Meet Ashley Pamplin

We were lucky to catch up with Ashley Pamplin recently and have shared our conversation below.

Ashley, so great to have you with us and thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts with the community. So, let’s jump into something that stops so many people from going after their dreams – haters, nay-sayers, etc. We’d love to hear about how you dealt with that and persisted on your path.

Hello! My name is Ashley and I am an aspiring entrepreneur. I chose this question because of the industry in which I chose to pursue a business. First, Ill give you some background. I am 39 years old, and I have my Bachelors degree in Business Management. I have worked in the restaurant industry since I have been 15 years old. Promoted to GM of a small fast food chain at 19, I used my work ethic to earn management positions at different restaurants. However, after 10 years of managing, I was in a toxic environment and really decided to leave management to become a fine dining server. This decision did not come easy. I had worked for years to build my resume and tenure. And just earned my degree. But because I was always close with my staff they are actually the ones who convinced me to leave and it was the best decision I ever made. I started working less hours and literally the first year I made double what I made on a restaurant managers salary with far less hours. I was floored. I was able to save, to travel.

And then one day I was taking care of this group of business men. And I usually don’t listen in on conversations but I kept hearing “cannabis this and cannabis that” so I started briefly listening. They basically were opening up a new dispensary and were talking about the massive amounts they would sell. And I was taken aback when I started hearing them talking about millions of dollars. They might not have been talking about revenue but just the fact that this group of businessmen in suits can sit at a fine dining restaurant and talk about Cannabis like its a wine bar was surprising to me. Especially with the stigma it still has and all of the men and women who have received harsh sentencing in regards to marijuana. I actually viewed it as unfair.

People from urban communities tend to be their biggest customers but the same people from those communities can never afford the permits and start up costs it would actually take to open this type of business. So after the interaction with those gentleman, I started doing some research. I was curious if there was a way for myself to invest in this industry. I was not really into selling flower and I knew there was no way for me to sustain that type of business and work full time as well. I knew that I would never have the type of money to open up a dispensary. But I was making enough now that I would be able to start an online glass pipe shop. I was able to step my foot into the industry, minimal initial investment, no building or utility costs, and more. But then I realized that in this industry, most platforms will not allow you to promote this industry. Which is understandable. For example, they don’t promote smoking cigarettes. So here is where I realized my hurdles were beginning.

So how do I persist? I stay positive and keep working. Everything takes hard work. And I knew I was trying to get into an industry that still has a stigma behind it despite the fact that it has never killed anyone. But I have always been a positive person with a great work ethic. So, if I can’t promote, then I will load up a vehicle, travel to festivals, and sell and promote my business there. I go on social media every day. I always hashtag my business. I have links on every platform. I offer promotions, free shipping, free gifts, and more to try to generate more business. And it has definitely been a learning experience. And so far, after 4 years, I am still doing ok. I’m still pushing despite the hurdles and the stigma. I still go to festivals and have an amazing time with everyone there to support. I’m still going to conventions to try to connect with other entrepreneurs. And as someone who just decided to try to carve a space for herself in this industry, I love the fact that this business is still fun for me. Yes, I wish I could promote more and sell more overall. But I’m glad I chose the business model I did because my main goal when I started was to able to have a business in an industry I enjoy that would allow me to make enough to either work full time for my business or be able to work part time at my main job. So I persist because I have to. And the market is out there. So I just smile at the haters. They will be ok.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

My story is really just about a woman who decided to pursue a business in a controversial industry after listening to a group of business men getting excited over their new dispensary. I am 39 years old, and I have my Bachelors degree in Business Management. My name is Ashley and I started an online business in 2021 called Ash’s to Ash. I sell glass pipes and accessories. I strive to provide unique and quality glass for very fair prices. I strive to have pieces that make you stop and look, laugh, smile, and overall want to add to your collection. But I also try to have the basic options as well. Nothing on my site is over $125. I offer free shipping deals, discount codes, free gift with every purchase, fast and discreet shipping, and amazing customer service. I wanted to provide convenience, quality, uniqueness, and fair prices. And out of everything that I have done, I have accomplished that.

Again, I have worked in the restaurant industry since I have been 15 years old. Promoted to GM of a small fast food chain at 19, I used my work ethic to earn management positions at different restaurants. However, after 10 years of managing, I was in a toxic environment and really decided to leave management to become a fine dining server. This decision did not come easy. I had worked for years to build my resume and tenure. And just earned my degree. But because I was always close with my staff they are actually the ones who convinced me to leave and it was the best decision I ever made. I started working less hours and literally the first year I made double what I made on a restaurant managers salary with far less hours. I was floored. I was able to save, to travel.

And then one day I was taking care of this group of business men. And I usually don’t listen in on conversations but I kept hearing “cannabis this and cannabis that” so I started briefly listening. They basically were opening up a new dispensary and were talking about the massive amounts they would sell. And I was taken aback when I started hearing them talking about millions of dollars. They might not have been talking about revenue but just the fact that this group of businessmen in suits can sit at a fine dining restaurant and talk about Cannabis like its a wine bar was surprising to me. Especially with the stigma it still has and all of the men and women who have received harsh sentencing in regards to marijuana. I actually viewed it as unfair.

People from urban communities tend to be their biggest customers but the same people from those communities can never afford the permits and start up costs it would actually take to open this type of business. So after the interaction with those gentleman, I started doing some research. I was curious if there was a way for myself to invest in this industry. I was making enough now that I would be able to start an online glass pipe shop. I was able to step my foot into the industry with a minimal initial investment and no building or utility costs. But then I realized that in this industry, most platforms will not allow you to promote this industry. Which is understandable. For example, they don’t promote smoking cigarettes. So here is where I realized my hurdles were beginning.

But despite these hurdles I have had a great time running this business. It has been a learning experience in things like SEO, website building, etc. But I designed my own logo. Designed, built, and maintain my own website. I purchase and promote everything myself. I designed the business cards, t-shirts, and banners. I personally answer every email and customer inquiry. And I’m proud of all of that. Because it really makes the business feel like mine. And I have had the pleasure of attending multiple festivals and conventions that have really inspired me to keep going. This industry has a stigma but honestly it is full of amazing people. I’ve met some hard working, exceptional people at these festivals and conventions. And there are rarely any issues or massive cleanups. Just a vibe. And that’s why I continue to do this. Not many people are working jobs where they enjoy to go to work everyday. And unfortunately I do still have to work my main job, but I get enjoyment from running my business. And some of my favorite times of the year are when I get to travel and promote it in spaces where like minded people are excited that I am there.

My friends and family have told me for years to increase my prices. And even though I started the business to make money, I also wanted to provide reasonable prices for people. And I don’t want to ever change that. If anything, I’m always looking for more ways to be able to give discounts and deals to my customers. I’ve been looking into new avenues of expansion like a referral program. So that should be expected to be coming soon. As well as I would like to start adding blogs to the page. But as of right now, we are finishing up the festival season for the year so there will be some new restocks coming soon. I am at every Pennsylvania and Pittsburgh Cannabis festival and try to branch out to surrounding states as well. I love meeting and talking to new people and would love the chance to spread positive energy into any space.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

I personally think that my personality, Business Degree, and knowledge of the industry is what has been the most impactful on this journey. I’ll elaborate. First, I’ll say that my Bachelors in Business Management has definitely helped me on this journey. It has given me a basic understanding of specific aspects of business. Even though there were still areas I needed to expand my knowledge on I was able to feel comfortable doing things like building and maintaining a website, applying for my business license, filing business taxes, setting up payment gateways, and more. Not saying these things cannot be learned without a degree but I just think it helped me navigate the process easier.

My personality has definitely helped me on this journey. Because I am unable to promote on most platforms I rely on a lot of in person business at festivals. And although my approach to selling is not an aggressive approach, I prefer to let people feel comfortable while they browse my unique selection. I am a smiler. So I know that makes me approachable. I am kind, and I truly try to give off positive energy so I really feel like my customers feel and appreciate that. Also, one of my personality traits is a good work ethic. So even though it can be tedious, I still get online everyday to post something on different platforms. I engage with other pages. I update and rearrange things on the website. Even if I have low sales that month. Because it’s a journey. Nothing comes quickly. And everything takes hard work. And some people might have given up by now years later. But I’m not losing money. And just because I’m not making thousands a month doesn’t mean I should give up on my business. So my personality lets me stay positive, keep working, stay engaged with my customers, and overall enjoy running my business.

Last, my knowledge of the industry has assisted me on this journey. Now I can acknowledge that I don’t have the type of knowledge about dispensaries and certain things about that area of the industry. But I have a common knowledge of the industry which has made it easier. Customers that I run into at festivals and conventions are often knowledgeable s well and can tell if I was not being authentic. So it actually makes conversing with customers enjoyable because we are able to talk about something we have common knowledge about. And I am able to purchase product that I know people would actually be interested in.

All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?

The number one obstacle for my business is the inability to promote online. I am able to buy billboards and things but honestly those were initially out of my budget. But considering that I have an online business it would be amazing to promote on things like Google, Facebook, and Instagram. Especially when I often see these types of ads. I’m not sure how these business are able to promote but when I have tried it has been shut down automatically. I try to find ways around this like just posting pictures and tagging my business. I interact and engage with posts and people that I believe would be interested in these types of things. I leave business cards and posters around. And I would really like to look into text message marketing. But I know there are restrictions with that as well so I have to do some more research. But yes, the biggest hurdle of my business is the inability to promote. And if I could find a solution to that I know my business would gain a lot more customers. Because I also follow similar businesses and the products that I offer are very reasonably priced in comparison.

I am also looking to add the referral program. That way other people can help promote for me. So I’m currently researching the most effective way to implement that.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Ashstoash.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashstoash?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AshstoAshGlass

Image Credits

Ashley Pamplin