I have fully accepted that week after week my Babe Watch segments seem like I'm obsessively gushing over these brilliant ladies in the spotlight. The truth is, I am. I am lucky enough to be a part of several groups of women, one being the amazing woman business owners surrounding the Detroit area which is how I have had the pleasure of meeting and surrounding myself with such amazing ladies.

I was so excited to feature this weeks Babe, Ashley, Owner of Brunette Blossoms. Firstly, I love Ashley and her business. I met her at Her Best Fucking Brunch, a local woman's event where she provided floral centerpieces and I was representing The Posh Shop Co. Ashley was so warm, inviting, and kind. Afterward, Ashley and I were following each other on Instagram and chatting here and there about biz, life, and bravo. She was just fantastic. Secondly, I selected Ashley as one of my Babes because she legit has been nominated and mentioned on my page for things more than any other women in business thus far. If that does not speak volumes...

So, as I said before, Ashley owns a floral boutique called Brunette Blossoms where she creates the MOST gorgeous works of living art. She is girly and sassy and her personality shines in her floral design. Through Brunette Blossoms, Ashley developed an initiative called Revased where she tries to reduce waste from events big and small by giving leftover centerpieces new life by donating to hospitals, nursing homes, and women's shelters. She also gives back in little yet meaningful ways. When COVID was really taking hold of our state, Ashley wanted to add some happiness into the world and put small bouquets and floral arrangements around Royal Oak (a local city) to bring happiness to those who stumbled upon the arrangements. Like, could she be any sweeter?

Please take a minute to read some more about our Babe of the Week, Ashley...

Your Business / Service Name(s)

Brunette Blossoms

What is Your Website? Insta Handle? (Or However Else We Can Find You!)

www.brunetteblossoms.com

@brunetteblossoms

Why Did You Decide To Start Your Business?

I worked for years in a “career” that paid my bills, that I thought I loved and that I thought I was passionate about. I had job security and I was using both my degrees - what more could I want? Well, I was SO wrong. Diving head first into floral design showed me the passion and career love I was missing through “letting my creative juices flow” and THIS is what I always longed for. Flowers also make people happy. You'll never meet anyone who gets angry or who has gotten angry when they've received flowers. I love working in a field where I can always bring a smile to someone's face or brighten their day with a simple bouquet. The joy in that will never get old.

What Is The Best Advice You Can Give to A Woman Starting Her Business Venture?

JUST DO IT! I know that phrase sounds simple and SO very cliche BUT there is so much truth in it. Having your own business, being an entrepreneur, and relying solely on it for your livelihood will always be scary no matter where you are in your business journey. Life is too short to be anything but happy and especially if you're stuck in a 9-5 like I was, life is too short to let that miserable job work you. Plus, I also feel like "just doing it" and diving head first propels you to work even harder to succeed.

What Is Something Most People Don't Know About You?

I am a French Canadian!

What Does Your Typical Day Look Like?

No two days are the same in my world - everything changes daily. Some days I'm catching up on email inquiries, some days I'm quoting an event, while other days I'm sourcing (aka shopping) hard goods and decor pieces and other days I'm in the field or in my studio space designing (my favourite part)!

Who Are Some Women That Inspire You? (Globally and Locally)

There are SO many. There are so many even in our own Metro Detroit community. Some that inspire me locally in the floral community are; Fatima @ Studio Terrain, Julia @ Willa Rose Floral, Lindsay @ Forget Me Nots Farms, Renee @ Michigan Flower Farm and Erin @ Sage Green - all are amazing flower boss babes.

What Accomplishment Are You Most Proud Of?

Revased by Brunette Blossoms. This is my work baby, my greatest joy and biggest accomplishment. Working in the event industry, I hated seeing everything that went to waste once an event had ended...especially the floral waste. It was so sad and broke my heart to see all the flowers that ended up in the garbage (yes you heard right...the garbage). I always had a desire to give back to my community as well through flowers, I always wondered what I could do that would involve flowers in this way. Fast forward, the two concepts of waste management after events and bringing joy to the community were married together and Revased was born. Once an event is over, we collect the flowers and repurpose them. We create new arrangements/bouquets (with the event flowers) and bring them to local nursing homes, hospitals and women's shelters.

What Do You Do For Self Care?

I love me some self care!! Getting a mani/pedi on the regular is one of my vices - even while designing and using my hands a lot I still love having my me time to get my nails done. My private pilates classes is also a weekly thing for me - it's a standing hour every week just for me and I love it. Lastly, I love a good facial/dermaplane - I highly recommend these little treatments that will do wonders for your skin and face. :)

What Jobs Did You Work Before You Created Your Business? Tell Us Your Journey.

I worked in medicine / healthcare - Infectious Disease and Sleep/Respiratory Medicine were my primary focuses in my active years.

Give Us Five Fun Facts About You!

-I am absolutely in love with my rescue furbaby Hailey (HTD). My lab/shepherd crazy girl.

-I have an obsession with cupcakes.

-I am a reality TV junkie (no shame).

-I love a good glass of Malbec.

-I am a very good singer ;) !

What Sign Are You? Are You Into Astrology?

I am just starting to scratch the surface with astrology (thanks to one of my best girlfriends).

Here's what I know: I am a Pisces Sun, Aquarius in Mercury with a Capricorn Moon and Virgo Rising and apparently all of these things make sense when it comes to my personality? Like I said I'm a newbie - hopefully the above are all nice/good things. :)

Do You Know Your Enneagram? If So, What Is It?

According to the test I just took, I am a 3!

What One Word Represents You Most.

Vivacious!

What is Your Favorite The Posh Shop Co Product?

Is it bad that I'm attracted to / love all the products with the "F" word in them? OR anything mean girls!