Detroit Mom’s Local Love series highlights local women and the businesses they have built. We love supporting small business! Today’s Local Love Spotlight belongs to Ashley Gomillion, owner of Luxury Bounce Detroit!
We asked Ashley to share a few fun facts about herself with us so we could get to know her a little bit better.
- She is compassionate.
- She loves to cook!
- She enjoys spending time with her little family.
We also asked Ashley to share a little bit more about her business with us. Get to know her and her business, Luxury Bounce Detroit, below!
How did you come up with the idea of your business, and how did you start?
“In 2021, we saw a need for something different so we took a chance. We purchased and launched Detroit’s first all-white bounce house company. Inspired by my daughter and my love of party planning, white was just so clean and crisp. I always wanted to do something in the event world, and here it was. It came from being turned down by so many out-of-state companies I was looking to [to] see if someone could ship it to me. I asked where they [got] it from, [because] I needed this for my daughter’s second birthday. After so many denials to my questions, I decided to just take a chance [and] start one here in Michigan.
“Starting with just one bouncer back in 2021, we took a chance and made the biggest purchases we would have ever made. I say take a chance because it comes from overseas, and you never know what will come of it. But that same year we [welcomed] the first white bouncer (this is to our knowledge, another company launched a white bouncer at the same time in Michigan).”
Knowing what you know now, is there anything you would have done differently when you were first starting out?
“This is a tough question. Starting out, it’s extremely difficult to get your name out there. So you begin to try multiple avenues as a source to let your name and brand be seen. I think as I think back on it, I would have tried making friends in the beginning. But friends [are] hard to make when people just see you as competition; you’re not seen as someone who is just here to not compete but to start something they enjoy.”
What is the best business advice you’ve ever been given?
“The best advice was ‘Stay true to your brand.’ [There] can be 10 other companies offering the same thing, but it’s something about you that makes you different. Lean on what makes you different. People want to see the unique personality behind the brand.”
Have you faced adversity in business due to being a woman? How did you navigate that?
“I have seen adversity in business for being a woman. In the beginning when I was questioned about who I worked for, people always seemed shocked when I said myself. I suppose thinking we can’t lift bouncers, [but] nothing a dolly couldn’t help with.”
How do you persevere in challenging times?
“One way to cultivate perseverance is to set achievable goals and work towards them consistently, even if progress is slow. It is also important to maintain a positive attitude and focus on the things that you can control, rather than dwelling on the things that are outside of your control.”
What impact do you want your business to have?
“I want to make a conscious effort to contribute to the greater good. I want to be available to all communities and walks of people. I don’t want to categorize myself. I want to be open.”
What are the pros and cons of being a woman business owner in 2023?
“Pro: you are the boss. Cons: running your own business comes with uncertainty, it’s up to you to find motivation, [and] networking–some women I have found don’t like to give away connections; everyone is in competition.”
What knowledge would you share with someone who wants to become an entrepreneur?
“[To have] good and effective communication, being able to sell both themselves and their idea or product, strong focus, eagerness to learn and be flexible, [and] and a solid business plan.”
What do you do for personal and professional development?
“Currently nothing, but always open.”
What mantra or quote do you live by?
“Today is a gift, and I embrace it with positivity.”
What’s your favorite place in Detroit or Michigan?
“Campus Martius Park.”
Where can our readers find you on social media?
You can follow Luxury Bounce Detroit on Facebook, Instagram, and on their website!
