A FAMILY-RUN luxury outfit rental service has changed operations to a new boutique in Muir of Ord.
Ashlia offers these outfits to hire for special events at a notably lower price compared to their retail prices.
Having been set up by Carla Smith and her daughters Lia and Ashlee this year, the service has seen popularity surge through providing outfits for weddings and proms.
Beginning as an exclusively online venture, it welcomed a new unit at Ord Industrial Estate just last week which gives customers the opportunity to try on the outfits in advance.
The service provides the clothing in sizes ranging from 6 to 22 with a choice of matching accessories available, and values sustainability in all aspects of its service.
Now that they have their shop running, they are hoping to expand both their team and potentially their business itself to further Scottish cites and towns.
Carla already has experience in the industry through a background in retail and design and time spent studying business and fashion at Glasgow Caledonian University.
In the past, her family and friends have borrowed the range of occasion wear she owns which are now part of the services offerings.
Lia and Ashlee are both supporting the business alongside their studies with Ashlee finishing her last year in secondary school and Lia doing a sports management degree at the University of the Highlands and Islands.
Ashlia’s refurbishment and fit-out of the store in time for peak season has been achieved with funding from the British Business Bank’s Start Up Loans programme and GC Business Finance.
The British Business Bank’s Start Up Loans programme has helped 370 entrepreneurs and provided over £3.8m in loans to new businesses in the Highlands since its beginning.
Lia Smith stated: “We’ve been blown away by the reaction so far to our dress hire concept, with people renting outfits for prom, graduation dances, the races, weddings and more.
“We took some of the collection to the Lochardil Wedding Fair a few weeks ago and so many people wanted to know how the rental process worked, considering it as a more sustainable and affordable way to look their best at upcoming events.
“With our new store open, we’ll be able to help even more customers to find the right outfits with the space for them to try on different styles and experiment with different accessories.
“Everyone wants to look their best when they are going out, but often these outfits are only worn once.
“Renting a dress is not only great for the planet but also means people can wear luxury pieces at a much more affordable cost.”
Barry McCulloch, Senior Manager, UK Network, Scotland at the British Business Bank, said: “Fast fashion has a significant environmental footprint, so it is great to support a family-run business which is going against the trend and providing a way to make style more sustainable.
“The market looks set to grow with consumers increasingly looking for more eco-conscious options when shopping, and Ashlia is well positioned to maximise that opportunity.
“As well as supporting financially, the British Business Bank recognises the role smaller businesses can play in the transition to a more sustainable, net-zero economy.”
