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

Hi Ashley, thanks for joining us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

I really wanted to create a space where the artists I work with could feel like they’re showcasing their best. A space where they can create freely and be fueled by the engagement they see from the collectors who connect with their work.

What I’ve learned is that to truly succeed in this business, you have to love it. So I kept my focus on what fuels me most one-of-a-kind art. I love pieces that make you want to layer your emotions through your jewelry. Art is self-expression, and I’ve felt myself grow alongside the artists as we’ve moved through different phases of our lives.

My mission has never just been about growing myself it’s been about helping the artists I work with thrive. We’re a team. And my commitment has always been to quality over quantity.

Today, we’re known for offering some of the highest-quality statement jewelry out there. Eye-catching, wearable art. We have collectors around the world who seek out individual artists and their unique styles.

Not only do we offer the best, but we also have some of the most competitive pricing in the market. We act as the bridge between artist and buyer providing a safe, fair, and quality-driven transaction on both sides.

Our markup is intentional. We price pieces in a way that honors the artist’s work while giving our customers an investment something they’ll treasure and that will hold or grow in value. We’re not here to sell you an overpriced one-time piece. We’re here to help you build a meaningful collection, one that grows with you.

What we do is truly one of a kind.

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 always say I didn’t grow up around jewelry, I grew up in it.
I sat with the artists as they created in our shop. I listened to their stories, laughed at their jokes, and absorbed their culture as they worked. I was raised just outside the Navajo reservation, following in the footsteps of my father, who has lived and breathed the art world since he was a child. I was a true shop kid just like my children are being raised today.
The artists have become my extended family. Many of the same artists my dad once worked withI now have the honor of working with, along with their children

I found the true meaning of life in the stories and traditions of the Native American people, and it brought my soul to life. That’s where I discovered my passion for art. It was the heartbeat of my childhood and the foundation of my creative spirit.

By the time I was 30, I found myself in a space few women my age occupy: working as a Native American art trader, helping lead a family-owned business deeply rooted in community. I’ve had the honor of working directly with some of the most respected artists in the world many from the Navajo Nation whose work carries generations of tradition. I was a wife and a first-time mother, determined to allow both my family and our business to thrive.

I had a drive to become known for what we do best: our commitment to authenticity.
In a world flooded with mass-produced, “Native-inspired” pieces, we stand firmly behind genuine, one-of-a-kind art—made by real hands with real stories. I’m not just curating art. I’m building relationships, sharing traditions, and giving voice to artists who deserve to be seen and celebrated.

What drives me in this field is art that’s truly one of a kind pieces that carry the value and spirit of the artist. I’ve never cared about chasing trends or filling cases with items just to sell. I’m drawn to pieces made with meaning and purpose, ones that come alive the moment you touch them. I’ve always felt a deep responsibility to create a space where that kind of work is not just displayed, but deeply respected and honored.

That’s what The Nugget Gallery has become not just a shop or an online store, but a space where culture is preserved, voices are amplified, and tradition is protected.

Being a young woman in a male-dominated industry came with its challenges, but I never let that stop me. I leaned into what made me different: my authenticity, my drive, and most of all, my genuine respect for the artists and their stories. I’ve never seen myself as just a buyer or a seller I’ve always seen myself as a bridge, a storyteller, and a curator of culture.

Social media especially Instagram became a powerful part of that journey. I didn’t have a big marketing budget, but I had something even more valuable: a clear vision and a voice. I used it to share the stories behind the pieces, to connect with people, and to build a real community. Little by little, that approach helped grow The Nugget Gallery into a thriving, worldwide business built entirely on heart, artistry, and relationships.

What I’m most proud of is being part of something bigger than myself a movement to preserve and uplift Native artistry. I want people to know that when they support The Nugget Gallery, they’re not just buying jewelry. They’re investing in culture, tradition, and the future of Indigenous creativity. I’m here to be a storyteller, a connector, and an advocate for the kind of art that lives far beyond the display case.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

What helped build my reputation in the market wasn’t just what I sold it was how I showed up. From day one, I led with integrity, authenticity, and a deep respect for the artists I work with. I didn’t try to cut corners, follow trends, or chase fast success. I focused on building real relationships, telling real stories, and honoring the cultural roots of the work I represent.

I think what set me apart was that I never approached this as just a business. I approached it as a responsibility. I took the time to learn, to listen, and to understand what mattered to the artists their traditions, their process, their values. And I made sure that when someone bought a piece from The Nugget Gallery, they weren’t just getting a piece of jewelry or art they were buying a piece of the artist and their story.

Over time, word spread. Artists knew they could trust me with their work, and clients knew they could trust me to deliver something real, meaningful, and ethically sourced. I also used social media, especially Instagram, not as a selling platform but as a way to build community. I shared the behind-the-scenes, the history, and the heart and people connected with that.

Reputation is built in the quiet moments in how you treat people when no one is watching, in how consistent you are when things get tough, and in whether or not your actions align with your values. That’s how I’ve earned my place in this industry. One piece, one story, and one relationship at a time.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

The most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been simple: treat your customers right. That means showing up with honesty, grace, and respect, even when things don’t go as planned. Sometimes there are shipping delays, a piece arrives and just doesn’t work out, or you come across a customer who simply doesn’t vibe with you. It happens. But how you handle those situations matters more than the situation itself.

I’ve learned to accept imperfections, even when they’re out of my control, and to lead with empathy. Taking the time to listen, to problem solve, and to treat people with kindness goes a long way. Customer retention is everything. It’s much easier and far more impactful to care for the clients who already believe in your work than to constantly chase new ones.

When someone feels seen, heard, and respected, they come back. And more often than not, they bring others with them. Word of mouth from a happy customer is more powerful than any ad you can buy. That kind of reputation builds slow, steady, lasting growth, and it’s rooted in real relationships.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.nuggetgallery.com
• Instagram: nuggetgallery