Ashley Hughes

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Owner of BDelight Jewelry and Accessories

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On the inspiration behind BDelight Jewelry and how this California native turned her passion into an entrepreneurial endeavor.

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We saw some of your jewelry and were wondering, what inspires your art?

I like to begin with patterns… it’s how my brain works. I’ll start with a theme in mind like a holiday, season, or color theme. I also like to do custom work for people. So sometimes they request a certain thing and I do it.

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Did you watch any videos to help you learn how to make jewelry?

When I started, no. Now I like to go on YouTube and watch videos so I can expand a little and reach more customers.

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When you started your business how did you advertise?

I started on Etsy. I was on there for four years. I would just go on Facebook and market things or go around my neighborhood and talk to people.

I can be a talkative person, but it’s hard to walk up to people you don’t know.

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Did you have to build up courage when you went to talk to people about your business?

No, I’ve lived here my whole life. Everyone knows me. Also, I feel like when you’re showing off something that you’re proud of… you’re just like ‘Look what I Did!’ not – ‘Oh my god… I have to talk to them?

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Do you feel that people are surprised when they discover you make everything yourself?

Oh, yeah. There’s a lot of shock. Although, the college I went to did an interview on me and put it in their local media, so it’s gotten around.

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Have you tried selling your jewelry at local fairs?

I haven’t. I do online sale events. I’d like to. They aren’t out of the question.

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And you designed your website by yourself?

Yes. I use Wix. They give you something to start with but I chose my colors of black, purple, and white.

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If you could go back in time to when you first started, what advice would you give yourself?

Learn how to tie knots better! I’ve had some difficulty with it. In the beginning, they looked very amateur… unfortunately.

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Are the knots only used on the clasps?

A lot of mine are stretch bracelets so they don’t have clasps. You put the beads on the string, then tie your knot. Well, you tie a few knots. I like to hide my knots inside the beads a little bit so they are not so obvious. I didn’t know to do that at first.

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How about the future? Where do you see yourself in the years to come?

I’d like to continue to expand and find new patterns and designs. I’d also like to go to a local fair like you mentioned. I mostly go day by day. I like to work with charities to raise awareness.

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I think I saw those online.

The blue and yellow bracelets are for an organization that I volunteer for called Living Beyond Boundaries. I do social media for them. I also sell bracelets that raise awareness for breast cancer and I donate a portion of the proceeds to the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

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What other social media outlets do you use? Facebook, twitter, Instagram?

Yes, yes, and yes. I’d like to start Pinterest. I haven’t quite learned how yet. I’m still working on that one!

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I know that you’ve taken a hobby and turned it into a business. Are there any other things you like to do for fun?

I’m into country music. Right now, I love Kelsea Ballerini. I’ve always loved Keith Urban. Martina McBride was my idol growing up. I even met her at CMA fest in Nashville.