Meet Ashley Malakoff | Owner – Just Ash Jewels and Accessories

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

Hi Ashley, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
My name is Ashley and I am the owner of Just Ash Jewels and Accessories! We are a fun and funky jewelry and accessory company that specializes in unique, handmade creations that bring a nostalgic yet sophisticated vibe! I started my journey into this business in 2021, in Maryland, right after the pandemic. I had a 9-5 desk job and I was itching to do something more creative with my free time. I started doing small pop up markets and my brand gained lots of popularity. Fast forward a few years, life got in the way and I took a brief hiatus. I ended up moving here to San Diego in October of 2022. Once being here, I saw the endless possibilities for farmers markets and pop up events and told myself it was time to get back to my creative outlet. My fun and unique style brings a lighthearted and cool vibe to jewelry and accessories. The different ways someone can accessorize to show off their personal style is something I truly value. At Just Ash Jewels, we appreciate YOUR style and hope you never lose your personal sense of it! That is what makes jewelry the most fun, after all!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I make unique, fun, funky jewelry and accessories. This ranges from trucker hats, to beanies, to phone cases, to bags, and more. All items can be custom made to represent your personal style. My specialty would have to be my chunky charm necklaces, and my trucker hats with chains! I am most proud of what my brand has become, how I have curated things to present them to my customers, and the connections I have made so far. What sets me apart from others is my special vibe that brings a sense of nostalgia, while still being elegant and sophisticated at the same time. Being a kid was fun, why can’t we keep that same energy as adults? Of course, there have been some bumps in the road along my journey. From moving from the East Coast here to the West Coast, I had to redefine my brand to meet the wants and needs of the demographic. Not only to mention that I am a one woman show! I make all the jewelry, I take the pictures and post online, I do the accounting, I do the marketing, I do the booth set up (pretty much) all on my own! (With manpower help from the boyfriend lol)

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.
Tons of fun things to do. We would check out some farmers markets, maybe do a little hiking, definetly watch some sunsets, and eat lots of burritos! Some of my favorite places are: little Italy farmers market, sunset cliffs, and La Perla Taco shop!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to dedicate this article to my parents, without their help and support, I would not be able to be doing this!

Instagram: @just.ash.jewels

Other: Contact: 301-922-4289