We are celebrating Valentines Day this year by kicking off a new series for H-B featuring clients and all the the cool things they are doing with their careers and community. We have so many clients that are small business owners, advocates and all around lovely people - it's only natural to develop a crush.
First up is Ashley Gleason. If you don't already know, Ashley owns the beautiful shop Vestige right down the street. It is one of our favorite places in the neighborhood. When you walk in, you are immediately enveloped in the smell of all the amazing incense and candles harmoniously coming together to making it clear that you have entered a special space. We especially love the Ritual Incense that they sell and burn it at the start of each day. The space is bright and thoughtful and features a thoughtfully curated collection of clothing, home good and apothecary. Even if you don't buy anything (WARNING: this is near impossible to do because they carry all things beautiful and cool from denim to cookbooks), you leave feeling happy. We chose to interview Ashley because we admire her impeccable taste and retail acumen. We hope this interview inspires you, as she does us, and that you have a Happy Valentine's Day!
When was Vestige born?
Four Years in reality . . .twenty years ago in my mind.
When did you first realize you wanted to create vestige?
I was in a corporate retail job for many years and always had the dream of a store in the back of my mind. When I outgrew the job, I decided to start planning the shop in earnest.
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?
I'd love to have a little tree house in Topanga Canyon.
What are you up to when you aren't working?
I'm still figuring out the work/life balance . . . but when I'm not working I'm hanging out with my kids or watchig Goop Lab
Where do you see Vestige in 3 years?
The support that we've had from the neighborhood has been so wonderful and we've grown so much in such a short time but I would love to have a larger space in Fishtown one day.
What are your current favorites in store now?
I try not to have favorites, but I'm pretty obsessed with the Grainne Morton necklace we have at the store right now.
What personal or profession accomplishments are you most proud of?
My husband and I have been together for 23 years. I'm endlessly proud of our relationship.
Have you had any failures in business that you have learned from?
Yes, everyday, always learning
