Smarty Mom: Ashley Hall

Smarties, meet Ashley Hall! She’s the founder, owner, and designer extraordinaire behind the beautiful Hands High necklaces you’ve been seeing all over town. We first introduced you to Hands High in our Smarty Holiday Favorite Things giveaway then again in this past Smarty Mother’s Day Giveaway, and I am SO incredibly proud (and not at all surprised) but how it has just taken OFF over the last few months. These necklaces are wearable statement pieces that are my go-to. I’m seriously obsessed.

It’s hard to believe, but this busy working mama is juggling it all – creativity, design, success, motherhood, and more – and still manages to look amazing while doing it. (If you’re wondering if her hair always looks that good, the answer is yes. I have seen her during 6 am barre classes, so I can attest to the fact that she does, in fact, wake up looking THAT good. ;-))

Check out the full line of her designs on the Hands High website (I dare you to not become addicted), and enjoy getting to know Ashley Hall!!

Smarty Mom: Ashley Hall

Smarty Mom Stats:
Married to: John {Married for 10 years, but we met in 7th grade}
Children: Jack, 9; Kingsley 7; Brinkley 5
Years in Charlotte: 10
Hometown: Rye, NY
Neighborhood: Providence Country Club
Alma Mater: Lafayette College
Occupation: Business owner

Tell us how Hands High was born.

A best friend of mine is an interior decorator and was always dragging me to look at fabrics with her. What originally were outings for her projects became inspiration for mine! I began looking at all different fabrics, from tribal linens to rich velvets, and knew they could be used in ways other than pillows and curtains 😉

What are your favorite materials to work with?

I LOVE anything recycled! From glass to chiffon, it’s so fun working with materials that serve a purpose different than their original and are always changing.

What’s been your all-time favorite Hands High necklace to date?

Really?! I know that if I chose one today, it’d be different than what I’d pick tomorrow! It’s so hard to narrow down just one! I am ordinarily drawn to the more neutral colors, but every once in a while I love a pop of color. Here’s a pic with “some” of my current favorites.

You’ve really taken off over the last six months (big Smarty high five!). What’s been the biggest challenge with such an exploding business?

It’s been SUCH an intense six months! It has taken off so quickly that I still struggle to recognize this is all a reality! With that said, the hardest part for me is trying to prepare for/predict what is about to come my way and how to keep my inventory balanced. Just when I think I’ve got a good grip on the business, I get a huge, unexpected order. It’s SUCH a great “problem” to have!

What’s been the nicest surprise?

Honestly – the absolute BEST part of this endeavor has been the response from the Charlotte community! I have felt SO supported, uplifted and inspired by everyone. From my neighborhood friends originally helping me launch my business with trunk shows, to insanely talented artists reaching out to work on exclusive pieces together, I have been surprised in the absolute greatest way!

How are you finding balance as a mompreneur?

Ummm…balance is tough! Because I work from home, it’d be easy to creep back into the office and continue working on orders when the children are around. I remind myself every day to set my work aside when the kids are around. Most nights I head back into the office after the kids are in bed, and many mornings before they are up. I use my time alone (while they’re at school or asleep) very efficiently, and then make sure to close my office doors when they’re around. OH – and online groceries from HT help too ;).

What do you envision for Hands High? Where do you see it in five years?

I now work with retailers throughout the southeast, from South Florida to Northern NC, and am looking to expand north this summer! I am also currently working on other accessory items and hope to introduce them soon!

Now for the Smarty lightening round…

Favorite color combo? Obsessed with grey and seafoam blue

Favorite place to shop for yourself? Charlotte has SO many great clothing and home boutiques! It just depends on what I’m looking for.

Best fashion trend of the summer? Loving all the off-the-shoulder tops. And tassels, of course!

Trend you wouldn’t be caught dead in? Anything the Kardashians are wearing. Kidding. But not.

Best fashion tip you’ve ever received? Don’t follow the rules. Wear white year round. And leopard is a neutral.

Style crush? Blake Lively is gorgeous – classic, elegant and sophisticated. Also love Isabel Lucas and Olivia Palermo…both of them look amazing dressed for the red carpet or in a simple pair of jeans. And they both ROCK accessories!

Favorite date night spot? We love The Palm. My husband is a happy man with just a good ‘ole steak! Plus, my uncle has worked at The Palm in NYC for over 30 years, so as a child we’d go there often for special celebrations. There’s something uniquely nostalgic there with all their fun caricatures on the walls.

Favorite girls night out spot? Depends if we’re going “out” or going “OUT”? For dinner we usually stay local, 131 or Illios Noche; but we’re not too proud to ride the bull at Whiskey River every now and then!

Favorite philanthropy? Isabella Santos Foundation for sure! I am part of the dream team for ISF, and think it’s a fabulous organization with a great cause. I encourage everyone to get involved with them if they aren’t already.

First thought when you wake up each morning? Already?!

Smarty secret to remaining stylish admist the craziness of mommyhood? My curling wand from the SouthPark Kiosk! Let those stalkers stop you once to curl your hair, and you’ll be forever hooked!

Word (or words) that best describes your life as it is today? Crazy fun.

Find Hands High Designs at:

Website
Hands High Designs
Facebook
Instagram
Email (trunk shows or custom orders)