Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Bonnington.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
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 an 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 searched for local events and found a few places that offered jewelry-making workshops, so I decided to give it a try. It’s safe to say that I was hooked after the first workshop. 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. A friend I was living with at the time saw a pair of earrings I was making and asked if she could buy them from me. 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 zookeeper. 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 finishing 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.
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. Over four years later, I am now a stay-at-home mother of two and I sell my items mostly online except for a limited line of items that can be found inside Knot Too Shabby in the Glendora Village.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
There were no 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 after everyone is asleep to get orders made and ready to ship. Not that I want time to skip ahead at all, but I do look forward to when both kids are in school, and I can have full productive days. I have so many ideas in my head, but never enough time to make them all.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I make mostly 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.
For the past few years, I have done different fundraisers throughout the year. I’ve worked to increase the amount of money raised and donated to the different charities each year. We actually just finished up a fundraiser in October, in honor of Domestic Violence Awareness month. Making a difference whenever and however I can has been a big focus for me since the Pandemic and I love the direction it has taken me and 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 really need to work on my time management and that I shouldn’t be afraid to step out of my comfort zone from time to time.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.lovelygypsea.Etsy.com
- Instagram: www.Instagram.com/lovely_gypsea
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lovelygypsea
Image Credits
Captured by Lex
L. A. Lens Photography
Velvet Park Photography
Sweet Scales Photography
Svodufo Photography
