Claire Harper Claire Harper | April 6, 2022 | People, Feature,
ATL It Girl Ashley Marie Rivera gives a behind-the-scenes look at her life in the center of Atlanta's social scene.
You may know her as one of Tongue & Groove’s most sought-after cocktail waitresses. Or maybe you know her as the cover star of JEZEBEL’s 2021 Most Beautiful Atlantans Issue. Whatever the case, you can now refer to Ashley Marie Rivera (@cashleymari3) exclusively as JEZEBEL’s newest It Girl. New York-born and small town-raised, Rivera landed in our fair city in summer 2019 and has been smitten ever since. Along with her beau, Spencer Griffin Jordan, and sweet pup, Mr. Juan-Pablo Santiago Jordan, the bombshell brunette is taking ATL’s buzzing social scene by storm, all while being unapologetically herself. We sat down with the saucy 20-something to chat life, career and just what makes Ashley, Ashley.
What is something most people don’t know about you? I come off as someone who is extremely confident, but I am that way now after working through so many years of insecurities and uncertainties.
What is one beauty ritual that you follow every day? Never go to sleep without taking your makeup off—yes, even after a long night out!
What is your favorite form of exercise? I love lifting heavy weights. But for anyone starting off, walking at a fast pace with an incline on the treadmill is your best friend.
What advice would you give your teenage self? Stop worrying about fitting in with others around you. You’ll grow into yourself beautifully when you realize there’s a reason you aren’t like them.
What’s next on your life (or career) bucket list? I hope to get an opportunity to model for a huge brand or magazine.
Words to live by? It costs nothing to be kind to yourself and others.
Where do you see yourself five years from now? I’ve always known I would be an entrepreneur. I see myself owning a brand targeted toward women and/or being attached to a nonprofit organization.
Guilty pleasure? I’m never going to turn down a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup.
What’s one thing you can’t leave the house without? A very small comb and ChapStick/lipstick are always in my purse.
What’s the first thing you’re grabbing from your closet for a night out? High heels are a must for me.
Beauty ritual you can’t live without? You will never see me without my nails and toes done.
Top three most underrated spots in town? The Blind Pig for the vibey aesthetic, Bucket Shop Cafe for a casual sports bar, and Lenox Park for walking your dog or having a picnic
Where are you headed on a wild night out? Tongue & Groove, of course
The restaurant you can’t get enough of? St. Cecilia, because I can’t stop ever craving their lumache.
Tried-and-true drink order? We all know by now I’m a tequila drinker, but when I’m at a nice restaurant, a glass of red or an espresso martini is my go-to.
Go-to cocktail bars? Red Phone Booth or Himitsu
Where are you headed for GNO? I love going to Kyma for dinner with my girls for delicious food and the best martinis.
Best brunch in ATL? Taverna, located in Buckhead Village District
Photography by: Spencer G. Jordan/Sinematic Sped Studios