"Hopefully by having my kids see what their mom does, by coming into the store and asking questions, being involved, they can see that and model it in their own lives."
Ashley Davis is Vice President of Davis Jewelers, well-known in Louisville for their high quality and esteemed customer service. She is a SuperMom by any standards, running a successful business and raising a family. Ashley was born and raised in Louisville but attended Indiana University. A true Louisvillian at heart, she says she "Never imagined living anywhere other than Louisville."
When asked about any advice she has for teenage girls and college students when it comes to being successful in their future careers; "So many people go to college not knowing what they want to do - it's ok." She studied communications while at IU with a studio art minor. However, she believes that having a drive and passion will lead you to success in whatever you choose. If you love what you do, you will never work a day in your life. And even when it does feel like work, it will be fulfilling work, a work that makes you feel like you are contributing something to the world.
The important thing, Davis says, is to pursue something you feel joy and excitement about.
For her, she wasn't always set on being a part of the family business, but she loved how by selling jewelry she got to be a part of important moments in people's lives and help them find what they were looking for. Her goals involve "Not just selling, but focusing on building relationships." Building relationships is one of the most important things in her business, and it is one of the most important things for any woman in the business world to focus on.
For women in business - those who are following their own dreams professionally while raising children - Davis believes that one of the biggest things to learn is "Adapting to things that don't come naturally to you… to become more successful."
It can be easier, she says, to balance your family and your career when you have a strong vision a team can follow and a strong team at that. "It really does take a village." This village is essential in building your dreams up and helping you follow through with them. In the end, there is nothing more essential than having people in your corner who care about you and want you to succeed. However, their support will mean more than any form of success that you can achieve in the professional world.
As for any last advice? "Go talk to people- learn and grow and benefit as much as you can from them. And ask questions!" These tips will help you grow as a woman in the workforce, and personally as well, in terms of family life.
Putting others before yourself, working hard, and believing in your own capabilities is essential in doing well in your future career, and building and maintaining relationships are keys to future happiness.
