Ashley Hamic
I’m Ashley Hamic! I am a mom, advocate, and founder who believes deeply in building things that actually make life easier for families like mine. My journey into adaptive design and advocacy began when my son Maddox was diagnosed with CTNNB1 Syndrome, a rare genetic condition. Like many rare disease parents, I quickly learned that the world isn’t built with our kids in mind, so I decided to help change that.
I’m the founder of Wish Wear Accessories, a brand focused on creating fun, functional, inclusive, and thoughtfully designed clothing and accessories for children with disabilities. What started as a custom designs for my own son and others in the CTNNB1 community, has grown into a community-driven business shaped by real families, real needs, and a whole lot of heart. Every product we design is rooted in lived experience and the belief that kids deserve comfort, dignity, and joy without compromise.
I serve on the Board of Directors of CTNNB1 Connect & Cure as Chief Operating Officer and Secretary, where I help strengthen the organization’s operations, governance, and community engagement as we work toward better outcomes and a stronger, more connected community for families affected by CTNNB1 Syndrome. In addition, I volunteer locally with the Wasatch PEAK Parent Group, whose mission is to improve the quality of life for individuals with special needs by facilitating recreational, educational, and employment opportunities that might not otherwise be available to them.
Alongside my work as a founder and advocate, I currently work at Cisco Systems, where I’ve spent nearly two decades leading complex initiatives across business operations, product development, compliance, and change management. I also consult in the rare disease space, partnering with Effie Parks, founder of the Once Upon a Gene podcast, to help transform lived experience into meaningful impact. Through The Magic Of Our Stories, storytelling, strategy, and systems align to support and amplify rare disease communities.
When I’m not working or advocating, I love spending time with my family and friends camping, cooking, traveling, and heading out on adventures together. You’ll often find me sewing and quilting with my Feed Dawgs group, walking my two little doggies, or soaking up time outdoors. I love to fill my days with activities that set my soul on fire.
• PMP
• University of Utah - David Eccles School of Business - MBA
• California State University- Sacramento
• CTNNB1 Connect & Cure
• Wasatch PEAK Parent Group
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a mix of lived experience, grit, and the people who’ve walked alongside me. Being a rare disease mom reshaped how I see the world. It has taught me resilience, empathy, and how to keep moving forward even when the path isn’t clear or as I expected it to be. I’ve learned to listen deeply, lead with heart, and turn challenges into purpose-driven action.
Equally important is my ability to pair that compassion with execution. Years of experience in operations taught me how to build systems, bring people together, and turn big ideas into real, tangible impact. Add in a strong community, supportive collaborators, and a willingness to take bold leaps when something truly matters. That’s where the magic happens and I am proud to be holding the wand.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is: “Action trumps everything.” It reminded me that ideas, intentions, and plans are only as powerful as the steps we actually take to bring them to life. Whether leading complex programs at Cisco, building adaptive products with Wish Wear Accessories, or advocating for rare disease families, I’ve learned that showing up, doing the work, and taking consistent action creates real impact. This mindset continues to shape how I approach challenges, opportunities, and meaningful change.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to always keep the end customer in mind. Listen closely when they share their needs, frustrations, and desires. Truly do your best to understand the people you’re designing for is the key to success. In partnership, stay open-minded and curious always. Don’t get defensive when you receive feedback, it is a gift and is setting you up for success in the future. The ability to learn, adapt, and respond thoughtfully will not only make you a better professional, but it will also help you create solutions that genuinely make a difference.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges—and opportunities—in my field right now is creating fun, functional accessories that kids actually love wearing. I want children to be able to express their individuality through their favorite colors, patterns, and designs while still meeting the practical needs of daily life. Another key challenge is keeping pricing affordable for the families who need our products the most. Balancing accessibility with sustainability is a core focus of my work, and I am committed to finding creative solutions that ensure every child can benefit from thoughtfully designed, adaptive products without compromise. These challenges are also opportunities to innovate, listen closely to families, and create meaningful impact in the lives of children with disabilities.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide me in both my work and personal life are integrity, love, empathy, and passion. I believe in showing up with honesty and accountability, leading with compassion, and investing my energy into the people and causes that matter most. Whether I’m building inclusive products, advocating for families affected by rare diseases, or spending time with my own family, these values shape the decisions I make and the impact I strive to create every day.
Locations
Wish Wear Accessories
Heber City, UT 84032