Daily Inspiration: Meet Ashley Shelton

Hi Ashley, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Meet Ashley Shelton, a dedicated mother of three wonderful children – Jason, Jasalyn, and Madalyn, and a proud entrepreneur who owns two thriving businesses, 27 Hidden Gems and Ash of All Trades. From the early days of her education, she harbored dreams of attending Bethune Cookman College with aspirations of becoming either a teacher or a lawyer, but life took her on an unexpected yet remarkable path.

Originally from Columbus and spending her final high school years in Roanoke, Virginia, Ashley’s creative journey began alongside her sister, crafting personalized pants with unique designs that matched their footwear. While she was accepted into both Bethune Cookman College and Ohio Dominican University, she chose the latter to be closer to her Ohio-based family. However, the financial strain of balancing a full-time job with her studies soon became overwhelming, prompting her to take a break, which coincided with starting her family.

Becoming a mother at a young age, Ashley faced formidable financial challenges without a college degree. Fueled by a determination to provide a better life for her children, she embarked on a quest for financial stability. This journey led her to explore network marketing, but her true passion emerged when her mother imparted the art of creating custom decorations for weddings.

Her knack for crafting bespoke decorations blossomed into a business venture. Ash of All Trades was born in 2018, initially operating from her basement. Driven by her diverse skill set encompassing T-shirt printing, event decorations, hat designs, vehicle signage, and much more, Ashley transformed her entrepreneurial dreams into a reality.

Despite facing the hurdles of the COVID-19 pandemic and welcoming another child, Ashley’s dedication bore fruit as Ash of All Trades flourished. Her hard-earned success allowed her to realize another dream – opening the storefront for 27 Hidden Gems. A unique space hosting three businesses, all owned by Black Women, 27 Hidden Gems offers an intimate and affordable event space that has catered to various occasions, from birthdays to business meetings. We were honored to host Miracle, Signs and Wonders 2nd Annual Event. There are a nonprofit organization that’s host an annual event to service our homeless youth in the inner city of Columbus, Ohio. We were also honored to host Triumph House of Prayer Church for a few months in our space! 

This welcoming space accommodates 30-40 people, featuring a shared kitchenette, bathroom facilities, and ample parking. Within this innovative hub, Ash of All Trades provides comprehensive printing services for personal and business needs. Additionally, JBU Services & more offers bookkeeping, tax assistance, notary services, business startups, travel bookings, and more.

Located at 870 Parsons Ave, B, Columbus, OH, 43205, adjacent to Papa John’s, 27 Hidden Gems is a true hidden treasure in downtown Columbus. For more information, visit 27HiddenGems.com or contact them at (877)770-6125.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Navigating the transition from a home-based operation to managing a physical storefront has been anything but a smooth journey. The shift from the comfort of home to the bustling demands of a storefront brought forth a myriad of challenges, especially as I strive to be an actively involved mother with children immersed in both school and sports. Juggling the responsibilities of parenting alongside overseeing 27 Hidden Gems and Ash Of All Trades has proven to be a formidable balancing act, considering the ages of my children – 11, 10, and 3.