Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashleigh Smith.
Hi Ashleigh, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I started Smithleigh Keepsakes as a creative outlet but also a way to help my family achieve financial freedom to chase after our bigger dreams of expanding our family. It started off with making keepsake bins to help moms categorize important mementos as their children grow up as well as helping organize the chaos of life. It still is one of our landmark items but in 2024 we pivoted and rebranded to really focus on pets. Pets truly are what make my heart come alive and as a nurse I hear so often how much pets are the cornerstone to help people overcome the struggles they face and I knew this was a way to give back as I wanted to create keepsakes that truly were unique and captured the bond owners have with their furry bestie! With owning 4 cats, 1 dog, and 1 horse I can personally say that my camera roll has more photos of my furbabies than anything else and I knew there were others that had amazing memories saved in their camera role that deserved to be showcased!
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?
It has been a journey to say the least! However it truly has allowed me to meet incredible people including fellow business owners that have helped me navigate the rough spots by letting me know I am not alone! Imposter syndrome is a real concern when you’re starting as you’re often comparing where you are with brands/companies that have been around forever but make it look like it happened overnight! I am grateful for the customers that have supported me as well as the local community who truly loves to showcase small business owners! It’s a honor that I can be included in that incredible group of people!
While I haven’t hit the goals I’ve set for myself I am constantly learning and have really found the items that I truly love to make! Our Memories That Matter Collection is my favorite as I truly feel let in to the legacy owners have with their pets and I love bringing to life those precious memories that otherwise may have stayed hidden on a camera roll. Its been so fun and exciting to really find this passion within the products I make and I truly can’t wait to see what’s ahead for Smithleigh Keepsakes.
As you know, we’re big fans of Smithleigh Keepsakes, LLC. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
We celebrate all pets even those that not everyone has! Smithleigh Keepsakes makes it simple to capture your pet’s story and preserve their legacy—through beautifully crafted, meaningful keepsakes that provide comfort, not complication. What I am most proud of is our logo. Its gone through several variations over the years but I have a special place for cardinals as they have always represented a visit from a loved one that has passed away. Having the cardinal along with a Cherokee Rose a nod to my Georgia roots really embodies the essence I want clients to feel. I want them to feel cozy, at home, on the front porch of a farmhouse with sweet tea in a mason jar and all of the animals they hope to add to their family as well as the ability to visit with the memory of the pets that have left a lasting legacy behind.
We love custom orders and helping create the exact essence of your bond with each of your pets!
What are your plans for the future?
We are hoping to grow and continue to bring new options to the Memories That Matter collection–especially as we are quickly approaching the holidays! We would love to be the local “go to” company for those looking for unique, stand out, and memorable gifts!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.smithleighkeepsakes.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smithleighkeepsakes?igsh=MTc0eTZsZ2Nkb3A2aw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550571770882&mibextid=LQQJ4d
