Ashlie Hadden has been in the retail industry since 2000 when her mom and aunt opened their floral, home décor and gift shop in her hometown of Bridgeport, NE. Throughout college at UNL, Ashlie studied marketing and clothing design and worked at retail stores and then, with a little push from her Dad to pursue her dream a little earlier in life than she’d planned, opened her own store at the age of 25. Embellish is located at 13th & P and is a women’s apparel, home décor, gifts and accessories shop where classic and refined style meets trendy and modern.
Tell us a little about your family.
My family is wonderful. My mom (Julie) and dad (Doug) are my biggest supporters and I am so thankful to have them in my life. I have one sister (Samantha) who is 16 so she loves getting to come visit and do some shopping at Embellish! Next order of business: convince them to move to Lincoln!
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life?
I will never forget the day I had lunch with my dad and he told me I needed to write a business plan. I was going back to school at the time to pursue a career in chiropractic care (wildcard, I know) but I was figuring out that wasn’t going to become my passion.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off?
I enjoy visiting some of my favorite thrift/antique shops around Lincoln to inspire DIY projects or add fun accessories to my home.
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know?
I have a “soft spot” for children. I grew up having children around all the time (both my parents have large families and I am one of the oldest grandchildren.) This has strongly influenced my volunteer work with UNL Dance Marathon and Make-A-Wish.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
“And if the music is good, you dance.”
What is the one goal you would most like to accomplish?
A goal of mine as I grow older is to make the time to travel to foreign countries – especially throughout Europe. I love learning about new cultures and experiencing new things!
How would your friends describe you?
They’d probably say I am always up for socializing or trying something new; I love to laugh and tend to be a little OCD. I’m definitely the organized one of the group.
What is your favorite book or the last good book you read?
The last good book I read was The Girl With A Dragon Tattoo. It was different than my typical sappy Nicholas Sparks (embarrassing, I know) novels, but I really enjoyed the change-up!
What is your favorite TV show?
Downton Abbey. I’ll admit it is totally nerdy to be obsessed with a show on PBS Masterpiece Classics, but I love it!
What is your favorite Lincoln restaurant?
Bread & Cup. Not only is it convenient since I live in the Haymarket, but you can always count on the food being amazing.
If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be?
I’m breaking the rules a bit and choosing a group, but I’d love to have dinner (and drinks) with the cast of Bridesmaids. I just know they’d be so much fun and I’d spend my evening laughing!
If our customers are in need of your services how can they contact you?
They can give me a call at 402.904.4278 or visit our webpage at www.embellishboutiques.com.