Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Felthaus.
Hi Ashley, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
I have always had a love for fashion, stemming back to my early grade school days. I remember rocking the miniskirts and knee-high socks after I saw Clueless and realizing how much clothing and accessories could make you feel confident while allowing you to be creative and unique. Ever since then, it has been a dream of mine to open a boutique to share that feeling with others. It’s an exhilarating treasure hunt for me to find the most amazing pieces to bring to the Annabelle Arthur collection and present my customers with a unique, high-quality curated boutique.
I really got to dive into my passion during covid, building my online following through Facebook. I am so unbelievably grateful for those friends and family who really supported and boosted me in those early days – sharing with their friends and family tirelessly. (Special shoutout to my friend Traci who marketed me nonstop!) In the early days, my friends would also let me set up pop-ups at their homes which were so fun and really allowed me to get my products out there!
After about ten months in business, I was presented an opportunity to set up a temporary storefront at Trade in Newport on the Levee for six months, which gave me some amazing hands-on business and retail owner experience- not to mention I met some of the greatest friends and fellow small business owners.
To this day, I continue to participate in several amazing markets and pop-ups in Kentucky and Ohio. I also work daily from my “in-home boutique,” which is really my home office that I have graciously taken over (haha.) My end dream goal would be to open a permanent storefront somewhere when the timing and location feel right.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
It’s always a continuous struggle to really get your business name out there and grow your online following when you are a small business. This is especially hard when you don’t have a storefront and have to rely on someone stumbling across your page. However, markets and pop-ups are wonderful for meeting new customers and getting your products and name out there.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
We are known to always have some pops of colors at Annabelle Arthur. My goal is to always have a great variety from chic neutrals to unique color pops, and what I am most proud of is that everything is handpicked with intention. I only pick items that are top quality and feel/look great. I want readers to know that I put 110% into every customer interaction and also into all of the work it takes to build the brand. This is a true passion that I am extremely fortunate I am able to pursue.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I have had amazing luck finding a great village of supporters in and around this business. I have met amazing friends that are also small business owners (some of these are boutique owners as well!) I have met amazing photographers, business strategists, social media influencers, content creators, market owners, etc. All of these people have played different roles in my learning and growing, and I am eternally grateful for that!
I am also blessed to have THE MOST wonderful support system at home with my family. I cannot count the number of times my husband has helped me to load and unload my car for events, and I definitely cannot count the number of times that my mom has helped me at events and/or run my booth when I’ve been double booked. She has been my sidekick from day one and if you see me somewhere, she is most likely right there beside me. My brother and dad have also helped me numerous times with setup, breakdown, and running checkout. I don’t know where I would be without their continued support!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.annabellearthur.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annabellearthurboutique
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/annabellearthurboutique
Image Credits
Blind Fox Photo
MANMAN Studios
Kendra Trinidad
