Conversations with Meredith Ashley

Today we’d like to introduce you to Meredith Ashley. 

Hi Meredith, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve always had an obsession with jewelry, all styles!!! In 2019, I remember having a conversation at dinner with my husband about what I wanted to do different, career-wise. I wanted to tell him at that time that I really wanted to create my own jewelry line but I was too embarrassed, thought he might laugh at the idea, so I said nothing.

In 2021, I left my executive assistant position in Dallas and my family moved to Colorado. Not sure of my next steps, I started thinking to myself “What if I start my own jewelry line now?” I had the courage to tell my husband and he was very supportive of the idea, which really surprised me. I started researching, bought materials, and taught myself how to hand make jewelry. Once I started designing, I started thinking about all the people in my life who inspired me and helped me become the woman that I am today. That’s when I decided to name many of my pieces in the Everyday Collection (available on the website) after those individuals. I recently launched my first limited edition collection – The Betty Jean Collection. This collection was named after my grandmother. I plan to release my next limited-edition collection – The Marina Collection, named after one of my aunts and the one I am the closest to, who loves Florida’s Gulf Coast…hint, hint. Look for that collection in Summer 2022.

A few months after I started, and prior to launching my website, I had an opportunity to present my brand, in person, and have exclusive pieces sell at Front Door Fashion, based in Dallas, TX. My #1 goal for selling at Front Door Fashion was to receive feedback from their customers. Being a brand-new designer, that feedback was extremely important to me. The partnership with them has been amazing and their continued support for my growing business has meant so much to me. Since then, I’ve successfully sent them four additional exclusive collections.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
I have to say, the community of jewelry designers has been amazing! Not knowing what to expect, I had this idea that they weren’t going to be as welcoming to a new designer. I have met some great people in the industry and they have helped me navigate this new adventure and keep encouraging me to grow my business.

As far as obstacles and challenges, the biggest one I have to say is ME. Being a mom, wife, and running my business (all by myself) can definitely be challenging at times. Being a new designer, working on building my brand, and getting my story out there doesn’t come easy to me. Putting myself out there more, is a work in progress and being the face of my brand is something I really didn’t even think about when I started my business.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m the owner and jewelry designer for Meredith Ashley Jewelry, LLC (est. 2021). When I started my company, I wanted to create designs that you could wear every day and could easily be styled with other pieces year-round. I handpick all the stones and gems I use in each design and use 14k gold-filled chains to create one-of-a-kind pieces. I take great pride in all my designs, even test wear many of my pieces months in advance to make sure they are 100% ready for my customers. I also love to layer necklaces. I hear a lot from customers saying “I don’t know how to layer necklaces”. When I launched my website, I made sure to add a page called Layering Ideas. It makes it easy for customers to see how you can easily layer two, three or four necklaces.

Styling an Outfit – What always fascinated me was the way jewelry could change the look of an outfit. You can bring life to an outfit just by adding jewelry. To me, an outfit isn’t complete without jewelry. You’ll rarely catch me not wearing jewelry.

This year will mark my 1-year anniversary! I am very proud of what I’ve created, everything that I have learned and the people that I have met in the industry. What I’m most proud of is ME! Taking this step towards an idea that I thought would never become anything. Looking back at day 1 versus now is kind of shocking to me. Hahaha!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.meredithashleyjewelry.com/
• Instagram: @meredithashleyjewelry
• Facebook: Meredith Ashley Jewelry

Image Credits
Jocelyn Negron Studio
Lexi Dymek Photography