Female Founders to Follow: Ashley McCormick

This International Women's Month, we're celebrating like-minded brands with strong, creative, inspiring female founders at their helm.

Today, that's Ashley McCormick, founder of ASHA, a collection of beautifully crafted jewelry and accessories with cues from art, architecture and travel. We asked Ashley to share what inspires her lately about the world of accessories.

Dudley Stephens: Asha has truly become a lifestyle brand, expanding from jewelry to an amazing assortment of handbags, clutches, pareos—and now your gorgeous sell-out kaftans. What has been your customers' response?

Ashley McCormick: I love seeing our customers excited about all of the different categories—it's a dream seeing our girl pair a new pareo or kaftan with her existing ASHA jewels and accessories!

What was the inspiration behind your newly launched Kelly Kaftans? What was it like shooting the campaign with noted photographer Claiborne Swanson Frank?

I wanted to create a chic capsule of kaftans inspired by tropical hues from one of my favorite places: Harbour Island. They are fresh and feminine with whimsical, folk-inspired embroidery and perfect for all kinds of body types. Working with Claiborne was such a WOW moment. She is a master of her craft and seeing her bring the ASHA lifestyle to life before my eyes in the most beautiful location was definitely a pinch-me moment.

What's a typical day like at the ASHA Penthouse?

From collaborating with my team on marketing, design and production to working with customers, every day is different. Which makes it fun & exciting!

What’s your favorite spot in Greenwich, where ASHA is headquartered?

Definitely lunch at Le Penguin with my best girlfriends.

Your favorite Dudley Stephens style?

I'm a classicist so I always love the Cobble Hill and the Palmer Puff Sleeve in neutral colors. I'm also loving the Pear Tree Polo in navy & white for crisper evenings on the water.

How do you spend your downtime?

These days I'm nesting and getting ready for the arrival of our baby girl this spring!