There was originally a version of this in my head in which GRACE suggested this original character, and provided an explanation for why they might be interesting to include in the dynamic Ashley was going for.

I liked the idea of there being a "definitely-not-Grace" original character, but I didn't really like Grace suggesting a character who doesn't get embarrassed the same way as the others.

One, I prefer Ashley being given inspiration more than her flat out being told an idea.

Two, being given unsolicited story suggestions is generally unwelcome. I'd feel like Grace would be unintentionally very rude just by suggesting a character, but somewhat exceptionally rude by basically suggesting herself.

Grace making the suggestion was originally going to be the previous comic, but with me not liking it, but still wanting Grace to inspire Ashley, I needed something else for the previous comic to give me time to sort this out.

And so me not liking the original idea is how we got that absurd list of transformation interests and Ashley with messy hair.

I'd say it worked out.