Meet Ashley Bonnington

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

Hi Ashley, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
In 2015, I was separating from the Navy after almost ten years of service. My entire adult life up to that point had been spent in the military, and especially the last four years had been very hectic while working in a F-18 squadron. As I began my transition back into civilian life, I realized that I had a lot of free time that I was not accustomed to and that I needed to stay busy to help keep my anxiety in check. I saw online that Michael’s offered jewelry classes for all different levels of experience, so I bought all of the tools and supplies for my very first class and was hooked after attending. There was something so satisfying about creating that piece of jewelry. I attended a few more classes to learn certain techniques and after that, I started making pieces of jewelry on my own, experimenting with designs. The friend I was staying with at the time saw a pair of earrings I was making and asked me how much they would cost. I hadn’t even thought about the possibility of selling my creations, let alone starting my own business because at that point, I was enrolled to attend University of Central Florida to begin my studies in biology. What began as a hobby slowly transitioned to more as I started selling pieces to friends and family.

My dream was to one day work with animals in some capacity, maybe even follow in my mother’s footsteps and become a zoo keeper. A few years and two states later (from my husband’s job moving us around), I was now in California and my husband and I found out we were pregnant with our first child. I was still working toward my Bachelor’s in biology at CSU Fullerton, but we decided that it was best for our family that I stay at home with our baby instead of immediately starting a career as a biologist after obtaining my degree. It was then that I decided to get serious with the business in hopes that I could contribute financially while being a stay-at-home mom. Before leaving Florida, I had also attended a few sewing classes to finally learn how to use the sewing machine that had been sitting in my closet for five years or more, which allowed me to expand beyond jewelry and offer a larger variety of handmade items.

My first ever event was the 2018 Knot Too Shabby Bazaar in Glendora and it was amazing! Not much longer after the bazaar, I began teaching monthly jewelry-making workshops at Knot Too Shabby. While I had to be picky about which events I chose to attend because of the other responsibilities to my family and school, in the span of two and a half years, I sold at more than ten events and taught more than 20 workshops. I am so thankful to have found my niche and my tribe. Everyone is so encouraging and supportive, and they are what keeps me motivated to continue when times get a little rough.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It hasn’t been terrible, but definitely not the smoothest of roads. I learned the importance of time management with juggling a child, school work, and making inventory for events I planned to attend. Even though I do have an Etsy shop, I am not the best at promoting my work on social media so sales mainly came from in person events. Right before graduating in Fall of 2019, I found out we were expecting our second child. Little did I know that my whole world was about to change in more ways than one!

When Covid began, my anxiety controlled my life for a few months. I was staying up until sometimes 2 or 3 AM sewing masks and headbands for donations to healthcare workers due to the hospitals not being able to provide their staff with the proper PPE for their important work. I also began getting requests for personal masks that I would make here and there as I sewed the donation masks. I felt as if I couldn’t sew fast enough because I knew how important they were, especially for the frontline workers.

Obviously, there were no public gatherings such as markets or other events for most of 2020, so my business shifted from being in person to strictly online. I tried to be more consistent posting on Instagram and Facebook, as well as creating a shopping group on Facebook for my close customers, family, and friends. This group began with a small handful and grew as word started to spread and people were invited to join by their friends. It was a rough transition in the beginning, but I actually love selling mostly online for now. It allows me to make things and post them when I have the time. My second child was born in August 2020, so with two young ones at home now I usually stay up late to get orders made and ready while everyone is sleeping. It has definitely been an adjustment, but I am making it work!

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I make mostly beaded gemstone jewelry and leather earrings, as well as sew headbands, clutches, handbags, and coin pouches. I love making custom orders and teaching jewelry-making workshops. Like most small businesses, I have had the opportunity to create such great relationships with other small businesses as well as with my customers. There is no greater feeling than hearing back from people who love their jewelry and also having return customers. I have actually become good friends with many of my customers and workshop attendees, and I love that about my little business.

Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
The most important lesson I think I’ve learned from the pandemic is to stay flexible. I’ve also realized that I shouldn’t be afraid to try new things.

Contact Info:

• Email: lovelygypsea@gmail.com
• Website: www.LovelyGypsea.etsy.com
• Instagram: www.Instagram.com/Lovely_Gypsea

Image Credits:
Killer Cupcake Photo, Madralynn Haye Photography, J Michelsen Photography, Velvet Park Photography, Sweet Scales Photography, LA Lens Photography