We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Ashley Collins a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Ashley , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today One of the things we most admire about small businesses is their ability to diverge from the corporate/industry standard. Is there something that you or your brand do that differs from the industry standard? We’d love to hear about it as well as any stories you might have that illustrate how or why this difference matters.
As the founder and lead visionary at Ashley’s Visions & Productions (AVP), my journey has been deeply rooted in the passion for bringing diverse and fusion wedding celebrations to life. With a commitment to inclusivity, AVP has cultivated a portfolio that reflects a wide array of cultures and traditions, showcasing our dedication to creating celebrations that honor the unique love stories of every couple we work with.
At AVP, our approach to wedding planning is thoughtfully designed to stand out from the industry standard. We create four custom timelines tailored to the specific needs of our clients, their vendors, and the wedding party, ensuring clarity and cohesion throughout the event planning process. Our team’s professionalism is evident not only in our detailed planning but also in our presentation. We are always the first on-site and the last to leave, fully embracing the elegance and commitment required for each event. To support our clients every step of the way, we offer unlimited email communication, ensuring they always have a helping hand. Our exclusive client portal organizes all event details in one place, simplifying the planning process. However, what truly sets AVP apart is our focus on quality over quantity. We believe in the importance of work-life balance and healthy habits, understanding that our best work comes from a place of well-being. This philosophy is central to our mission, allowing us to provide unparalleled service while maintaining our own health and happiness.
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.
Hello, readers! I’m Ashley Collins, the heart and soul behind Ashley’s Visions & Productions (AVP), a boutique wedding planning firm based in Houston, Texas. My journey into the world of wedding planning was somewhat serendipitous. With a background in hospitality and leadership development, coupled with a science degree, I found my true calling in the intricate dance of wedding planning. It was the perfect amalgamation of my love for organization, design, and the sheer joy of bringing people together for the most memorable moments of their lives.
At AVP, we specialize in crafting fusion wedding celebrations that not only honor our clients’ unique love stories but also seamlessly blend cultural traditions. Our services range from full wedding planning and design to month-of coordination, each tailored to meet the distinct needs of our couples. We solve a myriad of problems for our clients, from navigating the complexities of wedding logistics to ensuring that every detail reflects their vision. Our exclusive client portal and custom timelines are just a few examples of how we streamline the planning process, making it as stress-free as possible.
What sets AVP apart is our commitment to diversity and inclusivity. We pride ourselves on having one of the most diverse portfolios in the industry, showcasing our ability to adapt and innovate across a broad spectrum of wedding styles and traditions. Our approach is personal; we’re not just planning a wedding, we’re creating an experience that’s reflective of each couple’s unique journey.
I am most proud of the relationships we’ve built and the trust we’ve earned from our clients. It’s a testament to our dedication and passion for what we do. For potential clients, followers, and fans, I want you to know that at AVP, your love story is our inspiration. We’re here to bring your vision to life, with elegance, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
To illustrate, here’s a review from one of our cherished clients: “AVP turned our dream wedding into a reality. Ashley and her team went above and beyond, paying attention to every detail and ensuring our day was flawless. Their professionalism, creativity, and warmth made the entire process enjoyable. We couldn’t have asked for a better team to guide us through our wedding journey.”
What else should we know about how you took your side hustle and scaled it up into what it is today?
Absolutely, my venture into the world of wedding and event planning began as a side hustle, born from a passion for designing and hosting parties for friends and family. It all started quite organically; after planning a successful birthday party for a friend, word of mouth and a growing social media presence began to draw more people to my services. However, the real pivot to the wedding industry came unexpectedly and quite dramatically.
During the challenging times of the global pandemic, my boyfriend’s sister was in a bind, needing to plan her wedding in just three months. With the family hesitant to take on the planning responsibilities, my boyfriend volunteered my help. Before I knew it, I was attending venue tours, not just as a supportive figure but as the designated wedding planner—a role that was thrust upon me but felt as natural as if I had been doing it for years. That day, when the venue manager inquired about the planner and all eyes turned to me. In that moment, I confidently introduced myself, “Hi, I’m Ashley with Ashley’s Visions & Productions”and extended a handshake. That gesture marked the beginning of my journey into professional wedding planning, and from that moment, I haven’t put down my clipboard.
Originally, this journey began as a part-time endeavor, complementing my decade of experience in hospitality and leadership development. As the Chief Strategy Officer at Chick-fil-A East Houston, I honed my skills in logistics, strategy, and problem-solving. This role not only refined my professional abilities but also laid the groundwork for my seamless transition into the wedding planning industry.
One of the key milestones in this journey was the transition from owning an event storefront with inventory rentals to focusing solely on event design and planning. Initially, providing rentals and full event production was part of our offering. However, after experiencing the joy and creativity involved in wedding planning, I decided to pivot. I sold the storefront and all its inventory to go remote, focusing on what I loved most: design and collaboration with vendors. This decision has allowed AVP to expand its horizons, working across Houston, the country, and even in exciting destination locales.
A testament to our growth and success is the expansion of our team. What began as a solo endeavor has blossomed into a dynamic team of eight talented women, each bringing their unique skills and passion to AVP. This evolution from a one-woman show to a thriving team is one of the aspects I’m most proud of. It not only signifies the growth of AVP but also our commitment to providing unparalleled service and creativity to our clients.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
My reputation in the wedding planning market is a testament to my background in hospitality, leadership, and logistics. I’ve always sought creative and innovative ways to design and plan weddings, underpinned by an unwavering dedication to excellence. The way my team and I present ourselves, always aiming for the pinnacle of professionalism, reflects our view of AVP not just as a business but as a standard-bearer in the industry. This mindset of treating our firm with the gravitas of a large enterprise, even from its early days, has significantly influenced our reputation.
Networking plays a crucial role in our strategy. We make it a point to dress to impress, approach everyone with a friendly demeanor, and never leave the house without business cards—whether going for a walk or running errands. This readiness to engage has been fundamental in spreading our name and ethos.
Post-event, we make it a practice to reach out to vendors for feedback, expressing our appreciation for their collaboration. Before each event, we introduce ourselves to every vendor involved, ensuring they understand who we are, what we stand for, and that we’re excited to work alongside them. This proactive communication, coupled with a thorough review of event details, sets a tone of cooperation and respect from the outset.
It’s this commitment to excellence and a proactive, professional approach that has distinguished us in the market, leaving a lasting impression on vendors and clients alike.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.avphtx.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/avp.htx/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/avp.htx
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/Avphtx