We were lucky to catch up with Ashleey Simone recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Ashleey, thanks for joining us today. Naming anything – including a business – is so hard. Right? What’s the story behind how you came up with the name of your brand?
The story behind coming up with the name for my brand was a bit of a challenge. I wanted the name to not only represent the mission behind the business, but a name that sort of described where I desired to be, in that specific season of my life, when starting the business. It was a very difficult, trying time for me, but my business was my escape. It made me happy. It took my mind off of all that was going on in my world. It made me feel free. Coming up with new formulas, trying them out and seeing results brought me to a place of joy, which allowed me to find peace in my new normal.
The way the products made me feel on the inside and out, during and after every use; the way I was able to build a brand that would essentially be my way out of a dark place; I wanted others to use my products and feel the same way; happy, free, lighter, relaxed and beautiful, in their natural skin.
I searched for words, phrases, through books, magazines, online search engines to find anything relatable until I came across the work “Idyll”. It was perfect.
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?
Of course! So my name is Ashleey Simone. I am a mother to an extremely smart, talented and adorable 2 year old boy. I am the youngest of 4 hard working, dedicated children, to our hard driven parents, who have been together for 37 years.
At the age of 22, back in 2016, I was diagnosed with a severely progressive case of RRMS (Relapse – Remitting Multiple Sclerosis), not long after a cervical cancer scare. In the midst of trying to cope with the challenges life threw in my direction, at such a tender age, dealing with the emotional, self mental abuse and lack of self care was not easy.
Towards the end of 2016, between the heat, on vacation in Cuba, and my ignorance of the triggers of Multiple-Sclerosis, I developed partial paralysis. It was a very challenging time for me; not being able to walk or do everyday duties like I once had.
In the beginning it was a little frustrating for me, to need help using the restroom, to shower or even fix myself a meal. There were times when I couldn’t even make it; but luckily I had family and a partner who were with me every step of the way to help me as best they could through it.
In the midst of all of that, I wanted change, I was desperate for change. I hated taking different medications to feel better, or ease the pain; anytime I did, it would lead to more problems that required more medication to treat something new. After becoming fed up with this cycle, I decided to do my own research and self tested organic blends of self-made Yoni steams that would essentially substitute medications and OTC drugs and possibly benefit me in any way. I was determined to find a solution; and that I did!
I found joy in doing the research, and putting products together for myself, believing that, with the drive I had, all the work I was doing would be worth it in the end! It also took my mind off of all that was going on in my life. It gave me something to look forward to, and kept me busy. That is when I decided to create The Idyll Way.
I envisioned not only Holistic Yoni steams created to help myself and women in the same or similar situations, but a product line for the entire family to feel good, smell good, and know that the products used are safe and 100% natural.
I know there are a lot of brands out there that offer the same line of products, but I think what sets me apart from others is solely the story behind the brand. I don’t know everyone’s story, but for what I do know in comparison to the products I was using, prior to my own, there has been a significant difference in the appearance of my skin and overall health; limiting the amount of chemicals in my personal care products had even been recognized by both my doctors and neurologist!
The Idyll Way has come a long way, and is growing everyday. I am proud of where my journey has brought me, and I am even more grateful, knowing that I have created a brand that I can confidently share with others and make a difference in their lives!
How’d you think through whether to sell directly on your own site or through a platform like Amazon, Etsy, Cratejoy, etc.
When it came to selling my products, I have chosen to build my own website from scratch, as opposed to using a bigger marketing platform like Amazon or Etsy. This too was a decision I made solely based on the fact that I enjoyed learning new skills and was intrigued with educating myself with web develpment, what went on behind the scenes of a website, like the SEO tools, the marketing and the overall aesthetics of the website; I wanted the look and feel of my website to be different and match the brand it represented. I also wanted customers to experience that while browsing.
I still stand by the decision I made. The downside of going that route rather than using a specific, already built platform that has customer traffic, is, if a consumer is looking for products in my niche, I miss out on that potential client.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.theidyllway.ca
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theidyllway
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theidyllway
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCibC9TTGnmD4hLoo7vq6mbA
Image Credits
Shine With Son, 1QC photography, Jack Flawless, ShambalaLens
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1 Comment
Kenroy Hamilton
Ashley Simone is a wonderful strong woman and I’ve had the pleasure of meeting and conversing with her. “Strength of a woman” is the perfect example of her. Your story, your journey and your business are a great fit. I wish you and your business all the best as you both grow.