Rising Stars: Meet Ashley Davis of Atlanta

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Davis.

Hi Ashley, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
What started as a creative passion and a love for meaningful, one-of-a-kind pieces slowly grew into something much better than I ever imagined. I have always been drawn to creativity and a trip out west where I got to experience a hat bar sparked a flame for opening a hat bar in Georgia. My adulthood has led me down the path of teacher, wife, mother, general contractor and interior designer and now a hat milliner. My love of creating led me to open Star’s Hat & Jewelry Bar, a space where people can create custom hats and jewelry that reflect who they are.

As the business evolved, so did the vision. What began as a small creative venture has turned into a luxury western-inspired custom hat and jewelry experience focused on craftsmanship, connection, and self-expression. Today, Star’s Hat & Jewelry Bar has become a place where customers can gather, celebrate, create memories, and leave with something deeply personal.

The journey definitely hasn’t been without challenges, but every step has helped shape the business into what it is today. I’m incredibly grateful for the community that has supported us and excited for where we’re headed next.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The first obstacle was finding a location, we thought we wanted to be close to our home in Suwanee. When that opportunity fell through we started looking around for other spots and found Alpharetta City Center. The location of the store is perfect, we love being in downtown Alpharetta.

Small businesses in this economy have struggled and we have felt the pivot in the economy. But we also have felt the love from repeat customers and those who want to see small businesses succeed.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I have always loved to create with my hands. Growing up I would have never considered myself an artist because I have always struggled to paint or draw. But I now see that there are so many facets to being an “artist”. I love sewing and thinking outside the box when it comes to designing interiors as well as clothing and accessories. I began sewing in college and haven’t stopped. I have created a variety of items over the years and I enjoy being able to bring that experience into the hat shop.

We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
Honestly, I don’t put a lot of weight on luck. I believe more in faith, perseverance, relationships, and being willing to keep showing up even when things are difficult. Of course there have been moments that people might call “good luck” — meeting the right people, opportunities coming at the right time, or connections that helped open doors — but those moments usually came after a lot of hard work, sacrifice, and consistency behind the scenes.

At the same time, challenges and setbacks have probably shaped me even more than the easy moments. Building a business while navigating real life, family responsibilities, and personal struggles has taught me resilience and forced me to grow both personally and professionally. I think some of the hardest seasons end up giving you the clarity, strength, and perspective you need to build something meaningful.

So more than luck, I’d say my journey has been built on grit, creativity, faith, and a willingness to keep moving forward no matter what.

Pricing:

• Our goal was to have price points and hats for everyone. We have price points on felt hats ranging from $139 to $1000.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.starshatandjewelrybar.com
• Instagram: @starshatandjewelrybar
• Facebook: @starshatandjewelrybar