Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Lange.
Hi Ashley, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I have been an at home mom since our second child was 6 months old. I opened a daycare to be home with my kids to see them grow and to also earn an income. After 4 years of running my daycare, I hit a wall and knew I needed a change. It was becoming very hard on my kids, myself, and our whole family. I took the summer off and in October 2021 I started PLB Threads Co. I have always loved clothing that was different, I was drawn to it. Whether it is dye-dyed, or reverse tie-dyed clothing I always loved the uniqueness. You could say I have the tie-dye in my blood. PLB Threads lets me be here for my kids and also have fun designing clothes for all sizes.
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?
Smooth road nope, nothing is a smooth road especially starting a new business! My number one priority is my kids so learning how to balance mom life with starting a new business can be a struggle some days. I am for sure not a techy person, that has been my biggest struggle as a business owner. Building a website is not an easy task but I did it and if I can anyone can.
Creating tie-dyed & reverse tie-dyed is a trial-and-error process. I enjoy the process of experimenting with various methods of apparel.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I make a plain white sweatshirt a unique one-of-a-kind piece with dye, 10 pounds of ice, 5 days to process and lots of love. The ice splits the dye colors so the item will have colors and movement that is one of a kind. Every time I wash out a piece of clothing it amazes me what was just made with ice & dye.
With reverse tie-dye, I take the color out of the clothing and give it that acid wash rustic look.
With tie-dye & reverse tie-dye, no two pieces are the same and that is exactly what I love about my work. I am the proudest of the items that I create every week that my customers love to wear. Having my 4-year-old daughter point out a shirt or sweatshirt that a customer is wearing and say, “mommy you made that”, makes my heart very happy.
What matters most to you?
What matters the most to me is that all my customers love the pieces of clothing that I have created. I want all women no matter the size to know they are beautiful, and they deserve fun unique apparel. I carry small-4XL in clothing and all sizes are charged the same. I’m not a small woman myself and I know how frustrating it is to find clothing that is fun & cute to wear. Equally as frustrating when you have to pay more for your clothing if you wear anything larger than an XL.
Pricing:
- Tanks & Tees are $20-$25
- Sweatshirts $30-$45
Contact Info:
- Website: www.PLBThreads.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/403064831542971/
- Other: tiktok.com/@plbthreads
