Turning your hobby into a full-blown business takes a lot of skills. Patience, resiliency, and a ton of self-determination and belief in yourself. Ashley battled through other jobs, businesses, becoming a mom, and came out of the other side as, what she says, “the richest and luckiest woman in the world”. Rich in time with her family, the ability to explore, and create the things she loves.
In 2015, Ashley started creating niche accessories and clothing for girls between newborn to age 10. Initially, she called this business Bows and Bowtique, but did a full rebrand to Wonder & Revelry in 2021. Balancing between work as a critical care paramedic and filling orders had her working long hours. When her daughter was born in 2018, that’s when she decided to become a full-time entrepreneur. She gives lots of credit to her biggest cheerleader, her husband!
When I asked her about the name Wonder & Revelry, she said it comes from her products that “spark joy and curiosity”. She says, “from babies to adults, everyone loves to see and touch sparkly, pretty things,” and I can confirm that is true based on my family’s collection of sparkly and pretty things.
Wonder & Revelry is now a successful e-commerce store featuring handmade rings, bracelets, earrings, necklaces, and other vintage treasures. You can also find Ashley at local artisan and vendor markets around Chautauqua County and beyond. Early on, she said it was hard to get into markets because she was considered a micro-business that was not to be taken seriously. She was constantly waitlisted or denied when applying for markets.
Business owners don’t get discouraged, though. She kept growing as a business, worked on her social media presence, improved her products, and would reapply the following season. Her applications started getting approved.
Early on, she would watch other vendors sell out of products and collections while her products would sit. Again, Ashley waited and changed some of her collections. Then, she came out with her fairy tale showcase made of very elaborate princess bows for young girls. It completely sold out, and her brand started growing.
She said her biggest milestone was being accepted into events in New York, while she was still based in West Virginia. From May to August of 2024, before she moved to Chautauqua County, she would drive from West Virginia to New York and set up at the events. She said she built the “Most amazing customer base” in New York and “met the most amazing people” with most of the conversations starting with “you have an accent, where are you from?”.
So what makes Wonder & Revelry products unique? The answer is quite simple, actually. There is only one Ashley. Every piece is a one-of-a-kind creation, straight from Ashley’s mind, as a concept, then transformed into a setting carved from wax, and finally cast into sterling silver or gold. Ashley loves to create the unexpected, like faceted labradorite bracelets, accented with white sapphires or an iolite ring that could be mistaken for royalty.
Ashley hopes that her pieces are treated like heirlooms to be passed down from generation to generation. She always says “we should all have a jewelry collection that everyone fights over at our estate sale some day!”. Jewelry is a very personal item that has a lot of sentimental value. Weddings, memorial pieces, birthdays, and so many other monumental occasions, Wonder & Revelry has been a part of many peoples special moments.
Ashley also works to highlight other businesses and artists in our community. This past March, she held the Spring Equinox Artisan Market at the Frewsburg American Legion. She brought together 23 unique vendors for a light-hearted and bright-colored market. No two vendors were alike, which created an excellent shopping experience for the shoppers and for the vendors. It was a very professional touch that Ashley worked very hard for.
When Ashley first began her journey, she had some great friends who gave her advice and encouragement along the way, and she wants to reciprocate that same energy to others. This market was one way to help give a platform and highlight some amazing small businesses from all around Chautauqua County.
Ashley said, “If I can help one person or one business get a win so that they can have success, I’m going to do it!”. She has plans to host more markets in the future, with the goal of hosting one in Northern Chautauqua County in the fall!
Ashley gave us some advice to give to future business owners:
- It’s more difficult than it seems! Look deep within yourself and make sure it is something you are passionate about. If it’s something that you truly want, don’t let anything get in your way!
- There are a lot of safety nets when working for a company like sick days, vacation days, healthcare, etc. and you’ll need to make sure you have those safety nets made for yourself.
- Put in the work and be confident in yourself and your business, that it doesn’t phase you that there are 20 other businesses in your niche.
Ashley has created a gorgeous business with Wonder & Revelry, and she wants to share her pieces with you. If you want to support local, while creating your collection of future family heirlooms, then click the link below to start shopping with Ashley and Wonder & Revelry today!
My CHQ Featured Business: https://mychq.org/local-business/wonder-revelry/
Wonder & Revelry Store: https://www.wonderrevelry.com/
