A self-described “free spirit,” Ashley Nisley has explored a variety of occupations over the years. From licensed cosmetologist to licensed insurance agent, Ashley also has worked as an office clerk, bartender and, on occasion, a waitress, until developing an interest in fine jewelry that led to her becoming a business owner.
“I was introduced to the industry several years ago when I helped out over the busy holiday season at Howard's Jewelry in Grand Island, Nebraska,” said Ashley. “I never would have predicted my growing passion for the industry and all there is to learn and know in the field.”
Ashley stayed with Howard's Jewelry until the birth of her son in 2019. She didn’t want to commute away from her newborn, but she was so intrigued by the jewelry business she had to investigate a retirement sale at Heartland Jewelry, in Aurora, Nebraska, where she lives.
“When I arrived, I was met by the owner, and as I looked around, I asked him about the future of the shop,” Ashley said. “He was sad to say there was a plan for the shop to be bought by their current employee, but that plan had fallen through.”
That encounter eventually led her to initiate negotiations with the owners of Heartland Jewelry, which she purchased in February 2020 and renamed Ashley Brooke Jewelry.
Ashley offers services including the sale and repair of fine gold and diamond jewelry, as well as fine gemstone and sterling silver jewelry, watches, and clocks. She also provides custom engraving, and sells engravable items, such as name tags, plates, and plaques, varying from colored aluminum on polished cherry wood to glass awards.
In addition, she accommodates her clientele by staying open late from time to time and schedules appointments for private, one-on-one engagement ring shopping.
Even though she goes the extra mile for her customers, taking ownership of a business in the middle of a global pandemic provided some struggles. Fearing her business might not survive the turbulence of COVID-19, she turned to the Center for Rural Affairs for help.
“I was told about the Center by our local Chamber of Commerce committee,” Ashley said. “We were in need, so I reached out for financial assistance.”
Anthony Gurrola, loan specialist with the Center, guided Ashley through the application process.
“Ashley has a strong focus on customer service with high-quality products and services,” said Anthony. “She worked hard at it and her business was able to stay open, though she needed working capital to assist her with maintaining normal business operations and providing an extra cushion during the peak of COVID-19.”
Anthony guided her through the loan application process remotely and identified the Express Loan as the best path forward.
The Center’s Express Loans are designed for new and returning borrowers and are underwritten on a credit score and two personal bank statements allowing for fast decisions. The speedy timeline for this financing offers prequalification in 24 hours and a final decision within three business days after applications and documents are complete.
With the Center’s assistance, Ashley Brooke Jewelry has not only remained open throughout the pandemic, the business has thrived.
Since opening, Ashley has gone from being the sole employee to hiring part-time weekend and summer help, and she hopes to continue growing her business as time goes by. She’s grateful for the help she received during the height of the pandemic, and she knows without that financing, she probably wouldn’t be where she is now.
“The Center’s Express Loan helped us stay open,” said Ashley. “Working with the staff was great, and everything went very smoothly.”
At a glance
Ashley Brooke Jewelry
Ashley Nisley
1212 L St., Aurora, Nebraska 68818
402.694.3796 (call or text)
Hours: Tuesday through Friday 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Sunday and Monday closed; private, after-hours shopping by appointment
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