Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley B (Eaves).
Hi Ashley, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Ashley Eaves – a natural-born creator, entrepreneur, progressive mother, with a guilty pleasure of all things glam. I was raised in Gary, Indiana- the hometown of the famous Michael Jackson and the Jackson 5. During my high school years, I was known to be a stellar athlete, specifically as a volleyball player, as well as a tomboy. It wasn’t until Undergrad where I stumbled upon & developed a true liking for fashion, beauty, and modeling. I became an agency-represented model for Lily Modeling and Talent of Chicago (LTA) where I booked a few print campaigns and on-camera roles. I also had a quirky skill of impersonating public speakers – which ultimately led me to pursue a broadcasting major.
After my first year in undergrad, I fell in love with radio and television production. Simultaneously, my grandfather, who was the helm of my family, highly encouraged me to seek internships in this field. After about a month of searching for opportunities, I successfully landed my first internship with WPWX Power92 Chicago. I was a social media intern who used natural tact in finding ways to meet celebrities. This is the origin story of my entertainment name- Ashley Banks, as my internship manager coined me the name of the popular character off Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. He says it was because of my effortless style and overall personality. I must admit, I can be a bit extra, lol! At the time, I was so anxious to meet and interview every artist, comedian, and actor; that I pitched an entire web show series to my internship manager. This birthed a segment that I called Power92.3 TV! The team trusted me with little to no experience to interview every guest we had for that entire summer. I was able to interview artists such as Diggy Simmons, Cee Lo Green, Estelle, B.O.B., Jeremih, and many others. After working two years in my internship, I was hired on as a radio show producer. Shortly after being hired, I found out that I was pregnant with my daughter, Aubrey Skye. Here is when my life took a shift.
A few months after announcing my pregnancy, my father suddenly passed away. Three months later, my daughter was born on his birthday. How beautiful was this? Shortly after having Skye, I knew I wanted to create something with her in mind. I wanted to have something special for her to enjoy. Something that could be passed onto her. This is where I came up with Blue Skye’s. I originally wanted to create a cute online children’s boutique, but at the time, my finances were not in a place to invest so largely. Instead, I decided to start a blog called Global Glam with Ashley Banks. Through my blog, I wanted to remind women and young ladies of the importance of looking good and feeling good, but on a budget. I would share cute clothing items, makeup and hair products that fell within a feasible budget.
After graduating with my Bachelor’s in Broadcast Journalism, I knew I wanted to go for my Master’s degree. I decided to go for a master’s in business administration. Achieving this MBA was a two years journey that had many highs and numerous lows. I graduated with my MBA in 2017. A few months later, my grandfather fell sick with congestive heart failure and ended up passing away from the disease. His death motivated me to start my nonprofit organization in February 2019 naming it The Julius Hill Congestive Heart Failure Foundation, Inc. The purpose of this foundation is to educate my community on the importance of having good heart health and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. We host many events in the city of Gary and plan to expand into other areas in the midwest.
In 2020 during the pandemic shutdown, I was unsure of how life would be for my daughter and I. Instead of panicking, I decided to embrace time at home and began indulging in various arts and crafts projects with Aubrey Skye. We randomly ordered a candle-making kit online and created a YouTube video showing our results. The video had so many views that Skye came up with the idea for us to make candles and give them to people. Of course, with my business mindset, I told her we should start a brand to make candles and sell them to people instead. Here is where Blue Skye’s and Co., LLC. began. I knew that this could be something fun and enjoyable to create with my daughter, but I also wanted to ensure this would be enjoyed by potential customers in the world. We tested so many different waxes, fragrance oils and vessels until we found the perfect clean and natural products for our brand. On August 1, 2020, we launched Blue Skye’s and Co. with just two scents in 5oz. tins. We Sold Out in less than 24 hours! This was a very happy yet emotional moment for myself because I had so many doubts and apprehensions regarding our business. Now, fast forward almost three years later, Blue Skye’s and Co. has an entire luxe collection of over 13 scents, with a new Home Collection that features room and linen sprays and wax melts. I am beyond proud of the brand that I have built with my daughter, knowing this is the everlasting gift I can pass onto her when the time is right.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Of course, no one’s journey is smooth. What’s a story without a few bumps in the road, right? I have had many obstacles and struggles on this journey. I believe the most challenging aspect of it all is pushing through as a single mother. Because it is just solely me, I honestly have no choice other than to keep persevering. Skye witnesses my fight every day. My daughter looks up to me and with that alone, I cannot let her down. I pushed through adversity, not just for myself, but for other women around me that look up to me. We all need a tribe, and I hope that women can look at me, know my story, and truly believe they can overcome any obstacles they may face on their journeys. I have always wanted to show and prove to women that you can overcome and achieve every goal you desire. I have leaped over obstacles to put myself in a position to pursue my entrepreneurial career and lifelong passions. I honestly feel like I am living in a dream sometimes. I am so blessed!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Blue Skye’s and Co. was created with love by myself and my daughter, Aubrey Skye in the comfort of our home. With Blue Skye’s and Co. you’ll get hand-poured coconut soy wax candles, handcrafted room & linen sprays, and gently poured wax melts. Our candles have wooden wicks that when lit, provide a fireplace-like ambiance. Our wooden wicks are handcrafted for each candle and soothe any mood. For fragrance, we use 100% natural essential oils that provide a valiant scent throw known to elevate any vibe. Everything we use is vegan and cruelty-free!
What sets BS&Co. apart from other popular candle brands is that we create each product with 100% vegan ingredients and virgin coconut soy. Each product is made with love. We truly enjoy sharing our unique scents and stories with our customers.
I am very proud of my brand. Blue Skye’s and Co. has been in places and spoken about in rooms that I have only dreamed of being in. In just two and a half years, we have been sold in many different different locations such as Chicago, Michigan, Indiana, Los Angeles, Texas. Arizona, New York, Virginia, Florida, and even Canada! We are also working on store partnerships to come in the near future.
Blue Skies and Co. doesn’t just offer candles and other home essentials. We also offer Luxury Candle Making Workshops for intimate and large groups. Our most recent maker workshop was with the SoHo Friends Space in Chicago, IL. Partnerships are booked via email inquiry.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
Please don’t think that anything I have accomplished has been because of luck. I honestly didn’t earn anything from good luck or bad luck. I have truly worked hard for everything I have and will continue to progressively check off every goal on my list. If I can offer any advice centered around luck, it’s the act of getting up every day and being able to try again until you succeed. I’m lucky to have that opportunity.
Pricing:
- Candles- Prices vary from $18-$50
- Wax Melts- $15
- Room & Linen Sprays- $18
Contact Info:
- Website: www.blueskyesco.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifewithashleyb__/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Blue-Skyes-and-Co/100063639365694/
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@lifewithashleyb1
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/blueskyesandco/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y%3D
Image Credits
Justerica Angelic IG: @justericaangelic Pooja Shah IG: @thelittletembo
