Meet Meredith Ashley | Owner and Jewelry Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Meredith Ashley and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Meredith, what is the most important factor behind your success?
When I started my brand in May 2021, I knew I wanted to create jewelry for my customers that enhanced their confidence, style and energy. Adding a piece of jewelry can bring so much positivity to many customers. As I’ve grown my business, I’ve learned a lot along the way. I’ve received a lot of valuable advice and feedback, which I credit to making my business grow. Being open and honest with myself and staying true to the brand from day 1 is very important to me. I do have many goals for the business but I want it to grow organically, in its own time. Every day is a learning opportunity for me to expand my brand. I currently manage all areas of the business, except for photography. From the beginning, it was very important to me to be 100% hands on…designing, creating, packing /shipping, managing social media and my online store. Being the one to manage the business has definitely been a big factor in how I expand my brand’s success.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?

I started my business out of my passion for jewelry. Jewelry is a very important part to completing an outfit, any outfit. Whether it is a single or layered necklace, simple hoops or a dainty bracelet. I decided to create pieces that you can create your own style. I personally hand select and test wear many of my pieces. It’s very important to also get feedback from others, which I do quite often. That has helped me understand others perspectives, and also, it provides me with design ideas for future pieces.
When I started creating jewelry, I had zero experience. I self taught myself and started selling to friends and family. After a few months, I decided to make this a full-time career. My passion definitely helped me get to where I am today but it wasn’t always easy, and still isn’t. I set goals every year for my business and work all year long to achieve it. I continue to learn everyday how to expand my business from talking to other small business owners. I know it will take time to expand my brand, and I’m OK with that. I’m not looking to expand at a fast pace. I’m a mother and wife, and having the flexibility to be present for my family and my business is everything. Having my daughter watch me grow the business has been very rewarding. I know she is watching and learning from me everyday. Her seeing my passion, determination and my never give up attitude is something I definitely want to pass on to her.
I’m having the best time on this new journey in my life and I can’t wait to see my brand grow year after year.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Where do I even start? There have been so many that have contributed to my success. The most important one has to be my mom. From a very young age, she taught me how to work hard for what you want in life, nothing comes easy. She has always been my biggest fan throughout my life. Even now, something exciting happens she’s the first one I call. Being a small business and getting your brand out there in front of customers can be challenging. Before I launched my website, I had the opportunity to sell exclusive pieces in Dallas at Front Door Fashion. The owner, Nina was kind enough to give me a chance even though I was just starting out. Now, it’s been over a year and I’ll be forever grateful to her for helping me grow my business.
Another woman who I’d love to recognize is Susan, owner of Gracie’s Boutique in Denver. For months, I was looking for the right boutique to carry my pieces, locally. When I met Susan, and presented my pieces to her, she didn’t hesitate to allow a few pieces in her store. Her continued support for my brand and encouraging words mean so much to me.
Women like Nina and Susan have provided me the confidence to expand my business and to continue to grow professionally.
I’d also like to thank the one who has been with me from the beginning. We met through a mutual friend and started collaborating right away. She has helped me with social media, explaining the importance of presentation and how to communicate my brand message to others. I would not be where I am today without Lexi. She has provided so much guidance in my early days, and still does. I feel like I met her at the right time when we both needed to expand and challenge ourselves. She has been instrumental to my brand’s maturity.

Website: www.meredithashleyjewelry.com

Instagram: meredithashleyjewelry

Facebook: Meredith Ashley Jewelry

Image Credits
Jones The Studio