We were lucky to catch up with Ashlee Hicks recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Ashlee, thanks for joining us today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?
One day I was out thrifting with my best friend and we stumbled on some cool silver spoons that were bent into unique shapes and made into necklaces. I thought wow that’s really cool. I knew I could do something unique like that too. So I got my hands on some metal thanks to my dad- he worked in a metal fabricating shop. Then I spent some time on YouTube learning how to cut and stamp metal all on my own. I have prided myself over the years for the fact that I learned how to cut and file my own blanks and I don’t need to rely on store boughten ones. Which I think adds a really unique touch to every piece.
More recently I decided to go after a childhood dream by creating my own sticker. I mean who doesn’t love stickers, right?! This new passion has bloomed into more stickers and multiple collabs with other artists from all over. I have even learned how to paint and collage which is so much fun! A few of those painting have made it in to group art shows!
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
You guys learned how I got started in the previous question so now let me tell you what I do. I create jewelry and keychains out of big pieces of sheet metal. I hand cut and file them down so they are smooth on the edges. Then I will take individual letters/numbers/symbols and hammer them 1 by 1 onto the metal. Whether it’s a necklace for mom or a keychain that expresses your feelings I create something beautiful out of a piece of metal that you can keep and cherish forever.
Most people that do this kind of thing will purchase blanks for everything from stores. I stand out for the fact that everything I do is made to order and hand cut. I’m very proud of this. It’s always a great feeling when I’m at an event and I’m explaining to potential customers how I make the pieces and I will get these looks and comments like “wow” “that’s so much work” “these are great”. It’s a great feeling when someone can appreciate the work that is put into it.
Where do you think you get most of your clients from?
Th best source of new clients has always been vending at markets/art shows. Physically being able to present my work is so different than posting on social media. Being able to create small conversations with potential customers and tell them how I make each piece is so personal and intimate. I still have people that will come up to me at events and say things like “I was hoping you’d be here” or “I remember seeing you at this event” Those moments are reminders to me to keep creating because there are people that look forward to what I can make.
Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?
I always try to encourage my customers to follow me on all my social media so they can keep in touch and up to date on all of my new stuff. I still have people, that were some of my first ever customers years ago, come back for new stuff or to add a new initial to their necklace for their kids.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.etsy.com/shop/HappilyEverStamped
- Instagram: @happilyeverstamped
