Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Sheppard.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I started string beading in 2010 as a hobby. I began receiving compliments on my jewelry and the question ” Where did you get your bracelets”? Became frequent, I would reply” Oh, I made them” and the next question was “Do you sell them”? That was the beginning of Chic Haven Jewelry. In 2012 I registered for my DBA, other licensing and I started my page on social media.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has been quite interesting, ups and downs. After initially deciding to take it from a hobby to a small business, I would make progress and then decline, I was still trying to balance my roles going from a stay at home mom to returning to work in 2014. Then a major change happened, In 2016 we learned that my youngest daughter had Dyslexia, ADHD and was on the Autism Spectrum. My priorities changed and my daily routine/schedule did too. I had doctor appointments, counselors, therapy etc. she needed me, so Chic Haven was put on pause. But I never quit, I still have alot more to accomplish to make Chic Haven flourish as a business. So, my advice to the young women who are starting their journey is to embrace it all, mentally prepare for the highs and lows and ENJOY the moments along the way. I have had great moments! Pay attention to your mistakes, we all make them and learn from it. Find your “lane” as I like to call it and work hard to make your business what YOU envision your business to be. Define your own level of success. Never give up!
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Chic Haven – what should we know?
I design/create jewelry. I specialize in beaded bracelets that’s what I’m known most for but I love to create alot of stuff! Center pieces, furniture makeovers and home decor etc. I will be introducing party packages very soon. I’m most proud of including awareness within my jewelry, specifically Autism Awareness, my Dyslexia parent group that I started at my daughters school which I’ll be featuring a ” Beading for Reading” station at our end of the year celebration. What sets Chic Haven apart is that I’m not limited to one thing!
Which women have inspired you in your life?
My mother and sisters have inspired me. My mother lived for her family, we were her priority. She has been my example as I’ve entered into motherhood, to be active and involved with my girls, I learned advocating from her. She is also very talented and creative, sewing, cooking, writing, my mother loves to write, she can be quite poetic. Her faithfulness and endurance is inspiring, She is the essence of love in my eyes. My oldest sister is a go getter! She is very determined and loves anything that challenges her mind, a motto for her would be”Defeat is not the worst of failures, not to have tried is the true failure” she wants to be the best at whatever she does and I admire that. My second to the oldest is who I idolized, She was independent, kind hearted, love of travel and entrepreneurial spirit, I wanted to be just like her! She made me feel like I could do anything, I’ll always admire her. Last but definitely not least, my big sister above me, we share a special bond. I would like to think my first experience of empathy was through our relationship, due to disabilities or physical challenges as I like to call it, she was told she wouldn’t accomplish much but she has surpassed what was expected of her and continues to make achievements, I admire her free spirit, her fearlessness, if she decides to do something, she is going to do it! Our bonds are unbreakable, I’m forever inspired by them.
Pricing:
- Bracelet Set (4) w/ Charms $60-80
- Individual Bracelets $15-20
- Bracelet Set (4) w/o Charms $35
- Custom Bracelets Available Upon Request (prices determined by design)
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chichavenchic/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chichavenchic/?hl=en
- Email: chichavenchick@gmail.com
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