Ashley Gold, a prominent figure from the reality show Hardcore Pawn, has been immersed in the pawn business from a very young age. Her journey into the world of pawnbroking began at just seven years old, where she worked alongside her family at American Jewelry and Loan, a family-owned pawn shop located in Detroit. Over the years, Ashley learned the ins and outs of the business and eventually became the shop’s manager. Her long-standing experience in the pawn industry made her a natural fit for Hardcore Pawn, a reality TV show that chronicled the day-to-day operations of her family’s pawn shop. The opportunity to be part of the show came unexpectedly during a promotional event in the store’s parking lot, where the executive producer of The Jerry Springer Show spotted the shop and the potential for a television series.
Little by little, the producers approached the family about doing a reality show, and eventually, Hardcore Pawn was born. The show debuted on TruTV and ran for six and a half years, producing a remarkable 175 episodes. The series gave viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the business, along with the unique and sometimes emotional stories of the customers who came in to pawn their items. The show’s appeal lay in its raw and unscripted portrayal of the pawn business, but it also shone a spotlight on Ashley’s tough, no-nonsense approach to negotiations. Throughout the series, Ashley’s role often cast her as the "villain" in the eyes of customers who felt they were being shortchanged. However, Ashley explains that her decisions were always grounded in fairness and the true value of the item, rather than personal feelings or the emotional attachment the customer had to it.
One of the most important lessons Ashley learned as a pawn broker, and something she advises anyone entering the business to remember, is that negotiation is key. When someone walks into a pawn shop, they should always be prepared to negotiate. Ashley highlights that while the pawn broker’s role is to be fair, it’s equally important for the customer to approach the transaction realistically and fairly. She admits that her reputation as the "villain" often stemmed from situations where customers brought in items like televisions, jewelry, or electronics, hoping to get more money than the items were worth. In these moments, Ashley had to make tough decisions, especially when customers were desperate for money to cover necessities like food or medical expenses. However, she emphasizes that her primary responsibility was always to offer a price that reflected the item’s true market value.
The emotional aspect of pawning is something Ashley has dealt with throughout her career. Many customers are deeply attached to the items they bring in, often due to personal or sentimental reasons. Ashley stresses the importance of separating emotion from the transaction. She notes that every item has a story, whether it’s a family heirloom, a beloved piece of jewelry, or something as simple as a household item. But in the pawn business, those stories don’t influence the item’s monetary value. Ashley believes this concept extends beyond the pawn industry and applies to any business—emotions must be put aside when making important financial decisions. Detaching from the emotional significance of an item allows both the customer and the pawn broker to focus on the practical aspects of the transaction.
Ashley’s time on Hardcore Pawn also showcased her passion for jewelry design, a dream she pursued even while managing the family pawn shop. For years, Ashley had a desire to create her own jewelry, and after leaving the pawn shop and the show, she turned that passion into a thriving business. About six and a half years ago, Ashley made the decision to step away from the pawn shop and launch her own brand, Pawn Chick Shopping. Initially, her new venture involved carrying lines from various vendors, but as the brand grew, she realized there was a demand for her own designs. Customers would frequently ask if the items were pawned, given the name of her store, and this confusion led her to a pivotal decision to rebrand.
Two years after the launch of Pawn Chick Shopping, Ashley rebranded her business to AshleyGold.com, where she exclusively sold her own jewelry creations. This move allowed her to fully embrace her role as a designer and curate a collection that reflected her personal style and vision. With the rebrand, Ashley stopped selling items from other vendors and focused entirely on her own designs. Her business quickly gained momentum, and she began showcasing her collection at major markets in Las Vegas, New York, and Atlanta, where her pieces were picked up by several stores. The rebranding marked a new chapter in Ashley’s career, as she transitioned from being a pawn broker on reality TV to a successful jewelry entrepreneur.
One of the major trends Ashley has embraced in her designs is the resurgence of gold. She notes that gold has become incredibly popular in recent years, and it’s a trend she’s incorporated heavily into her collections. Whether it’s real gold or gold-plated pieces, the warmth and elegance of gold have captivated her clients. Ashley believes that gold is versatile and complements a variety of skin tones, making it a timeless addition to any wardrobe. She also encourages customers to mix their metals, combining gold with silver or white gold for a more eclectic and personalized look.
As a designer, Ashley finds inspiration in the stories behind the pieces she creates. Much like the customers who walked into the pawn shop with sentimental stories attached to their items, Ashley feels a deep connection to the jewelry she designs. Each piece in her collection has a personal story behind it, whether it’s the inspiration for the design or the significance it holds for the wearer. This connection to storytelling is something she’s carried with her from the pawn shop to her jewelry line, and it’s a key element in her success as a designer.
Today, Ashley’s brand, AshleyGold.com, continues to thrive, offering a range of jewelry that appeals to a broad audience. Her designs are known for their quality and craftsmanship, and her pieces can be found in stores across the country. With her eye for trends and her ability to create jewelry that resonates with her customers, Ashley has successfully transitioned from reality TV star to a respected name in the jewelry industry. For those looking to add some sparkle to their collection, Ashley’s gold pieces are a perfect choice, and with Mother's Day around the corner, her designs make for thoughtful and elegant gifts.
In reflecting on her journey, Ashley is proud of how far she’s come, both in the pawn industry and as a jewelry designer. She credits her years of experience as a pawn broker for teaching her valuable lessons about business, negotiation, and the importance of separating emotion from decision-making. These lessons have been integral to her success as a designer, allowing her to build a brand that is not only stylish but also deeply personal. As Ashley continues to grow her business, she remains committed to creating jewelry that tells a story—just like the items that once came through the doors of American Jewelry and Loan.
What video below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vBpKK6r7fNQ
