Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Wallace.
Los Angeles native Ashley Wallace – who now calls Atlanta home – is a designer, entrepreneur and owner of House of Wallace at Andrews Square. Opened in December 2017 at the center of Buckhead’s retail district on East Andrews Drive, House of Wallace boasts original designs by owner Ashley Wallace under her eponymous brand. The boutique’s ready-to-wear collection is a perfect collaboration of West Cost style met with the charm and distinction of the South. Look for Ashley’s signature capsule collection and small-batch releases debuting one-of-a-kind designs and House of Wallace trend pieces.
At the start of 2020, Ashley was recognized as Entrepreneur of the Year by the Buckhead Business Association, a nearly 70-year-old membership organization promoting the business and civic vitality of the greater Buckhead community where her brand is headquartered. Ashley covets the honor and gives much of the credit to her father, also an entrepreneur, and her mentor.
To mark the boutique’s first year in business, Ashley launched Shop for a Cause to further support her belief that “giving back” is the ultimate fashion statement. Ashley and her stylists have committed to goodwill partnerships with a variety of non-profit organizations and charity events. Through dedicated shopping days, a percentage of proceeds from sales at House of Wallace are donated directly to the organization and its worthwhile cause. The result is a guaranteed fun and fashionable opportunity to raise funds and awareness. To date, the campaign has supported Alex’s Lemonade Stand. Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), Hands United, Metro Atlanta Red Cross, Teach for America, and The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society to name a few.
A graduate of the prestigious Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (FIDM) and an MBA from Pepperdine University led Ashley to fulfill her dream and to ultimately launch her own clothing line. Insiders close to the designer claim that the House of Wallace brand has always been at play since Ashley, from a very young age, was often found busying herself with designing and patterning outfits for her dolls. That same penchant for originality and innovation continues but now in real-time as Ashley fuels her passion by designing for the fans and followers of her line. Always a creative, Ashley’s entrepreneurial spirit and drive to be her own boss have given her House of Wallace.
When not on her sketch pad or in-store styling her customers, Ashley can be found in the yoga studio, catching up with friends on the Beltline or at home with Rylie, her Jack Russell Terrier.
Has it been a smooth road?
While every year is different and never smooth, every year becomes somewhat ‘easier’ only because it’s more familiar, I suppose. I’m definitely wiser having launched the brand and the store almost three years ago now… but that doesn’t always translate into knowing what’s around the corner. At the end of the day, I absolutely love what I do and who I do it for – my fabulous clients – and that’s what keeps me going. I usually share two pieces of advice: 1. seek out a forever mentor in life and in business (my father is mine); and 2. whatever your journey, love it and own it.
We’d love to hear more about House of Wallace.
I am a fashion designer and owner of House of Wallace, a women’s fashion and lifestyle brand and boutique. I specialize in small-batch, capsule collections of my own original designs (versus private label), and this is what ultimately sets House of Wallace apart from other Atlanta boutiques. The store is also known for labels that I personally curate and select with my business partner, Jen. We tend to carry a lot of West Coast brands as that’s where I’m originally from, but we are ridiculously fanatical on buying trips and scout out what we know our customers want to wear. It’s usually what we can’t live without either.
We’re interested to hear your thoughts on female leadership – in particular, what do you feel are the biggest barriers or obstacles?
In general I think the biggest barrier remains trying to “do it all” as women, including concerns about juggling all the responsibilities that come with being a business owner, entrepreneur, wife, partner, mother or friend.
Contact Info:
- Address: House of Wallace
56 E Andrews Dr NW
Suite 2
Atlanta GA 30305 - Website: https://houseofwallace1985.com/
- Phone: 1-470-428-2467
- Email: business@houseofwallace1985.com
- Instagram: @houseofwallace1985
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/houseofwallace1985/
- Other: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-nicole-wallace-1641876a/
Image Credit:
Sara Hanna Photography
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