Meet Ashley Lloyd | Jeweler and Small Business Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ashley Lloyd and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ashley, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
I have never considered myself as much of a risk taker. However, the biggest risk I ever took is what led me to where I am today. In my early to mid 20’s, I always played things safe. One day, I decided I wasn’t going to do that anymore so I quit my job in order to give myself a three-month period to figure out a more fulfilling occupation.

During this time I was already silversmithing recreationally, but I never imagined doing it professionally. The day after I quit my job an opportunity came to me when a stranger messaged me to purchase a pair of my earrings they had seen online. If it was any other time, I probably would have said no. This time I had nothing to lose. From that moment forward, I kept getting more opportunities and as my three month goal was coming up I decided to start my own business as an independent jeweler. Since starting almost two years ago, I’ve realized that in order to get started you might need that extra push forward. Sometimes things work out the way they’re supposed to.

What should our readers know about your business?
I am the owner of a fine jewelry line called A Lloyd Jewelry that specializes in modern designs made of silver. Each piece is handcrafted using traditional goldsmithing techniques. I personally design, fabricate, polish and package everything in my home studio in Santa Ana, California. I thrive to make fine jewelry that will become a part of your permanent collection and I hope that one day each piece can be passed down to a loved one.

What sets me apart from other jewelers is that I don’t keep any inventory on-hand. All my jewelry is uniquely handcrafted for you or your loved one at that moment. When I create jewelry this way, it allows me to make each piece with intention. It gives my day-to-day more meaning and I enjoy the relationships that I develop along the way.

A Lloyd Jewelry has been the most challenging but also the most rewarding job I’ve ever had. I mentioned earlier that I had no real intention of starting my own business when I first started silversmithing. I had no idea what I was doing, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve wanted to give up, but now I look at every challenge as an opportunity to grow and overcome. November will mark two years for A Lloyd Jewelry and I’m so excited to see what comes next.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Food: Visit Taco Ponky! Normally located at Vicios Punk Shop in Huntington Park on Saturday Night. They specialize in black al pastor, Keto and vegan tacos. They’re always on the move and they cater so make sure to check their IG @tacoponky.

Self-care: Visit Nicole at the Mint Salon in Westminster. Nicole gives the best cuts and owns the cutest salon in all of Orange County (mintsalonoc.com). If you need your nails done, visit Nails By Erika in Los Angeles. Erika specializes in gel-x and you can make an appointment online (IG @_nailsbyerika).

Shopping: Vicios Punk Shop in Huntington Park (IG @viciospunkshop) and Power Plant Records in San Clemente (IG @powerplantrecords).

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Who doesn’t deserve a shoutout! As someone that not only runs my business alone, but has learned silversmithing on my own, I would like to thank all the people that provide online resources. Some of my favorites are Online Jewelry Academy’s YouTube channel by John Ahr, Metalsmith Society on Instagram (@metalsmithsociety) created by Corkie Bolton, and Thrive by Design Podcast by Tracy Matthews.

On more of a personal level, I wouldn’t be here without the support of family, friends and complete strangers. I never imagined the community I would become apart of and without all of them I would have given up years ago. Lastly, a special thank you to my number one, Ricardo Manra. I couldn’t do it without him.

Website: alloydjewelry.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alloydjewelry

Twitter: https://twitter.com/alloydjewelry

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alloydjewelry

Other: TikTok; https://www.tiktok.com/@alloydjewelry Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/alloydjewelry

Image Credits
Sal Esquivel & A Lloyd