We recently connected with Ashley O’brien and have shared our conversation below.

Ashley, appreciate you joining us today. What do you think matters most in terms of achieving success?

To me, success is a combination of passion, perseverance, and adaptability. Running a small craft business has shown me that the most important thing is consistency, even when things aren’t immediately rewarding. It’s easy to get discouraged when you’re putting a lot of effort into your work and not seeing the immediate results you’d hoped for, but I’ve learned that small, consistent actions over time lead to bigger rewards.

I think that’s really what success is about in my business—staying committed to both learning and adapting while maintaining a passion for what I do. Success isn’t just about making a lot of sales, it’s about growth, building relationships, and staying true to your craft. That’s how I’ve learned to define success in my own work

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Starting my own craft business has always been a dream of mine. I’ve always loved animals and nature, and that love inspires the work I do. Spending time outdoors helps me feel grounded, and I try to bring that peace and simplicity into everything I create.

Along with my sister-in-law Erin, who is the talented painter behind our custom art items, we work closely together to offer a variety of handmade, eco-friendly products. From home décor to jewelry, each piece is carefully made with sustainability and meaning in mind.

What sets us apart is the care we put into everything we create. We believe in simplicity and balance, and we strive to bring that into our designs, making sure every item has a purpose and a story behind it. Our goal is to offer beautiful, high-quality pieces that help our customers connect with each product and add a little joy to their lives.

The name Honey Co. is more than just a name—it’s a reflection of our values. We chose the honey bee as our emblem because, like the female bees in a hive, we believe in the power of hard work and collaboration. Just as the bees work together to build a thriving hive, we work together to bring you carefully selected gifts and handmade treasures, each chosen with care and dedication.

At Honey Co., we aim to create a place where you can find something special that fits your life and values—beautiful, earth-friendly products with prices that make sense. We want to create a buzzing hive of happiness, where you can always find something that resonates with you, crafted with love and attention to detail.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

There have been many moments in my life where I’ve had to pivot, whether it was in my career or in my personal life. One time in particular stands out when I faced unemployment for the first time. It was a scary and uncertain time, and I honestly had no idea what to do with myself. It was a turning point for me because I realized that in order to move forward, I had to step out of my comfort zone and take risks. I tried new jobs that I have never done before and even decided to go back to school and finish my degree. The fear of failure was real, and there were definitely times when I questioned whether I was making the right choice.

But even in these moments of uncertainty, I keep reminding myself to take things one step at a time. On the days where I feel completely lost I hold myself accountable to do at least one thing every day to move closer to my goal. Whether it is learning something new, reaching out or seeking feedback from a client, or simply brainstorming ideas, I keep pushing forward.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned through this process is to not give up, even when things feel overwhelming. Life doesn’t always go according to plan, and sometimes it throws you completely off course. I’ve had to start over from scratch at times, but I’ve learned to trust that it’s okay to not have all the answers right away. I also rely on my faith—when things feel out of control, I give my worries to God, knowing that everything will fall into place.

The fear of failure is something we all deal with, but please don’t let it control you. I’ve learned that the key is to keep moving, even if the steps feel small or uncertain. Life is full of unexpected challenges, but they often lead to the most meaningful growth. Every time I pivot, I come out stronger, and that’s what keeps me going.

Can you talk to us about how your side-hustle turned into something more.

At this point, my craft business isn’t yet my main source of income, but it has been the longest-running and most successful venture I’ve had so far. I feel incredibly blessed to have reached this point, and it’s a reminder of how far I’ve come. The growth I’ve experienced in this business has been deeply fulfilling, and I’m excited to see where it will go in the future.

The support of my husband has been invaluable in this journey— always encouraging me and believing in my dream, even when things are rocky. And the opportunity to work alongside my incredibly talented sister-in-law, Erin, has been a huge blessing. Her artistic contributions have helped elevate the business, and I’m proud of what we’ve built together.

I may not have reached the point where this is my full-time business yet, but I have no doubt that one day it will be. The key milestones so far have been finding my voice as a creator, building a loyal community of customers, and seeing the impact of my work on others. These steps are all leading me toward the bigger picture, and I’m determined to make something meaningful out of this.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://honeycogifts.etsy.com
• Instagram: honey.co_gifts
• Facebook: Honey.Co Gifts
• Other: https://www.honeycogifts.com