We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ashlye Jones-Dudley. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ashlye below.

Ashlye, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What’s been the best thing you’ve ever seen (or done yourself) to show a customer that you appreciate them?

Excellent customer service is so important in business. I have learned that being responsive and being empathetic to the client provides a competitive advantage. I receive several requests to create custom gift or brooch orders through my Etsy shop. I received one request for almost 200 brooches in a few weeks from a group that was having an event. I was unsure if I could execute in such a short period of time. I was honest with the client and provided updates as I progressed through the order. To my amazement and with good time management, I was able to complete the project. I sent pictures of the packaged brooches and sent the brooches via a 2-day mailing service. The client was so thankful that the brooches made it to them on-time and that I provided communication throughout the process. I truly believe the client will return in the near future for another event.

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

I think I was just born creative. My Father is a professional photographer, coach, and teacher. My Mother is a businesswoman, entrepreneur, and an excellent networker. To be a small business owner was in the genes for me. I am a Wife to my husband of 12 years and a Mother to 3 handsome boys. I have a full-time job and I am the Owner and Creator of Ephey’s Corner, LLC. Ephey’s Corner, LLC is an Etsy shop that creates and curates custom gifts such a hand-sewn brooches, custom journals, custom hair bows, custom gift boxes, and other customizable items.
My journey started with the desire to accessorize my outfits differently for a conference. I thought up an idea to wear a brooch like a tie. I went to the craft store and grabbed some ribbon and some shiny baubles and played around at my kitchen table. I came up with the perfect ribbon broochtie and decided to show off my new creation the first day of conference. I received positive feedback from wearing the broochtie during sessions and decided maybe this could be a thing. So…. I started my Etsy Shop, Ephey’s Corner.
I have had the privilege to collaborate and partner with so many organizations, clients, and other small businesses. It truly has been an adventure to watch my business grow. I went from processing 3 to 5 brooch orders to 100 to 300 brooch orders.
I tend to be amazed at my capability to push out the amount of orders that I have along with attempting to balance work and family. Ephey’s Corner is a passion of mine. Being creative is an outlet away from the day-to-day routine. I am so thankful for all of my clients who have provided the opportunity for me to thrive within my passion.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

Small business owners often feel as though they have to do everything themselves. I am that small business owner. It is something that I continue to struggle with. What I continue to learn is that I can not create the idea, be the creator, maintain the web page, create the marketing, create content for social media, create the promotion campaigns, be the accountant, manage the billing, all the things!!! I must build a team and delegate.
My operation is growing so what I can afford to outsource, I do. This allows for more time for creativity and more time with my family.
As much as I would like to be Super Busineswoman, this does not mean that I have to be everything in my business. I need to work smart and delegate tasks to free up more time.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

Feedback is another important aspect of any business. Whether positive or constructive critique, any feedback is great for business. Ephey’s Corner clients know that they are heard. I have always been a client advocate at my 9-5 and in my business. I read my reviews and make sure that I am giving the clients what they expect. If not more.
I also make sure that I produce out a quality product. I use quality vendors for materials and make sure that I am consistent in my process. I want my clients to be proud of their purchase and my shop.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://epheyscorner.etsy.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/EpheysCorner
• Facebook: www.Facebook.com/EpheysCorner