We were lucky to catch up with Ashley Stambouli recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Ashley, thanks for joining us today. Quality control is a challenge almost every entrepreneur has had to focus on when growing – any advice, stories or insight around how to best ensure quality is maintained as your business scales?

Maintaining quality as our company expanded has been integral to our brand ethos since the beggining. Starting with our made-to-measure dresses, where meticulous attention to detail and high-end finishes were non-negotiable, we were determined to ensure that our ready-to-wear collections upheld the same standards. To achieve this, we implemented a series of stringent quality control measures. Firstly, we diligently vet suppliers to secure only the finest materials, laying a solid foundation for our product quality and we prioritize continuous employee training and empowerment, ensuring that our team understands the importance of maintaining quality and can proactively identify and address any issues that arise. Customer feedback is also central to our quality control efforts, guiding us in refining our processes to consistently meet or surpass expectations. For those navigating quality control concerns amidst growth, my advice is simple: prioritize it from the outset. Invest in robust processes, empower your team, and remain steadfast in your commitment to delivering excellence. Quality is not a one-time endeavor but an ongoing pursuit, essential for fostering customer trust and loyalty in today’s competitive landscape.

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?

I’m Ashley Stambouli. I have an unwavering passion for fashion and design that has been ingrained in me from a young age. Growing up in Venezuela and later moving to Miami, I found myself immersed in a world of creativity and style. Inspired by my family’s background in fashion, with my grandmother’s sewing skills and my mother’s studies in fashion business, I knew from the age of 15 that I wanted to pursue a career in fashion design. This led me to Boston, where I pursued my dream at the School of Fashion Design.

From the moment I received my first home sewing machine at 16, I was captivated by the process of bringing my designs to life. I began crafting wedding guest dresses for myself, and from there, my journey as a designer blossomed. What sets me apart is not just my love for fashion, but my dedication to consistency and continuous learning. With each dress I create, I embrace the opportunity to refine my skills and hone my craft. Every garment holds its own unique story and process, making the journey from concept to creation incredibly rewarding.

I take immense pride in my ability to learn from every dress I make, ensuring that each piece reflects the highest standards of quality and craftsmanship. Whether it’s a bespoke wedding gown or a ready-to-wear ensemble, I am committed to providing my clients with garments that exude elegance and sophistication. What I want potential clients and followers to know about me and my brand is that I pour my heart and soul into every design, striving to exceed expectations and create unforgettable experiences through fashion.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

In March 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the world and threatened the future of my business, I faced a pivotal moment. As someone deeply entrenched in the world of creating made-to-measure dresses and bridesmaid gowns, I initially feared the worst. With weddings postponed and events canceled, it seemed like my business might not survive the storm. However, recognizing the need to adapt quickly to the changing landscape, I made a bold decision to pivot my strategy.

I swiftly transformed my focus to meet the demands of the moment, shifting gears from bridal wear to loungewear sets designed for staying at home. Embracing this new direction, I revamped my website and launched my loungewear collection. To my relief and gratitude, the response was overwhelmingly positive. The loungewear sets resonated with customers seeking comfort and style during uncertain times, and sales soared.

This pivot not only helped me weather the storm of the pandemic but also provided invaluable insights into the world of e-commerce and online business operations. Armed with newfound knowledge and experience, I emerged from the crisis with a deeper understanding of consumer behavior and a strengthened online presence.

As the world gradually reopened and life began to return to normalcy, I leveraged this newfound expertise to relaunch my collection, this time focusing once again on high-end pieces. While the journey was challenging, it reaffirmed my resilience and adaptability as a business owner. This experience taught me the importance of staying agile, embracing change, and never underestimating the power of innovation, even in the face of adversity.

We’d really appreciate if you could talk to us about how you figured out the manufacturing process.

Yes, I manufacture all my products in-house at our Miami Atelier. The journey of getting started with manufacturing has been a testament to perseverance and gradual growth. It all began in the humblest of settings – my own room, equipped with just a home sewing machine. From there, I progressed to a small office space adjacent to my husband’s, where a plastic folding table served as my workstation alongside essential sewing tools. Initially focusing on bridesmaid and made-to-measure dresses, I gradually expanded as demand increased.

The pivotal moment came when I secured a larger office space, enabling me to invest in vital equipment such as an industrial sewing machine and a cutting table. Armed with the knowledge acquired from my fashion design education, I navigated the manufacturing process with confidence, knowing how to execute every step meticulously.

However, the real challenge lay in meeting deadlines while upholding the highest standards of quality. Balancing efficiency with craftsmanship became paramount as orders multiplied. Through diligent time management, meticulous attention to detail, and a relentless commitment to excellence, I successfully navigated these challenges.

Today, manufacturing in-house not only allows me to maintain control over quality but also fosters a sense of connection and authenticity with my brand. It’s a journey that reflects the essence of entrepreneurship – starting small, learning along the way, and continuously striving for improvement.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.ashleystambouli.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashleystambouli/

Image Credits
Saul Bretto