We had the good fortune of connecting with Ashley Randolph-Bennett and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ashley, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
My initial reason for starting my business was my son has eczema. I started off with just body butters for he and I, and a friend asked if I had any lotion. The only thing I had on hand was my body butter, so I gave her some. She was so impressed with how it made her skin feel, she asked how much for a jar. Although I had not intention to sell it, I gave it to her for $4. I really didn’t know if I wanted to sell anything, because once you commit to fulfilling orders, you have to do it whether you want to or not. Six month later, I starting making and advertising the butter for sale. Fast-forward to a year later and I not only have body butters, but I’ve added body bars, body wash, bath teas, and my famous massaging candles. 🙂 It’s definitely been a journey, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

What should our readers know about your business?
What sets Ash Bs apart from others is that 1. I actually hand make everything I sell. I started in an apartment kitchen and if the product isn’t sufficient for my own use, I don’t sell it. I only put out a product that I think is quality enough for me. If it’s not right, I work on it until it is. I’m most proud of how I’ve been able to create and navigate my business in the middle of a pandemic. It hasn’t been easy. My first batch of sales had to be discarded because I had Covid. That was heartbreaking, but I still had to deliver once I was well enough to. I also had difficulty managing time, but I really had to be intentional about the time and effort I put into making my products.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
My best friend is actually from Atlanta as well, but there is plenty to do. We would probably do the mystery picnic to have fun and catch up, go to the GA Aquarium after dark, and maybe a few other places such as PCM and the Avalon to people watch and relax. We would also visit the #1 gym in the world, EFFECT Fitness, for a good calorie burn. I’d introduce them to my trainer Shayon, and catch a class with the bricks workout originator Dooley! There’s so much to do here in and outside of the perimeter. The possibilities are endless.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My friend Hannah. She is definitely a pusher. She came into my life a few years ago and I’m so grateful that she did. She’s helped me navigate some seasons I didn’t think were possible. As a successful entrepreneur herself, she’s given me guidance and insight on a lot of things that you may not find from the average online influencer. She’s personable and honest when it comes down to what it really takes. She was my first supporter and she means a lot to me!

Website: www.ashbsbeautybar.com

Instagram: @ashbs_beautybar

Facebook: Facebook.com/ashbs_beautybar

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