Daily Inspiration: Meet Ashley Procopio

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

Hi Ashley, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Primarily self-taught, I created my first collection in 2015 out of my Boston apartment’s dining room. I experimented, learned along the way, and built a community of mentors. In a short time, I decided to pursue jewelry full-time.

My work is inspired by simplicity. I find beauty in negative space, simple lines, and a clear focal point. I’m drawn to vintage items, second-hand clothing, aged structures, mountainscapes, and the night sky. I find beauty in imperfections and marks of use. For this reason, I finish my work to look like it was handcrafted; because it was. I intentionally put texture in my pieces and favor oxidize elements. The patina just gets better with time.

Present day, my business is in its 8th year and my studio is currently based in Los Angeles, CA.

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?
I have found running a small business consists of peaks and valleys. There are moments where it feels effortless and pieces just fall into place. And others where I have to get innovative and problem-solve. Some challenges I’ve had in the last 3 years were moving from Boston to LA and operating a business on a different coast during a pandemic. I had to completely change my business model from in-person selling and wholesale to online sales. Nothing is more certain than change and that couldn’t be any truer for a small business. Being able to hustle, pivot, and ride out the hard times are necessary traits to this industry.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a jewelry designer/metalsmith. I create and hand-fabricate every single piece of work in my Los Angeles-based studio. My jewelry has a minimal, industrial aesthetic. Being in Los Angeles for 4 years, I’ve noticed it’s not a style you see everywhere but there’s a desire for it. My work appeals to someone that loves the outdoors, finds satisfaction in making things (knitting, gardening, cooking), appreciates handmade, and finds beauty in the imperfections.

In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
I aspire to grow into the occasion jewelry space; engagement rings, wedding bands, heirloom pieces. Jewelry is incredibly personal and usually tells a story. It has the ability of reminding someone of a meaningful trip, a special moment in time, or a loved one. I really enjoy the process of doing custom work. Hearing someone’s story and the reason they want a particular piece. It’s an honor to encapsulate their feeling into a memorable piece of jewelry.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.ashleyprocopiojewelry.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/ashleyprocopiojewelry
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/ashleyprocopiojewelry

Image Credits
Black and white studio photo by: Sasha Israel Photography