Our newest rep has curated the most adorable mobile showroom. We’re still giddy from our conversation with Ashley where she shared her story – from Chicgao, to London and now in the Carolinas she’s always up to something interesting!
Keep scrolling to see more of her showroom on wheels and hear Ashley’s story, you won’t regret it. 😉
First and most importantly, coffee or tea?
This is a tough one for me! I lived in London for 3 years, so a cup of tea is a trip past some of the highlights on my memory lane. However, I do love a good cup of coffee each morning.
What do you like best about being a rep?
Travel and the fact that no two days are the same! It would not suit me to go to an office every day and be required to start and stop at a certain time. While that would probably benefit me at times, considering I often work 50–60-hour weeks, I thrive on the variety and on fact that each day is different than the one before. Also, sharing my knowledge of the BEST products and brands in our industry brings me great joy.
What do you like best about meeting new accounts?
Building a relationship with each designer or buyer. I love to learn what brought them to our industry, what their project needs are and also about their lives outside of work: things such as whether they’re married, have kids (2 legged or 4) or whether they like to travel.
Why did you decide to add DOWN inc. to your current lines?
I have long respected the brand and felt that it would be an honor to add DOWN inc. to The Bakerloo Collection (TBC). Because TBC offers luxury fabrics and bedding, I was frequently asked if I could provide inserts. I wanted to be able to say YES so, I decided to reach out to DOWN inc. The stars just happened to be aligned in my favor!
What’s your favorite DOWN inc. product?
I love the Upside of Down sleeping pillows*! just recently purchased them for every bed in my home. Next on my list is the Serenity Fall weight Snow White Down duvet insert*. Due to an ailing 4-legged kiddo, that “must have” is on hold for the moment.
How long have you been a rep in the territory? And tell us more about Bakerloo — we’re dying to know the details!
I started my career as a rep 17 years ago with Osborne & Little in the Chicago territory. After 7 years, to the day, I left Chicago and relocated to Atlanta. I began working directly for the lifestyle division of Designers Guild. During this time, I covered a 12-state territory and was an intense road warrior. In 2015 I decided it was time to scale back and focus on my business relationships in North and South Carolina. This is when I took the leap of faith and became an independent rep. I continued to represent the Designers Guild lifestyle collection and was thrilled to add Osborne & Little back into my daily routine.
I developed an immense love for all things London while living there. My 2 dogs Piccadilly (aka Dilly) and Wembley are both named after places in London. When I purchased my first vintage camper there was no question that she must be named after something in London. After considering several options I decided that Bakerloo was the perfect name! The Bakerloo line is a train line on the London Underground and it just so happens to stop at Piccadilly Circus and Wembley Stadium.
For 3 months I spent every weekend making certain that Bakerloo was perfect in every way. She got a new paint job inside and out, new upholstery, new curtains (both from Bakerloo brands, of course) a new tow hitch and much more. We hit the road in February of 2019 and The Bakerloo Collection was officially born! It wasn’t long till The Bakerloo Collection grew to also represent Amalia Home Collection, Evelyne Prélonge, Bellaire Dynamik, Studio Zen Wallcoverings and Orchids Lux Home.
In early 2021 I made the decision to adopt a new, bigger Bakerloo. I purchased a 1972 Bell Travel Trailer. Once again, I spent every spare moment making sure she was perfect inside and out. Bakerloo 2 took her maiden voyage on March 8, 2021, and we have loved every single minute of our journey! Bakerloo allows me to bring the showroom on the road, she’s been a massive hit and is adored everywhere she goes!
We’re so thankful to Ashely for opening up and sharing her story with us. Make sure to connect with her on Facebook and Instagram to get up close and personal with the Bakerloo collection. If you’re headed to High Point Market, try your best to connect with her — you’ll be amazed by her product knowledge and will love her warm and welcoming personality!
*Must be a trade partner to access product information. Interested? Apply here.
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