |
| To be honest I have some items that were in style over thirty years ago, especially scarves. My taste for unique looks constantly changes. |
| Do you wear hats? How often and what type of hat? Do you wear them to church? If so, be sure to share a pic of you in a hat with us! |
| I love hats! I wear them to dress up or dress down my outfits. |
| Do you wear headwraps? How often? Where did you learn how to tie it? Share a pic of you in a headwrap with us! |
| Occasionally I will wear a headwrap to relax and write. |
| Do you wear wigs? How often and what length or style? If so, be sure to share a pic of you in a wig with us! |
| Yes, I occasional wear a medium length wig. |
| Are you a woman of faith? How does that faith affect your life? Please tell us more. |
| I am a true woman of faith. Everyday is started with prayer and meditation. My faith guides my family, life and decisions. |
| Do you attend church? What church do you go to and what do you love most about it? |
| I attend Shiloh Baptist Church. I love the teaching of the Bible, and the connections to real life scenarios the pastor gives. |
| How are you passing along your faith traditions onto your children/grandchildren? |
| My faith traditions are being passed on through attendance of church together, praying together, and talking of the goodness of our Savior. |
| Are you a First Lady or a Pastor? |
| No |
| Your best advice? |
| Spiritual wellness is too often downplayed as less important than physical, emotional or mental wellness, but tending to your spiritual wellbeing will enable you to feel at peace about all the other parts of your life. Take time to pray, meditate and reflect on your life. |
| What lessons has motherhood (or being a grandmother) taught you? |
| A very important I have been taught through their innocent eyes has been the empowerment of empathy. To meet people where they are and not where I think they should be. |
| Are you an Ashro Credit customer? If so, how has our credit helped you? |
| No |
| Do you have a memory to share of when you first heard about Ashro or when you received your first catalog? |
| When I received my first catalog I was mesmerized by all the beauty. The styles, models, bold colors were amazing. |
Thanks for inspiring us, Bobbi!
If you’d like a chance to be a future Ashro Woman of the Week, share your story with us—then watch your weekly Ashro emails to see if you’re featured next! Already filled out our questionnaire? Then you’re all set (you may see yourself featured in next week’s email)! Make sure to tell your friends and family to sign up for emails. We can’t wait to see you!
Comments (3)
Sharon
Bobbi Simmons is from my home town in South Carolina. We lived about ten or fifteen minutes from each other. I am so very proud of her.
Ashro
That’s wonderful Sharon! Thanks for sharing!
Theresa
I really enjoyed reading the women stories and I feel inspired and motivated to spend more time learning about our culture and fashion