Business

Ashley Marie, of successful Fashion House A.MARIE Inc. ditches family real estate business to pursue her passion

Published

4 years ago

October 19, 2020

Popular jewelry designer, Ashley Marie, reveals how she turned down an offer from her father to join the family business to pursue her passion for designing jewelry

Ashley Marie took a big risk as a young adult and is now reaping the benefits. At 22, Ashley made the decision to decline her father’s offer to join his successful and thriving company of real estate investing and development for her passion of designing jewelry. Ashley is the founder of A.MARIE, one of the leading brands in the jewelry industry. She has been able to make a name in the highly competitive and dynamic jewelry market for her distinct and captivating designs.

With thousands of jewelry brands and retailers competing to capture and increase their share of the global jewelry market, it is remarkable for a company to maintain their relevance and keep their customers wanting more of their products. This description fits A.MARIE Inc., a fashion house that has redefined the way women wear jewelry. The brand was founded by Ashley Marie in line with her goal of helping women to use jewelry as an outfit that makes them feel better and more confident.

It is popularly said that entrepreneurship involves taking risks that most people would often shy away from, and the case of Ashley was particularly amazing. After graduating from California Lutheran University with a BS in Political Science with an emphasis in Law and legal reasoning in addition to a BA in Psychology, Ashley was offered a coveted position within her father’s company.

“One day, my dad said to me- you are working 40 hours a week for me and 40 hours a week for you. (because yes, I was still making and selling jewelry on the side). He told me to choose one. I chose jewelry,” Ashley said. “I took a huge risk. But I just knew in my blood working for myself would allow me opportunity that working for someone else couldn’t, even if it was family. I was terrified. How could I live a life off of an artistic hobby of making jewelry – Ashley continued.

“All I knew was that I KNEW no matter the situation I was in, I always got myself out of it and could take care of myself. Mental health issues and all. I ALWAYS found a way to do what I needed to get done and survive. I have this fighter/ survivor inside of me. That was enough to know and to take that risk- I have always believed I have what it takes to ALWAYS make it,” Ashley said.

There is no doubt that Ashley is reaping the benefits as she successfully grows her empire and conquers the fashion industry.

Business

Private Listings by Harold X. Clarke: A New Approach to Fine Real Estate

Published

4 weeks ago

December 16, 2024

Matthew Wiles

Photo credit: Private Listings by Harold X. Clarke.

Byline: Andi Stark

Private Listings by Harold X. Clarke, a real estate platform operating across Hawaii, is rewriting how properties are bought and sold in the region. Unlike larger firms reliant on public listings and mass marketing, Private Listings’ strategy prioritizes personalization, privacy, and meticulous curation of ultra-high-end, off-market properties, including oceanfront estates, gated community residences, and architectural masterpieces.

Harold Clarke, founder of Private Listings, describes their method as one that rejects “cookie-cutter solutions in favor of understanding the nuances of both buyers and sellers.” This approach has resonated with ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs) seeking refined and discreet real estate transactions.

The Hawaiian real estate market remains a hub for global investors, with the median price for a single-family home in the state reaching $900,000 in 2024, according to the Hawaii Association of Realtors. Within this competitive landscape, Private Listings is building up to be a trusted name for properties that extend beyond luxury into generational investments.

Challenging the Industry Norms

Private Listings deliberately avoids the conventions of large-scale real estate firms. By focusing on fewer, higher-value properties, the company ensures that each transaction is treated with the same level of care and confidentiality.

Public listing platforms, while effective for broader markets, often expose sellers to unnecessary attention or unqualified inquiries. For Clarke, this model is misaligned with the needs of UHNWIs. “Privacy isn’t a luxury for our clients—it’s a necessity,” Clarke explains.

This philosophy has led Private Listings to handle some of Hawaii’s most significant real estate transactions, including off-market properties valued at over $40 million. Its success is not measured by the volume of listings but by the depth of trust built with clients, many of whom return for subsequent transactions.

Adapting to Changing Client Demands

While Private Listings maintains a foundation of traditional practices, the firm also recognizes the evolving needs of its clientele. The global real estate market is increasingly influenced by concerns over digital security, with a 15% rise in data breaches targeting high-net-worth individuals in the past three years, according to cybersecurity firm NortonLifeLock.

To address these risks, Private Listings employs rigorous screening for potential buyers and uses secure platforms for communication and transactions. The firm’s “by invitation only” model ensures that clients remain protected from the pitfalls of public exposure. Clarke notes, “Our goal is not just to sell homes but to create an environment where clients feel safe and confident during every step of the process.”

The Human Element in Real Estate Transactions

Despite advancements in technology, Private Listings firmly believes that real estate transactions cannot be reduced to algorithms or automation. Unlike firms that depend heavily on online data aggregation, Private Listings emphasizes human connection and insight.

The company’s sales strategy integrates personalized client interactions, in-depth market analysis, and years of experience navigating Hawaii’s unique real estate ecosystem. Clarke’s background in managing family assets and his global perspective is significant in shaping this essence.

Future Directions for Private Listings by Harold X. Clarke

As Hawaii continues to attract global attention, Private Listings aims to expand its influence within the state while maintaining its core principles. The company is currently developing a new platform to streamline services for UHNWIs, blending their demand for discretion with seamless access to Hawaii’s finest off-market properties.

Additionally, Private Listings is strengthening its ties with local communities, recognizing that sustainable growth benefits both the company and the islands’ ecosystems.

Private Listings by Harold X. Clarke has set itself apart in Hawaii’s real estate scene by moving away from the typical mass-market approach. Through a mix of traditional values and modern sensibilities, the firm continues to define what it means to transact ultra-high-value properties with integrity and care.