You may know Ashley Eckstein as the voice of Ahsoka Tano from Star Wars: The Clone Wars. You may not know that she’s been an actress for many years and has appeared on such popular TV shows as That’s So Raven and Drake and Josh. Recently, she formed Her Universe—the first Star Wars fashion collection just for her. The friendly and down-to-earth Eckstein took some time to answer a few questions for me about her career and her new role in the fashion world. (Original Posting: May 13, 2010)
Were you always a Star Wars fan or did you come into it later?
Before I was cast as the voice of Ahsoka Tano, I considered myself a casual Star Wars fan. I enjoyed the movies but it didn’t really go beyond that. Now, I consider myself a huge fan! I am learning something new about this amazing universe every day and I have really enjoyed being a part of the Star Wars community.
Tell me about the genesis of the “Her Universe” venture.
Four years ago, when I was cast as the voice of Ahsoka, I scoured the Internet looking for female Star Wars merchandise and I was disheartened by the lack of product. I was told to buy a men’s size small because there weren’t enough women that would buy merchandise made specifically for them. I started doing my research and I found that close to 50% of all Star Wars fans and sci-fi fans in general are women. I also read hundreds of comments from female fans begging for merchandise designed and made specially for them, and not something that was an afterthought made in pink. That’s when I decided to start my new company Her Universe. I found an amazing partner in The Araca Group and together we joined forces with Lucasfilm to create this new line for female Star Wars fans.
Was starting a clothing line something you always wanted to do or was this just the right time with the right product?
For me, this is a dream come true because I have always had a passion for fashion design. I designed my first dress when I was 10 years old and have been designing clothes ever since. I feel like this is a combination of something I’ve always wanted to do and also being in the right place at the right time.
I think Lucasfilm has always been aware of the female fan base but has neglected to market directly to them until now. Why do you think this is?
I think the female fan base for Star Wars has taken everyone by surprise over the years but it is something that Lucasfilm is keenly aware of. I don’t feel that Lucasfilm has neglected the female fans, but they were just trying to figure out the best way to reach out to them. I admire Lucasfilm for being the first major Sci-Fi franchise to reach out to their female fans in this way. They truly are pioneers and I feel very blessed that they have given me this opportunity.
Girls are always thrown into that “pink and frilly” box but you’ve moved past the stereotype. Was this conscious?
This was definitely a conscious choice. I love the color pink, but I think us fangirls have been given enough pink shirts to last us a lifetime! While designing these shirts, I read a lot of comments from the female fans about what they wanted. They all said that they wanted some of the same designs and colors that the men and boys had, but on female garments.
Other than shirts, can you tell us what other products and plans you have coming?
Besides shirts, we are also coming out with a zip-up hoodie sweatshirt, Star Wars hats and two necklaces. We definitely plan on expanding to have more accessory and jewelry options, and we are also venturing into cosmetics. Look for more options in 2011. The more support we get from the fans, the more we will be able to make. We still have to prove ourselves and prove that there are enough female fans that want merchandise.
What’s the best thing about voice acting as opposed to being on a set?
Most of my acting career has been spent in front of the camera. I sort of fell into voice acting and I absolutely love it! I have had a lot to learn but I am truly blessed to be working with the pros. Some of the top voice actors work on The Clone Wars and I am soaking up as much knowledge as I can. It’s definitely a plus that we can do one episode in one day versus a live action show that takes 5-8 days.
Ahsoka Tano has become a pretty big part of Star Wars so you probably felt a little pressure to get familiar with the ins and outs of the Expanded Universe. How quickly did you get up to speed?
Just like Ahsoka, I consider myself a padawan. I have a lot to learn. Fortunately, I consider Dave Filoni to be my Jedi Knight, and he has taught me so much about Star Wars. He is a wealth of knowledge and I learn something new from him every time we go into the studio.
What is your favorite Clone Wars episode so far?
I have many favorite episodes, but one that sticks out in my mind is “Brain Invaders.” I really like the relationship between Barriss Offee and Ahsoka. We got a chance to see how far Ahsoka has come since the beginning of season one, and there is a great dynamic between the two padawans.
My 10-year-old son, Zack, asks: If you could be any Star Wars character other than Ahsoka, who would you be?
If I could be any other Star Wars character other than Ahsoka, I would probably have to say R2-D2. Why? Artoo is my favorite character! :o)
(Original Posting: May 13, 2010)