Biography of Ashley Green: CEO and founder of Kaans Designs -Entrepreneur
Biography of Ashley Green:
Ashley Green, the CEO and founder of Kaans Designs, created
a brand with a deeply personal mission. The inspiration behind Kaans Designs
stems from a heartfelt experience that changed Ashley’s life forever. She lost
her mother as a young adult and, to her dismay, discovered that she had no
photos with her mother. Ashley’s mother, like many people, avoided being in
pictures because of concerns about her appearance. This realization led Ashley
to vow that she would always be in the pictures with her own children, ensuring
those precious moments were captured.
Kenny’s Story: A Desire to Preserve Memories
Kenny Green, Ashley's husband and co-founder of Kaans
Designs, has his own story of loss. Growing up, he experienced multiple house
fires that destroyed his childhood photos and left him without visual memories
of his early years. As a father now, Kenny has become the "paparazzi"
of his family, ensuring that every special moment with his kids is documented.
Together, Ashley and Kenny founded Kaans Designs, combining their shared
passion for family and the importance of capturing memories.
The Birth of Kaans Designs
Kaans Designs is more than just a business; it's a movement.
The company’s goal is to inspire families to embrace the beauty of shared
moments and to encourage them to "Get in the Picture." Kaans Designs
offers matching shirts and family apparel collections designed to spark joy and
create photo-worthy moments. For Ashley, seeing mothers and children wearing
the brand’s products and knowing those photos will be cherished forever brings
a sense of fulfillment.
The Dream of Shark Tank
One of the biggest dreams for Ashley and Kenny was to appear
on Shark Tank. Their opportunity came in Season 16, Episode 6, where they
pitched their mission to a national audience. The episode was an exciting
chance for them to share the importance of capturing life’s fleeting moments
and how Kaans Designs can help families make those moments tangible. Their
story resonated with viewers, as they emphasized how special it is to be
present in the pictures, regardless of the circumstances.
The Kaans Designs Philosophy: Don't Wait for Perfection
Kaans Designs is more than just about apparel; it’s a
reminder for families to stop waiting for the "perfect" moment.
Ashley encourages families to jump into the frame without worrying about their
outfits, hairstyles, or even the perfect day. The company’s slogan, “Get in the
Picture,” reflects Ashley’s mission to make sure families document their
moments together, creating lasting memories.
From Humble Beginnings: The Garage Start
Kaans Designs began with humble origins in the Green
family's garage in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Ashley, who was a high school teacher,
and Kenny, a social worker, initially started the business as a side hustle.
With just $200 in seed money from Ashley’s dad, they ventured into the world of
family apparel. Their first sale came quickly after posting their products on
Instagram, showing the potential of their idea.
The Struggles and Triumphs of Entrepreneurship
The journey to success wasn’t always easy. Ashley had to
learn how to balance her teaching career while building Kaans Designs into a
full-time venture. She started working on the business full-time in 2017, while
Kenny alternated between helping with the business and taking up other
full-time jobs as necessary. Despite the challenges, the Greens remained
dedicated to growing their brand and connecting with their customers.
Biography of Ashley Green: CEO and founder of Kaans Designs -Entrepreneur#Kaans Designs story#age#net worth#investor#Ashley Green story#startup
Expanding the Family Business
What started as a small, side hustle has now become a family
business. Today, every member of the Green family is involved in Kaans Designs.
Even their youngest family member, nicknamed "Mic Drop," plays a role
in helping the company thrive. The business has grown to the point where they
now employ part-time workers and seasonal employees to keep up with demand.
The Power of Connection Through Design
Ashley believes in the power of connection. Drawing from her
years of teaching high school, she understands how important it is to connect
with people. This skill translated into her business, as she learned to pivot
and create products that customers could relate to. With the help of the
internet and social media, Kaans Designs was able to gain recognition and
attract customers who shared Ashley’s passion for family and memories.
Expanding Their Reach Online and Beyond
Kaans Designs now operates entirely online, with products
sold through their website, Amazon, and Etsy. Their range of products includes
affordable mini iron-on patches and matching mother-daughter sweatshirt sets,
with prices ranging from $2 to $58. This direct-to-consumer approach has
allowed them to reach a wide audience and build a loyal customer base. They
also have future plans to sell in small boutiques and even enter the wholesale
retail market.
The Family's Ultimate Vision
Looking to the future, Ashley and Kenny have big plans for
Kaans Designs. One of their goals is to purchase screen printing equipment,
which would allow them to improve their production and help other small
businesses bring their creative ideas to life. This is part of their long-term
vision to not only grow their business but also support the dreams of others
who want to start their own ventures.
Inspired by the Millennial Parent
Kaans Designs is a brand that resonates with millennial
parents, many of whom are seeking relatable and meaningful products for their
families. Ashley’s idea to create apparel that spoke to the real-world
experiences of diverse families has found a strong following. She’s proud of
the brand she’s built, knowing it stands for more than just clothing — it
represents a movement to cherish moments with loved ones.
From T-Shirts to a Movement
What started with a simple idea to put relatable phrases on
t-shirts has blossomed into something much more significant. Ashley and Kenny’s
shared passion for family and memories transformed into Kaans Designs, a
lifestyle brand that is helping people across the country embrace the idea of
“Getting in the Picture.” Their products are a constant reminder of how
important it is to preserve family moments, whether it’s a casual day out or a
special occasion.
The Power of Social Media for Small Businesses
Social media has played a pivotal role in the success of
Kaans Designs. Ashley and Kenny have leveraged platforms like Instagram to
connect with potential customers and showcase their products. The visibility
provided by these platforms has been crucial in helping them grow their brand,
as they’ve been able to share their story with a larger audience. Social media
has allowed them to create a community of like-minded families who appreciate
the value of capturing memories.
Celebrating Family Through Apparel
At its core, Kaans Designs is about celebrating the bond
between family members. The brand’s matching apparel collections are designed
to bring families closer together, sparking joy and creating moments worth
remembering. Every item they sell has a deeper meaning — it's not just about
the clothes but about the moments and memories families can create together
while wearing them.
Kaans Designs: A Legacy of Love and Memory
Ashley and Kenny’s journey with Kaans Designs is a testament
to their love for their families and their commitment to creating meaningful
connections. The company continues to thrive because of their dedication to
helping others preserve memories. Kaans Designs has become more than just a
business — it’s a legacy of love, loss, and the importance of family,
encouraging everyone to “Get in the Picture.”
Timeline for story
Ashley’s Inspiration: Ashley loses her mother, vows to
capture memories with her children.
Kenny’s Story: Kenny loses childhood photos in house fires,
becomes the family’s "paparazzi."
Kaans Designs Founded: Ashley and Kenny start Kaans Designs
in their garage.
2017: Ashley works full-time on Kaans Designs, while Kenny
helps part-time.
Kaans Designs Online Expansion: Products sold through
website, Amazon, and Etsy.
Shark Tank Dream: Kaans Designs pitches on Shark Tank
(Season 16, Episode 6).
Future Goals: Plans to purchase screen printing equipment
and support other small businesses.
