We recently connected with Ashley Senecal and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Ashley, thanks for joining us today. Often outsiders look at a successful business and think it became a success overnight. Even media and especially movies love to gloss over nitty, gritty details that went into that middle phase of your business – after you started but before you got to where you are today. In our experience, overnight success is usually the result of years of hard work laying the foundation for success, but unfortunately, it’s exactly this part of the story that most of the media ignores. Can you talk to us about your scaling up story – what are some of the nitty, gritty details folks should know about?

I wholeheartedly agree on the importance of sharing the intricate details of the mid-phase in business growth. Learning from numerous founders has been instrumental in gaining perspective. One successful entrepreneur vividly described the business journey to me as pushing a boulder uphill, requiring time and unwavering effort. Yet, reaching that tipping point is where the magic happens, and exponential growth kicks in.

For me, it’s been about immersing myself in my brand and business year after year. Every encounter where I’m asked, ‘What do you do?’ becomes an opportunity to share Wavey. Seizing every chance is crucial—you never know where a single conversation might lead. I did a spontaneous market in Joshua Tree that turned out to be the gateway to my biggest retailer today. Wavey is now present in six US cities, a significant stride contributing to our growth. While it might not seem like much, this steady income has propelled Wavey to new heights. Daily, our brand reaches hundreds of people, and after six years, it feels like everything’s coming full circle. People are organically recognizing our logo and actively seeking us out—a truly rewarding feeling.

My advice echoes my journey—persevere, spread the word, and remain consistent. Every interaction, and every event matters; they hold untapped potential. Try every available avenue, and persist until you find what works. Keep pushing forward, and eventually, success will find its way.

Ashley, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Absolutely! I established Wavey, a sunglass brand, during my final year of college back in 2017. The urge to create something unique was irresistible, especially after noticing the scarcity of affordable yet stylish branded sunglasses. It felt like the available options were either high-end shades you hesitated to wear to parties or any adventure in fear of losing them, or unimpressive gas station finds lacking in both style and quality. That’s when I envisioned Wavey—a curated collection featuring flattering sunglass shapes in an array of vibrant colors, suitable for both men and women.

I take immense pride in knowing that Wavey has become an integral part of countless memories for people around the globe. It’s more than just eyewear; it’s a catalyst for bringing people together and spreading smiles. Wavey’s mission revolves around offering sunglasses that effortlessly enhance your everyday style. Whether online or at various pop-ups like the Mel Rose Trading Post, we’re dedicated to making Wavey accessible. I’m thrilled to announce our latest retail store at Mojave Flea inside Platform LA.

Alright – let’s talk about marketing or sales – do you have any fun stories about a risk you’ve taken or something else exciting on the sales and marketing side?

I have an exciting story about the risk I took opening a week-long Wavey storefront pop-up in Venice Beach. While skating down the boardwalk, I spotted a vacant spot beneath the iconic Venice sign—an opportunity too good to miss. I scheduled a tour that day and committed to having a Wavey shop there for 7 days, aiming to integrate my brand into the community.

The space was stunning, boasting high-ceiling brick walls. Each day brought a diverse array of people from around the globe who connected with our sunglasses. Venice’s vibrant mix of cultures made it incredibly special.
Of course, challenges emerged, from encounters with eccentric locals to slower periods with few visitors. Looking back, it was a unique and defining experience.

Despite my naivety, I managed to turn a profit and cover the costs. It’s the kind of risk that involves small decisions and interactions that ultimately come full circle.
Taking risks, being bold, and staying passionate—these are the elements that drive the journey.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

I’ve got a treasure trove of resources that have played a pivotal role in shaping my entrepreneurial mindset and approach. I find inspiration in a diverse mix of materials that span business, spirituality, and personal development.

For business and financial insights, I highly recommend ‘Profit First’. This book introduced me to an innovative accounting approach, emphasizing the importance of mastering your business’s financial landscape from the get-go—cultivating healthy financial habits early on.

Delving into spirituality and personal growth, ‘To Be Magnetic’ has been a beacon. Their podcast and online program are absolute gold, guiding you to unblock deep-seated beliefs and stepping into the magic of embracing authenticity across various facets of life—be it business, relationships, or personal growth.

In addition, ‘How I Built This’ is a standout podcast from NPR. It dives into the raw and unfiltered stories of founders, offering a unique perspective on their journeys. It’s a deep dive into the invaluable nitty-gritty of these incredible entrepreneurial stories, providing a wealth of insights and inspiration.”

Contact Info:

• Website: www.shopwavey.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shop.wavey/

Image Credits
Photo Credit: Hannah Rasner