Canadian Showcase: The Pretty Little Things Shop Creator, Ashley Murdoch

Here we go again… my favourite time of the month when I get to introduce you to another amazing business in the Canadian Showcase series. Ashley Murdoch, the creator (and sweetest gal) of The Pretty Little Things Shop, reached out to me to introduce her product. When I first looked at the Instagram account for The Pretty Little Things Shop, I was immediately drawn to the girl-power and daughter-love I was seeing displayed. As you know from my previous post Aspirations for Every Girl, Young and Old I’m completely invested in all things that empower women.

I couldn’t resist the opportunity to introduce Ashley to all of you!

Why Shop Local?

No matter where you’re from, shopping local means supporting the businesses in your community over big box retailers. Remember Kathleen Kelly’s fight against the Big Bad Fox Books in You’ve Got Mail? We were all rooting for her! But this is real-life folks and in your neighbourhood, there are businesses who need your support.

I often talk about how this is important for the country’s economy but it’s also critical for the individuals who run these shops. Ashley’s story is a prime example of how your support makes a huge difference to real people who hustle everyday to bring you new products to discover.

Let’s meet Ashley!

How long have you been running your business and what made you decide to start it up? 

I started The Pretty Little Things Shop at the beginning of this year. Unfortunately, when Covid hit last year, I lost my job. After the year of being home with my kids, I felt the need to do something for myself again. Although I am truly grateful for all of the time I have been able to spend with my kids, I needed to have my own time again. Something just for myself. I consider myself a creative person, and I missed using my hands. I missed that creative side of me and I found myself craving to be artistic again.

That’s when I decided to take a leap of faith and put myself out there. I have been making bracelets for myself for quite some time now, and my sister would always say to me, “you should just do it! Start selling your bracelets!”. So, I did! Although I was scared and nervous, just like anybody would be to put themselves out there, I did it! And I am SO happy I did. I never thought I would receive the amount of positive feedback and support that I have. It’s been truly amazing. I feel very blessed.

Which designs are your favourite to make and why?

I am not too sure I could pick just one! When it comes to making bracelets, the options and designs are endless. And that’s what I love about it. There are so many ways to be creative and express your creativity. I love when clients come to me and give me carte blanche and trust me with their designs. I can’t say I have a favourite, I truthfully love making them all.

Where does your inspiration come from?

Each piece gives me inspiration. Each client gives me inspiration. It’s hard to say that my inspiration just comes from one place in particular. It stems from multiple places. Making bracelets is very personal, and often I get to know the back story to each bracelet and why they are being made. And that in itself is very inspirational. Each bracelet and piece are unique in its own way and that’s what I love so much about making bracelets.

Have there been any particular pieces that mean a lot to you or have an interesting back story?

I have been very fortunate to meet some amazing people on this journey. There have been a lot of moms, a lot of friends, and a lot of families with some incredible stories. I love seeing the moms out there getting their little girls’ bracelets with words of endearment and encouragement. I have been able to make some pretty awesome bracelets for these little girls to always remind them what they are worth. I love seeing the best friends getting bracelets for each other with words of inspiration. Every piece I have made comes from the heart, I put all of my energy into every piece.

What does being a Canadian Brand mean to you?

More than anything, I love to shop and support local businesses. I love knowing that we are supporting our local economy. Being Canadian, we have an excellent reputation, and I am truly proud to be Canadian. Having a brand that is “made in Canada”, is powerful and I am proud of it!

How did you come up with your company name? Our readers love to know!

That’s a good one! I thought to myself, what am I going to call my shop? There are so many choices, and I wanted it to be cute and fun. So, what is cuter than The Pretty Little Things Shop! And that is exactly what I make, pretty little things. So that’s where the name came from!

Didn’t I tell you she was awesome!

The Story Behind my Bracelets 

When Ashley offered to send me a bracelet, I had a hard time deciding. Just recently I received a new necklace from the kids with their initials so I wanted to represent my husband in some way. This year we’re celebrating our 20th Anniversary (I can’t even believe it!) so this piece was my way of carrying that love with me ❤️ But I’m also obsessed with the silver stars and this adorable anklet so I’m pretty sure I’ll be talking to Ashley about a custom order soon 😉

You can reach out to Ashley via DM on Instagram to place your own order. It’s a great opportunity to not only support local but also build something meaningful to you 🥰

If you’re inspired by businesses that empower girls, you’ll definitely want to check out Apricotton and their inspiring mission. Much like Ashley, Chloe and Jessica launched their company during COVID. If you know a similar business and think they should be featured here, please let me know in the comments below!

Enjoy your week and I’ll see you soon!