Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ashley Olmstead. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Ashley thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.

Prior to launching Quail Store, I had a comfortable, successful career in corporate retail that took 23 years to build. While developing said career, I was often dreaming about my own space/ building my own brand that allowed for more creative freedom and the ability to grow something according to my values while working with supportive, creative people/ makers/ artists who shared these values…

As my work life became increasingly more unfulfilling, I started to shape in a more defined way what that brand/ space would look like, initially as a coping strategy.

The more I built, the more possible it became, and then for about a year I lived in career purgatory, terrified to make the leap.

At some point I realized that all this time I had spent (regardless of title, salary, benefits)  had been dedicated to building someone else’s dream. I knew if I didn’t at least try to create mine, I would regret it. I was able to step back and ask myself how I wanted to spend my days, and made the decision to allocate my time, effort and dedication to turning my own fantasy into something real. If you are going to take a risk, betting on yourself seems like the most calculated risk possible.

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.

My name is Ashley Olmstead, I am the owner of home concept shop in Philadelphia called Quail Store. I have been in Philly for a total of 6 years but in incremental time frames. I have bopped around quite a bit in my adult life.

I grew up in Miami in the 80’s and 90’s which I am so grateful for. That time and place has really helped cultivate my sense of style. I never felt beholden to one genre in anything really: music, design, fashion, food, plants, flowers. I like what I like. I think the early exposure to so much diversity and freedom in Miami really instilled a strong sense of self There was no template to follow, because everyone had come from somewhere else or had a different story.

As I mentioned earlier, I spent 23 years with a large corporate retailer based in Philadelphia, primarily in Visual Merchandising. I was able to travel quite a bit with them so spent 7 years in New York and 12 in Los Angeles, with a little Philly before, after, and in between.

I opened Quail Store in September of 2023 We are a home concept shop dedicated to emerging and exceptional designers and artists. We have done multiple exclusive collaborations with artists such as Everyone’s Mother, Lucky Star Candle, and have more in the works!

I love interiors because it is the most intimate and honest expression of yourself. It, in most cases, is not broadcast or put on display. I wanted to create a brand to celebrate the interior life: what you put your coffee into, towels you use, treasures you chose to display, things you might pass on to upcoming generations….future heirlooms.

My intention for Quail Store, is to be known as destination for creative community while becoming synonymous with excellence in forward thinking interior spaces. As we become more digitally reliant, I am also excited to challenge our current understanding of “brick and mortar” both as it relates to commerce and community. There is so much possibility to explore.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

I didn’t used to be one for the self-help category, but opening a business has changed that, I need all the help I can get! I am currently reading “Hidden Potential” by Adam Grant. I am an introvert by nature, which can be challenging as a new and growing business owner. This book has helped me understand how to channel beneficial aspects of an extrovert mentality while remaining authentic to both myself, and the brand I am trying to cultivate.

Understanding how to navigate this path with integrity and minimal phoniness, while pushing myself outside of my comfort zone has been a challenging  journey. I have tapped Adam Grant to be my sherpa, I suppose.

Also, the SCORE mentorship program has been  a major game changer for me.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

Remaining nimble is necessary. That’s it. Things are not going to go the way you had planned, or imagined. People aren’t always going to love what you love. Zooming out on a regular basis has been important for me. I try to ask myself every day “Is this good for me or the business?” A great piece of advice I received from another local shop owner, who I admire greatly, told me “You need to keep your ego out of it” and it’s true, but so hard when creating something really personal. It’s a nonstop learning process, being open to the lessons and course correcting based on feedback is mandatory.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://shopquailstore.com
• Instagram: @quail_store

Image Credits
Peter Sherno