Luxury WITH CRAFTING GIFTS OF ASHLEY LAIRD DESIGNS
WHEN DANNEILL Laird bought her first ever sewing machine, she had no idea how to operate it. But she somehow stitched her way into creating beautiful throw pillows. Today, she is the proud owner and designer of Ashley Laird Designs, an uber chic company which creates customised pillows, personalised towels, luxury scented candles and handcrafted jewellery. Although this is her baby, the young business owner is no stranger to entrepreneurship. “As a child, I used to charge my aunt for the dog-washing services. And I would bake and sell brownies at school,” she told Living.
By the time she was a teenager, Laird tapped into the exciting world of cosmetology, purchasing and selling Bath & Body Works products up to her time at university. This pragmatic approach to business prepared her for her journey into home decor and accessories.
The hobby which began in 2012, transformed into a certified business five years later, and Laird could not be happier with the positive feedback. “I love when my clients are excited and in love with the final product. When they message me after receiving their product or write reviews on our Google page, and I see how happy they are, that makes me ecstatic,” she revealed.
The ordering process can be overwhelming for some because it is all very new and detailed, but she and her team are here to ease that shopping burden. “We’re here to guide and offer opinions, and we will take care of all the details, from designing and producing to packaging and delivery, both locally and overseas.”
A lover of cute and minimalistic designs, you can find simple, modern pieces that are neutral and versatile in colour and design in Laird’s home. Personal taste aside, the magic created in her workshop is tailored to her clients. She also showcases dazzling design and accessories that are readily available for purchase. A prime example of such customised creation is the Francesca set.
The pillow-and-candle combination stands as the most memorable order to date, because the client gave Laird full creative freedom (her happy place), with some background information about the recipient’s personality. “I was able to create a gift that my client was ecstatic about and happy to gift.”
With new products always in the works, she remains both joyful and hopeful about the growth of her onlinebased business, “There are plans to convert our website to an e-commerce platform, to allow for easier accessibility to our products.”
For more information on how you can support this local business and give the gift of luxury for that upcoming holiday season, follow on Instagram and Facebook: @ashleylairddesigns.