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

Alright, Ashley thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?

Before I started Hazel & Blues, I was a stay at home mom for 5 years and before that, I worked in case management in the non-profit sector. My degree is psychology and the intention I had was to pursue a career in private counseling, but after the first year of graduate school I came to the realization that it was not my true calling. Being a stay at home mom was fulfilling in a number of ways, but not in ALL the ways I needed to truly feel purposeful. I was constantly yearning for a creative outlet and a way to be impactful at the same time. I was always baking, or learning to crochet or taking piano lessons. After my husband and I had our three kids and I was really feeling a pull to work again in a brand new way. I did some soul searching and came to the conclusion that whatever i pursued needed to serve a purpose I believed in, provide me with an avenue for social opportunities and be something that could provide income.
Although I had very little experience in retail I became obsessed with the idea of creating an atmosphere where women could shop, socialize and get support while shopping from store associates that knew the pieces in the store. So when we decided to purchase a farm house built in the 1890’s I knew the renovation had to be massive and elicit all the feelings I was hopeful customers would experience in the space. The renovation took a year. I researched and created vision boards and employed the help of my friend and designer for the layout. The store also offers lattes so during the renovation I practiced making lattes for months so I would be ready when the store opened. The undertaking was huge, but I chiseled away at it bit by bit and had incredible support from my husband, sister and the community. Opening day was more successful than I could have guessed. It was unexpectedly more of a vulnerable experience than I would have imagined. It was a year of incredible work, energy and creativity coming to life and hoping that it would be received well.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Hazel & Blues came from a desire to bring a shopping experience to the community that also provided a unique environment, a supportive staff that was skilled at styling and knowledgeable about fashion, that was available to help, an inclusive shopping experience that provided all sizes and elements of comfort, like the ability to have a good latte and shop. I also wanted to provide a space for other female business owners to showcase their products so Hazel & Blues is a women’s collective as well. We have Misty Morning Candle Co., Swan Soap Co, BeLovely (Spa and self care items) and a few different clothing lines so we have variety in styles and clothing. I think what sets Hazel & Blues apart are the various elements of the boutique. We wanted to bring a genuinely enjoyable shopping experience to the community. There was a need for a place to go that offered styling assistance on the spot or by appointment. The pieces that are offered are curated by myself and the other couple clothing vendors so items are unique and not stocked in mass like they would be at big retailers. I collaborate with other business owners in the community so there are frequently pop up events from Botox and Bubbly to later shopping hours with special promos offered. We provide a non-intimidating space for women to walk in and feel supported. Shopping is a personal experience and I really want women to feel empowered and confident when they leave Hazel & Blues.

Have you ever had to pivot?

As I mentioned previously my degree is in Psychology and I was a stay at home mom for 5 years, but I ultimately knew there was a different purpose for me out there. I’ve always been a bit of a black sheep when it came to doing things traditionally. I didn’t always follow typical paths. Honestly, once I realized that my nature was rooted in creative and social fulfillment and had the support of a husband who not only supported me, but strongly encouraged me to pursue starting down the road to discovering what fills my cup, it was liberating! Everyone I’ve encountered absorbs the excitement and passion I’ve developed for this business and it’s tangible when you come to Hazel & Blues. I began with vision boards, conversations with fellow business owners, and tons of brainstorming. There was a time where I think I only slept 5 hours a night because I could not wait to get up and work on the Hazel & Blues project.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

The absolute best source of new clients has been referrals. We take out some advertising and use social media, but word of mouth has been most effective. Women come in not knowing what to expect, especially since the outside still looks very much like a farm house, and find a place where there is the kind of service you don’t find very often anymore. Women come in to find gifts for friends or family, get styled for a wedding, or find clothes for vacation or school and while this is happening you get to know your customers on a personal level and it just never gets old. They are checking off things on their lists and we’re providing services that are so rewarding. Some women come in just to get a latte and chat for a bit. And we LOVE that. Every day we have customers come in and tell us they were referred. We have lots of men that come in and tell us what a wonderful experience their wife or family member had and purchase gift cards. We have customers that set styling appointments for their mothers or sisters as a birthday present because it’s not just shopping, its an opportunity to try things you typically wouldn’t and have a huge portion of the work of shopping taken off your plate.

Contact Info:

• Website: hazelandbluesboutique.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hazelandbluesboutique/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HazelandBluesBoutique

Image Credits
Woman in the leopard dress and denim jacket is a photo of myself in some fall pieces. The group photo is after our June 2022 Fashion Show. Photo of women in hot pink dress was one of our models for a publication we sponsor and article in called Winghaven STROLL . I wanted to show the cafe area where we make lattes and espresso