Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Malfitano
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
In 2014, mother-daughter duo Diana Kinsey and Ashley Malfitano founded Kinsey Rhea, driven by their personal need for concealed carry purses that seamlessly blend safety and style. Unable to find suitable options in the market, they collaborated with Muddy Girl® to launch their initial line of concealed carry bags and accessories, catering to women who desired both functionality and fashion in their personal protection gear.
Their journey into the concealed carry community was deeply personal. In late 2019, both Ashley and her sister obtained their concealed carry licenses, motivated by increasing safety concerns in their respective cities. This experience highlighted the challenges women face in finding suitable concealed carry solutions, inspiring Ashley and Diana to expand their product line to include more subtle and professional designs that fit seamlessly into various lifestyles.
The foundation of Kinsey Rhea is built upon a family legacy of firearm safety and empowerment. Ashley’s father, Mike, introduced her to shooting at a young age, instilling in her the importance of responsible firearm handling. This upbringing fostered a passion in Ashley to empower women to take charge of their own safety, a mission that is central to Kinsey Rhea’s ethos.
Today, Kinsey Rhea offers a range of concealed carry purses and accessories designed by women, for women, at the intersection of safety and style. Their products aim to empower women to feel confident and secure in their daily lives, reflecting the founders’ commitment to creating practical and stylish solutions for personal protection.
For a more personal insight into their story, you can watch this introduction by co-founder Ashley Malfitano:
https://youtu.be/0vQsR2PMj0g?si=bURom4T_UD8G8FTs
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Ashley Malfitano, co-founder of Kinsey Rhea, has navigated the male-dominated firearms industry by creating stylish, modern concealed carry bags tailored specifically for women. Recognizing a gap in the market for functional yet fashionable concealed carry solutions, she launched Kinsey Rhea to empower women to feel confident and secure without compromising on style. Beyond product development, the company actively educates and supports women new to gun ownership, addressing their fears, concerns, and questions. Through informative blogs and community engagement, Kinsey Rhea fosters a supportive environment, encouraging women to embrace self-protection confidently. By prioritizing both aesthetics and education, Ashley challenges industry norms, reshaping the narrative around women’s roles in personal safety and firearm ownership.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Women who are empowered to protect themselves are free to be themselves, and as advocates for women’s mental health, we believe women should feel safe wherever they go. Our fashionable concealed carry solutions are designed to let you travel, work, and play with all the confidence that is uniquely you.
At Kinsey Rhea, we pledge to help create a gun-safe world by educating women about safe handling and by creating products that add a measure of self-protection to your daily life. We see you as the tone-setters for a safer world by carrying readily, responsibly, and dare we say…beautifully!
It’s your life, your look.
Make it yours with Kinsey Rhea.
How do you define success?
Ashley defines success as helping one women at a time finding a off-body bag that is stylish that she feels confident to use when she concealed carries. The success is knowing that women have a voice and feel seen and heard.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kinseyrhea.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kinseyrhea/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kinseyrhea/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@KinseyRheaBags
Image Credits
Aubree Barnett is our amazing photographer
