Jennifer Ashby shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Jennifer, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
The first 90 minutes of my day are my “studio quiet time.” I grab my iced espresso, open my laptop and ease into the day by checking emails and packaging overnight orders, there is always something satisfying about knowing pieces are on their way to their new home. Then I will hop into my DMs and connect with customers and answer questions that came in, like a little morning catch up with my community. I usually spend the rest of that window planning and creating our social media content for the day, choosing photos, writing captions and mapping out what we want to share and highlighting new releases.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Tinsley Allison Designs is a brand built on the idea that beautiful things deserve a second life. We create small batch and one-of-a-kind pieces made from authentic designer materials. Couture buttons into jewelry, repurposed bag charms and up cycled accessories that you cannot find anywhere else. Every item is dreamed up by my team and me, so nothing is mass produced and everything carries a little bit of our story in it. Our brand is special because it blends sustainability with luxury, creativity with nostalgia, and craftsmanship with heart. Each piece feels personal, because for us, it is.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who taught you the most about work?
Without a doubt, my parents have taught me the most about work.They’re the two most hard working people I know and I grew up watching them pour their energy and integrity into everything that they did. My dad owned his own company, so my entrepreneurial spirit definitely came from him. I saw first hand what it looks like to build something from the ground up and to show up for it every day. My mom has an incredible mix of determination and creativity that taught me how to work hard while staying true to my passion. Together they made “work” feel less like a chore and more like a chance to create a life you love.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
There have definitely been moments when I wondered if I should keep going. Owning a small boutiques business in a would where everything is mass-produced and often less expensive than what I do, can feel like swimming upstream. What I create takes a lot of time, intention, authentic designer materials and hands on craftsmanship. This naturally makes it more expensive than a fast-fashion alternative. Pair all of that with an unpredictable economy, where people are understandably more cautious about spending on items that are not necessities, and it can feel discouraging.
But, any time I questioned if this is what I should be doing, I would pray about it and something small but meaningful would pull me back. And the right people always find value in things made with heart.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Whose ideas do you rely on most that aren’t your own?
The ideas that I rely on most, that aren’t my own come from my husband. He has this unwavering belief in me, even in the moments I am doubting myself. He always offers the calm and steady perspective that I need. Whether it is talking through a new product idea or just reminding me to trust my instincts, his input grounds me and gives me confidence to move forward. He is my sounding board, my voice of reason and often the person who helps me see possibility when I’m too close to see it myself.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. If you retired tomorrow, what would your customers miss most?
If I retired tomorrow, I think my customers would miss the relationship we have built more than anything else. Over the last seven years, this hasn’t just been a business, it’s been a community. I have gotten to know so many of my customers personally, learned their stories, celebrated their milestones and created pieces that mean something to them. That connection, that sense of being a part of each other’s lives, is truly the heart of Tinsley Allison Designs. I think they’d miss that personal touch, the conversations and the feeling that even order comes from someone who truly cares.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.tinsleyallisondesigns.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/tinsleyallisondesigns
- Facebook: https://Facebook.com/tinsleyallisondesigns
