Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Rhodes.
Hi Ashley, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My sister, Kryssi, and I have always been lovers of the water and Summer. With me being born near Jacksonville Beach, Florida and her being born in Bermuda – the love for all things swimming and water-related has always been near our souls. One random Saturday she calls me up while vacationing in her husband’s hometown of Miami to just generally ask “Sis, how many bathing suits do you own?” In my response, I shocked myself: the number was 27 bathing suits. Her next question has changed both of our lives. She asked what do you think about starting a swimsuit company, I thought it was a great idea, thus birthing the idea of our company, Epta Wear in Miami in December 2020. Epta stands for 7 in Greek which is our family origin. The number 7 holds significance to us as we are seven years apart and 7 is a lucky number in most cultures. Since then the research, time, and effort she has put into this business has gotten us to where we are now. We used my modeling/fashion career to jumpstart our business utilizing my connections and network, which put us in our first fashion show: Miami Swim Week 2022.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
As entrepreneurs building any business is going to be tough. We have faced many struggles while working on Epta. Finding manufacturers that can provide quality products at an affordable price was definitely one of our biggest challenges. IT took many days of research and purchasing many samples before finding a suitable one. Most people would look at this as a waste of money and not an investment, but we knew it would make us stronger in the end, so we spent the money. Which leads me to the next obstacle: Finances. We have supported our business with our personal finances and IT IS EXPENSIVE. There were some unexpected expenses that you never think bout such as customs/shipping fees, so that was a pain point we had to take care of. Lastly, it is always tough doing business with family because emotions ran so high and family members can be so passionate. Through communication and knowing that we ultimately want the same results, we push through the tough times together.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a corporate recruiter for Trulieve. I specialize in Management/Corporate staffing for our Florida Retail dispensaries. I am also an international runway, editorial, and print model. I have six publications, three movie roles, ad a multitude of runway experiences, both domestic and international.
My business partner, Kryssi Murrell, has owned multiple businesses, some successful, some not. She is currently a contracted Senior Bookkeeper for an All-Women’s Bookkeeping firm. As well as a mother of six – one daughter, and five Husky dogs.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Please do your research for whatever industry you want to delve into. Love what you do, as you’re going to be doing it awhile. Keep going, there will be long and tough days. Days you don’t want to get out of bed, or open your phone. KEEP GOING. DON”T GIVE UP! It will be worth it in the end.
I wish someone had told me how hard entrepreneurship is; it all depends on you, there is no failsafe. It’s lonely at the top, don’t change your method or product to be more acceptable or accessible because somewhere, someone likes it.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.epta-wear.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/epta_wear
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/eptawear
Image Credits
Nicole Afyouni
