Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Nguyen
Hi Ashley , can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Hi, I’m Amanda, the owner of Mandee’s Designs Permanent Jewelry!
I’m a mom of two amazing boys, Finn (9) and Jackson (21), and a passionate small business owner.
I had seen permanent jewelry for years and always loved the idea, but it was never available in Cincinnati. That changed when I finally got my first piece last winter—and from that moment, I was hooked!
What drew me in even more was the deeper connection I felt to the craft. My dad was a welder for most of his life, and since his passing five years ago, I’ve always looked for ways to feel close to him. When I learned that these pieces are welded together, it felt like a sign—like a nudge from him. I couldn’t get the idea out of my mind, even though I hesitated at first. But the more I thought about it, the more I heard my grandma’s voice in my head saying, “Just do it, worry about it later.” So, I finally took that leap of faith.
That leap changed everything.
I went from being a part-time working mom, barely bringing in $20,000 extra a year, to now running a business that competes with my partner’s full-time corporate salary. More than just financial growth, this business has helped me heal parts of myself that I’ve struggled with my entire life. It has opened doors I never thought possible and given me the ability to provide experiences and opportunities for my kids that I never had growing up.
But what truly makes this business special is the connections I make with my customers. From the moment someone sits down with me, they are more than just a customer—I genuinely feel like they leave as a friend. I stay close with so many of them, and the relationships I’ve built through this journey have been incredible. My customers are my biggest fans, my best referrals, and the reason my business continues to grow. The support, love, and friendships that have come from this have been just as meaningful as the success itself.
It’s more than just jewelry—it’s about connection, growth, and breaking barriers. My boys are a huge part of this journey, and you’ll often see them by my side at events. They’ve been my biggest supporters, and in many ways, we’re doing this together.
I’m so excited to continue sharing Mandee’s Designs Permanent Jewelry with Cincinnati and beyond. This business has changed my life, and I can’t wait to see where it takes us next.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Has it been a smooth road or have there been obstacles along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road—like anything worth building, it’s come with its fair share of challenges. When I first started Mandee’s Designs Permanent Jewelry, I had so many doubts. Would people in Cincinnati even want permanent jewelry? Would I be able to turn this into something sustainable? Could I balance running a business while still being the mom my kids needed?
In the beginning, I faced the typical struggles of any new business—learning the best ways to market myself, figuring out pricing, and understanding the ins and outs of what customers were looking for. But beyond that, I also had to overcome personal obstacles—self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and breaking out of the mindset that I was only capable of small things.
There were moments when I wondered if I had made the right decision, but every time I second-guessed myself, something would happen—a returning customer, a heartfelt message, a record-breaking event—that reminded me why I started this in the first place.
Now, looking back, those challenges weren’t roadblocks; they were stepping stones. They pushed me to grow, learn, and trust myself more than I ever have before. And honestly? The tough moments make the success that much sweeter.
So no, it hasn’t been a smooth ride—but I wouldn’t change a thing. Every obstacle has led me to where I am today, and I know it’s only the beginning.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I own Mandee’s Designs Permanent Jewelry, where I specialize in welding delicate, high-quality gold and silver chains directly onto my clients for a seamless, clasp-free, long-lasting piece of jewelry. It’s more than just an accessory—it’s a symbol of connection, love, and lasting memories.
I was the first I independent, non-franchised, per vendor in all of Cincinnati!
What makes my work special is that every piece has meaning—whether it’s a best friend duo getting matching bracelets, a mother and daughter marking a milestone, or someone simply choosing a piece to remind themselves of their own strength. I get to be a part of those moments, and that’s something I never take for granted.
What are you most proud of?
I’m most proud of the journey that got me here. I went from being a part-time working mom making under $20,000 extra a year to running a business that now competes with my partner’s full-time corporate salary. More importantly, this business has helped me grow and heal in ways I never expected.
It’s given me the ability to provide opportunities for my kids that I never had growing up. I’ve built something from the ground up that not only supports my family but also allows me to give my customers something truly meaningful. Seeing the excitement on my clients’ faces when they get their jewelry, hearing their stories, and watching them come back and bring their friends and family—that’s what makes it all worth it.
What sets you apart from others?
I truly believe it’s the personal connections I build with my customers. When someone sits in my chair, they are never just a customer—I treat them like a friend. I take the time to listen to their stories, understand what this piece means to them, and create an experience that goes beyond just getting jewelry.
I also stay connected with my clients long after they leave—I get referrals, repeat visits, and heartfelt messages from them because they know I genuinely care. I’m not just here to sell jewelry; I’m here to create memories, build relationships, and be part of something bigger.
And of course, there’s my two little sidekicks—my boys! They are my biggest supporters and often my best little salesmen at pop-up events. Having them with me, seeing them proud of what I’ve built, and showing them what’s possible when you believe in yourself—that’s what truly sets this journey apart.
What does success mean to you?
For me, success isn’t just about numbers or financial milestones—it’s about freedom, growth, and impact.
Success means waking up every day excited about what I do and knowing that I built something from the ground up that not only supports my family but also allows me to connect with people in a meaningful way. It’s about having the freedom to be present for my kids, to provide for them in ways I never could before, and to show them firsthand what’s possible when you believe in yourself and take risks.
It’s about personal growth—overcoming self-doubt, pushing past fear, and proving to myself that I am capable of more than I ever thought. This business has helped me heal, step into my power, and break through limitations that I once thought defined me.
And most importantly, success is about the impact I make—the relationships I build with my customers, the connections I create, and the moments I get to be a part of. It’s knowing that every bracelet, anklet, or necklace I weld holds a story, a memory, a symbol of something special.
So to me, success isn’t a final destination—it’s the journey of growing, evolving, and making a difference in both my life and the lives of those around me. And if I can do all that while being the best mom I can be? That’s the greatest success of all.
Pricing:
- $50
- $80
- $100
- $150
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mandeesdesigns?igsh=dTdtbTlqd3BkM3d3&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/16237rnbCv/?mibextid=wwXIfr
