BIG CITY, BRIGHT LIGHTS

Mobile’s Ashley O’Brien literally lights up every room she enters with her big smile and energetic personality. Now, she’s turning lighting up events across the Bay into a new business via custom-made marquee lights. You’ve seen them everywhere, from the iconic letters dotting the Hollywood hills to your social media feeds. But, taking center stage wasn’t part of her plan, or even on her radar. Here, Ashley opens up about her new life filled with purpose and passion.

By Hayley Hill & B.J. Stabler Photos Stevye Photography, StevyePhotography.com Makeup Courtney Matthews Makeup Artistry, Cocokat1978@gmail.com Hair Jason Chambers, HeadDress Salon, 251.689.7427

As a busy mother with a more-than-demanding career in the fast-paced finance world, Ashley felt the pressure from both sides. Seeking a bit more balance, Ashley had an epiphany. “I realized I had options and could take a step back as a Financial Advisor to become a Relationship Manager for my Merrill Lynch team. While I always loved my career, it was all encompassing and didn’t provide the creative outlet I truly craved. Always on the go and seeking the next trend, I’d always wanted to find a creative side gig, too,” Ashley explains.

 While visiting out-of-state friends in the event planning business, Ashley was mesmerized by their brilliant stand-alone marquee lights they rent to clients. True to her entrepreneurial spirit, Ashley researched how she could bring them to the Bay area. Coincidently, her father, Pat M. Richardson, also a master builder, had recently retired. “When I told him the idea, he was all in. We started planning and built one letter. It took us an entire day and we experimented with different woods, paints, and all the things. It’s comical now thinking how far we’ve come with the quality and turnaround. With no plan, I had a friend’s husband create the logo, filed for a business license, set up an online booking system and social media accounts, and we were up and running,” Ashley shares.

 So what exactly are marquee lights? Marquee letter lights can be used to spell out words or phrases to personalize an event. In addition to decoration and photo backdrops, marquee letter lights also provide illumination. They offer 3- and 4-foot marquee light options and install on both sides of the Bay. “We recently built a custom “spark’ marquee for the FUSE project which was a lot of fun,” Ashley shares.

 For Ashley, “More than letters, the marquees provide a focal point of what a client is celebrating. From weddings, milestone celebrations, and Mardi Gras festivities to non-profit and corporate events, and business launches — we do it all. We’ve even done bachelorette parties, fishing events, local markets, and welcome home signage for new buyers. Basically, if you can spell it, we can light it!”

 As with any new business, there were glitches. “Our first time installing the lights was at the St. Mary’s Steak Out where it took 5 hours to get the lights stacked. I thought there’s no way we can do this! However, in just 6 months we’ve rented over 368 marquee lights and set them up at over 100 events. To me, this is such an accomplishment. People are always happy to see the light girl!” Ashley beams.

On a deeper note, Ashley shares, “Being able to contribute and bring awareness to wonderful causes has created some of my proudest moments. We’ve donated our services to several charitable organizations like United Cerebral Palsy, Fuse Project, Bourbon by the Bay, St. Mary’s, and Impact100 Mobile. And, as an avid runner myself, the abduction and killing of Liza Fletcher on her morning run in Memphis in October hit me like a ton of bricks. Being able to light her name up on Old Shell Road for people to pass as we ran in her memory was incredibly special. Rising at 4 AM to set the lights up in the pitch black is something I’ll never forget.”

 As for the quality of their work, Ashley is super proud of that, too. “Each of our letters is handmade by my dad in his shop. He’s always enjoyed woodwork and he spent months using his skillset to make each letter. It’s been a great way to shine a light on his talent and creativity. He can make any logo or unique request. And, I’m thrilled I can match that effort with my ability to market and run a business. Together, there’s nothing we can’t do!”

 With plans to light up Carnival, Ashley adds, “We’re so excited for Mardi Gras this year! Our lights were featured at the reveal of King Felix III, a 12th Night celebration, and the revealing of the Mystics of Time Queen. Keep an eye open for our lights at several Mardi Gras balls and perhaps some floats, too!”

 As the learning curve fades, Ashley tells us, “Being a small business owner is both challenging and rewarding. The best part is that it’s mine. I never imagined we could have built over 100 lights and have over 10-20 events booked each month. It gives me a new appreciation for people who’ve built something from scratch. It isn’t easy having a full-time job, being a mom, and growing a new booming business. But, I’ve been blessed with tremendous support from both Mobile and Baldwin county communities. I hope Cooper, my 10-year-old son, is learning what it takes to run a business and can one day take over something his mother created. Or, at least see what hard work, consistency, and drive can do.” Now, living her best life, Ashley advocates sharing, “If you have a dream, chase it! Do something your heart is telling you to do. Step out of your comfort zone and just do the da** thing!”