Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Carrasco Luna.
Hi Ashley, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
In April 2012, I began working with my mom. She has been in the jewelry industry since 2004 and has been the driving force behind my start. As of today, her shop remains in the jewelry district of Downtown Los Angeles. My shop is directly across the street from her, and getting to be so close to her feels amazing!
At the time, I was attending school full-time as a business student and working part-time in her shop, gaining real working experience. In working with her, I gained invaluable knowledge about the industry. As my passion for the work grew and my experience diversified, I immersed myself in the business and decided to open my own in July 2020- right in the middle of COVID!
It was a scary time. Nobody knew what the future was going to look like. However, if there is one thing my mom taught me growing up, where I witnessed as she constantly overcame challenges as a business owner, a single mother of four, an immigrant from Mexico, I knew in my heart that hard work and determination would pay off! I credit her for shaping who I am today, always believing in my skills, abilities, hard work, and wanting the best for me. Fast-forward to today, as I sit in the showroom I built, I am thankful she taught me the value of hard work and consistency.
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?
For me, my struggles included feeling like I wasn’t good enough, experiencing what some might call “imposter syndrome.” That’s one of the reasons why I didn’t branch off sooner. Despite having many years of experience and knowledge, I felt doubtful and like I didn’t belong in this space. I kept questioning myself. The jewelry industry is saturated with experienced jewelers, some of whom have been in the business longer than I’ve been alive. Many come from families with deep roots in the industry, spanning multiple generations. I made the mistake of comparing myself to them, which left me feeling overwhelmed and intimidated.
However, I eventually realized that the only person holding me back was myself, and I wanted to change that. Once I shifted my mindset and embraced my unique journey, things started falling into place. I invested time in improving my weaknesses took advice from those around me who were once in my shoes, and little by little, I saw my confidence start to flourish. My advice to others facing similar doubts is to not let comparison stop you from getting started. Embrace your unique story, and remember that everyone starts somewhere. That’s what’s going to make your business special.
We’ve been impressed with Bella Vida Fine Jewelry, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
At Bella Vida Fine Jewelry, we specialize in crafting personalized, bespoke, custom jewelry tailored for everyday wear and bridal occasions. We create our custom pieces in the Jewelry District of Downtown Los Angeles. Our business sources ready-made pieces, such as chains, bracelets, anklets, rings, and earrings from well-respected local manufacturers.
We work alongside a team of artisans, each with decades of experience; we take pride in delivering high-quality pieces to our clients. We are committed to conducting business transparently, embracing a slow fashion approach, and adhering to ethical practices. We are so proud of our work and so appreciative of our clients who trust us with their vision. Most of the pieces we work on are sentimental to our clients, so we take our job seriously and deliver the best attention to detail we can offer. We also offer jewelry repair and heirloom jewelry redesign services, providing clients with the opportunity to transform their jewelry into something new. Consider us your one-stop jewelry shop, where we value quality, craftsmanship, and customer satisfaction!
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
Getting out of your comfort zone is necessary to grow, especially for a business. Learn from your mistakes and keep trying until something works for you. What works for someone else might not work for you, but you won’t find it until you try, try, and try again. Never stop expanding your mind and surround yourself with people who uplift and support you, just as you do for them.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bellavidajewelry/
