A Chat With Ashley Pittman…Her Mission Continues and the Jewels Keep Getting Better and Better

Ashley Pittman, whose jewelry is made 100% in Kenya but shipped out of Dallas. Her new ad campaign photos from the best of her collection, shown as she would love to see it worn, lots and lots of layers….love it!

How delightful to have time during the crazy week of Fashion Houston to visit in              Neiman Marcus Jewelry department with the adorably talented, Ashley Pittman, whose collection and designs I have followed since shortly after she started in 2009.   I believe I hold the title of “first to interview Ashley Pittman in NM-Galleria” when she made her first trip here. (click on to Chicsheet story, here) It was great fun to be able to catch up and see how Ashley and her company have progressed as they have moved forward. It’s been a while since we last chatted so for me an “Update” was much in need…

 About Ashley Pittman Jewelry Collection

For those of you unfamiliar with her Collection, it was started by this Dallas-native, who had been both a degreed and practicing attorney and finance executive. As part of a “change your life” trip as a volunteer for the Clinton Foundation HIV/AIDS Initiative in Rwanda,  Ashley became attached to the country and its people that did just that, change her life!  She was deeply moved by the raw talent and poverty that she saw and became driven to take what she had learned through her education and build a sustainable company that would provide employment and business opportunity to the local artisans. Her mission has not wavered, she continues to give 10% of all profits to help fund the Kamboo Dispensary and Kathiani Primary Schools in rural Kenya.

What’s New With Ashley and her Business…(some fun facts!)

*First, on a personal/business level, she has relocated back to her home town of Dallas from L.A. where she has established a loft syle studio/showroom and offices to receive all of her products that are still 100% made in Kenya, work with her clients and display her products. She continues to make four trips a year to Kenya where she is “so proud”, says Ashley of the locals there and how “they have really taken their skills to a new level, quality has improved, I’m  buying new equipment, workrooms are getting larger….all in the name of progress for the 75+ artisans, who are getting paid fair wages and great opportunity that they would not have had.”

*Neiman Marcus Companies continue to be a major supporter for her and it shows in that Ashley says her business has tripled since she began there. (AP introduced her collection at Bergdorf Goodman in 2009)

*Ashley’s business has grown internationally to include all Neiman Marcus stores, Bergdorf Goodman in NYC, Net-a-Porter, Harvey Nichols, Tootsies, Stanley Korshack to name just a few familiar names. To see more visit the Ashley Pittman website.

*When asked about product variations, Ashley says that she remains “True to the Horn”. Kenya Cow horn is still her base, she has upgraded to a much larger variety of gemstones with bronze as her primary metal. Her proudest achievement which she stated many times as we talked was the improvement in her settings,  a result of the higher skill level of the Kenya artisans

*Ashley Pittman was invited to become a member this year of CFDA (Council of Fashion Designers of America), an elite group of designers. Pittman says, it’s that special moment  that makes “all of the hard work, worth it!”

*What’s next for Ms. Pittman…she has growth on her mind, maybe more jewelry at different price points? Would she love to do other categories, “you betcha”, says the designer. “Handbags could be fun.”  Is a lifestyle brand strategy in her future…my guess is yes, but again, she responds, “sure, would I love that….maybe someday!!!” I think she and fellow native-Texan, Lauren Bush should meet, two awesome causes, helping the same country and its people…but hey, I’m just sayin’

Neiman Marcus Galleria Trunk Show

The Jewelry Designer, Ashley Pittman at Neiman Marcus Trunk Show