Just months into the job, Ms Bryant said the woman was given bonuses, as well as a free trip to Australia - with spending money thrown in - to thank her for her "hard work".
Ashby initially denied the offending when interviewed by police but pleaded guilty in Auckland District Court to a charge of using a computer system for a dishonest purpose.
She will be sentenced next week when her lawyer Richard Keam will apply to have her discharged without conviction.
Ms Bryant said she would be "absolutely gutted" if Ashby walked away with a clean record.
"Someone could be victimised the same way we were and if it was a smaller company that wasn't able to reach into their pockets and cover that loss, they'd be destroyed," she said.
The company director was also disappointed the court had denied her wishes to read out a victim impact statement in open court and was now reluctant to attend the sentencing hearing.
Ashby's 13-month offending spree involved her making more than 50 payments to two of her own bank accounts while manipulating the computer system to make it seem as though the money was covering legitimate costs.
It is understood, at sentencing police will seek a reparation order for the full $24,610 Ashby stole.
Ashby's mother Erin Ashby previously owned August Models and Talent, which was fined $10,000 in 2010 when the Department of Labour prosecuted it for paying Shortland St extras less than the minimum wage.
The company - where it is understood Alix Ashby also worked as a talent booker - was eventually placed in liquidation the following year.
