Meet Lindsay Ashley | Small Business Owner & Mom of 3

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

Hi Lindsay, as a parent, what do you feel is the most meaningful thing you’ve done for them?
When speaking about parenting, and the balance of a career and motherhood, the most important thing I’ve done for my children and family was to leave my full-time teaching career and become an entrepreneur. That’s not to say that it’s what fits for everyone, but it has been perfect for our family.

While I enjoyed teaching, my number priority was my kids and my husband and I are fortunate enough to allow me to stay at home. My husband’s job is demanding, and having me here full-time is such a blessing.

Not only that, but our kids get to see, firsthand, their mom starting something from scratch, struggling, succeeding, and working hard. Whatever path our kids choose, I want them to work hard at it and they get to see us modeling that.

What should our readers know about your business?
I am the founder and owner of Sound & Circle, which is a handcrafted stationery and paper goods business. We specialize in planners, address books, notepads, journals, and more.

What sets my paper goods business apart from others is that not only am I the designer of every product, but I produce everything in-house with a small print shop I have grown over the years. Coming from an education background, I have been challenged in learning design, production, and business ownership – all of which I have no formal training in. I love learning, and owning a business has provided valuable stretching and growing opportunities.

I started a similar business with a partner as a hobby when I had my first child. We learned a lot but I eventually realized that we had different goals. That experience was a huge lesson learned, both personally and as a business owner. I re-opened solo in June 2020 amidst a pandemic and with a 6 month old (plus my 4 and 5 year old boys). There was fast growth and we have seen successes and failures, peaks and valleys since then. While I feel that my product offerings are finally where I want them to be, I look forward to continuing to grow my customer base and the wholesale side of my business!

I am learning the power of being authentic to yourself, your business, and your products. There are going to be so many other companies in your industry out there and it’s easy to compare. The best you can do is keep on your path and do your thing; people will buy into YOU, and you will feel fuller in your authenticity.

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.
I’m from the Tacoma, WA area and it’s an awesome city that really puts value on its small businesses which is so cool! The other part of this area that I value is the proximity to so much natural beauty. You are minutes to Puget Sound waterfront, a drive to the mountains, and always surrounded by greenery. If I had friends visiting, we’d definitely spend time near the water – maybe get drinks and appetizers at Boathouse 19 at the marina and then explore low tide at Titlow Beach. Pac Ave downtown near UW Tacoma has great shops and restaurants to explore. We’d drive or walk around Point Defiance park, maybe visit the zoo. Tons to do outside, and people are out even if it’s a little rainy.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
The obvious, and most important, choice of who to dedicate this shoutout to would be my family. My husband works incredibly hard and never asked for this hobby of mine to turn into a serious business. But, he believes in what I’m doing (so much so that we’ve now completed two workspaces in our home to fit my business!). I appreciate that he has given me the support to pursue this!

My kids are such huge cheerleaders, too, and are genuinely interested in seeing what I do and how my business is going. It’s truly so sweet.

My sister, parents, and close friends are also along for all the highs and lows, and always offer words of encouragement.

 Website: www.soundandcircle.com

Instagram: @soundandcircle

Facebook: www.facebook.com/soundandcircle

Image Credits
Cast + Forge Photography