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

Hi Ashley , thanks for joining us today. If you could go back in time do you wish you had started your business sooner or later

If I could go back in time, I would definitely start sooner. I was a stay at home mom and more of a hobbyist. I would make hairbows, headbands, and babywipe cases. I would party plan and create decor. When I initially started making jewelry in 2012, while out and about I would receive compliments on my jewelry just as I would for the girls bows etc. and inquiries about where I purchased them. I would dismissively say that I made them. The reactions would be so surprised, ” You made this”! The next question that ALWAYS followed was “do you sell them?” That is what sparked the business. It remained only a idea until 2014 when I acquired my DBA for Chic Haven, but meanwhile I started working and all the other responsibilities of mom, wife etc. I would do pop up shops here and there but not consistently taking my business seriously. I think if I had started sooner I would have been able to build my brand and expand. Looking back I wish I had more confidence to execute my ideas and build my business.

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

My name is Ashley D. Sheppard, I was born and raised in New Orleans, LA. I relocated to Houston, TX due to Hurricane Katrina. I have been married for 20 years, I have two daughters and I’m the youngest of 4 sisters. I have always loved the beauty industry, that was my first love. I started as a cosmetologist and transitioned into a Nail Technician. I had the privilege of working at two of New Orleans most known and luxury salon/spas at the time. BellaDonna Day Spa on Magazine St. and H20 in Metairie, LA. I took a hiatus for about 8-9 years. In addition to that my love for event planning and crafting merged. As a mom of girls, I enjoyed all the bells and whistles of dressing my little princesses. Which lead to my crafting and party planning. I began to help family, friends and co workers with their personal events and collaborated with a few other small businesses. I think what sets me apart from others is that I can provide a variety of services. I’m not confined to only one thing. I’m most proud of the joy and happiness that is received by a client when their vision has been created, whether its an event or jewelry. I have alot of ideas I’ve been sitting on and I look forward to making those a reality in the near future. I think my potential clients will throughly enjoy!

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

In November of 2019 I was diagnosed with Cancer. In January of 2020 I had surgery and began Chemotherapy and Radiation treatments simultaneously in February. March 2020 the Covid-19 Pandemic happend. It was absolutely DEVASTATING. Soooo much was happening all at once. I was in a VERY dark place, confidence was ZERO. I didn’t have the strength or stamina for much of anything. As I recovered through the months my nephew got engaged. This gave me a opportunity to get back to what I enjoyed. I assisted with wedding planning and creating wedding decor. With the help of my sisters and husband we were able to make their wedding day a beautiful success. It was a twofold experience for me, it was crystal clear that I was not the same person but despite that my gifts hadn’t left me. It also taught me that needing assistance/help doesn’t make me weak. As time passed I was able to plan my daughters graduation dinner, my niece’s tea party and add candles to my list of products offered. I’m currently planning/assisting with another nephews wedding in Austin, TX. Resilience means the capacity to withstand, to recover, the ability to bounce back. I weathered the storm, I’m still weathering it. There is strength in weakness. I will continue to nuture my business however small it remains or however big it may grow. Don’t allow your endeavors to be dismissed by others or yourself.

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

With all social media platforms etc. that are available referrals is still an excellent and effective way to grow your clientele. Social media is an outlet that provides immediate access so you can showcase your skills, products or services. Taking advantage of local small business events, markets and pop ups are all great ways to gain potential clients and patrons.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://chichavenchick.wixsite.com/chichaven
• Instagram: @nolaash83 & @chichavenscorner
• Other: [email protected]

Image Credits
All images are my own.