F. Find out why 'Hardcore Pawn' star left it all to chase her dreams

Who does Ashley Gold think she is? She's rough, she's tough, and for years, she dominated the chaos of reality TV. But outside the spotlight, there’s another side to Ashley—one she’s rarely shared. Now, she’s opening up about motherhood, her new business venture, and the life-changing decision to walk away from fame.

For Ashley Gold, the glitz of a reality TV career came with a heavy cost. Sure, her reality show brought financial success and popularity, but behind the scenes, she was paying a steep price. “Sometimes things aren’t what they seem,” she reflects. Her life was a whirlwind of demands, leaving her overworked, unhealthy, and distant from the family time she cherished most.

We visited Ashley’s Oakland County home to uncover why she chose to step out of the limelight and start fresh. At 38, this mother of two realized she needed a drastic change. After years of success on a hit TV show, she called it quits—not for failure but for a chance to reclaim her life. What followed was a bold new chapter that’s now gaining international attention.

Ashley spent much of her life working at her family’s Southfield pawn store. It was her world—a business she loved and mastered. The reality show only amplified the excitement, turning the store, the staff, and even the customers into household names. Ratings soared, and Ashley became known as the “tough chick” who could handle any situation.

Yet, as she admits, the demands were taking a toll. She struggled with her weight, her health was declining, and she was missing out on the joys of motherhood. Something had to give. In a pivotal moment, she realized she couldn’t keep living that way. “I had an aha moment where I thought, ‘This has to change.’”

Now, Ashley spends most of her time at home in Oakland County, focusing on her new business, Pawn Chick Shopping. The online jewelry store combines her passion for fashion with her entrepreneurial spirit. “My favorite thing is layering jewelry,” she shares, eagerly showing off her line of statement pieces. Each item reflects her love for style and quality.

Contrary to the name, none of the jewelry she sells is pawned. Instead, Ashley travels to jewelry shows across the country to source the latest trends and high-quality pieces. From curating collections to packaging and shipping orders, she’s hands-on every step of the way. “I want everything to be fresh and new,” she says.

Beyond her jewelry business, Ashley has embraced her role as a content creator. She runs a weekly blog and podcast, interviewing celebrities about their lives and passions. “It’s not about me,” she says. “It’s about how we relate and what’s going on in their world.” The response has been overwhelmingly positive, adding another layer of success to her entrepreneurial journey.

Most importantly, Ashley now has time for her family. She’s a hands-on mom who drives the carpool, hosts playdates, and dances around the house with her kids. “I’m living the life I never thought was possible,” she says. For Ashley, finding balance has been the ultimate reward.

As for the craziness of reality TV, she doesn’t miss it. While the show taught her valuable lessons—like how to negotiate, make deals, and stand her ground—she’s happy to leave the chaos behind. “I have thick skin,” she says. “And in today’s world, you need to know what you want and how to stand up for yourself.”

Ashley hopes her story inspires others. Whether it’s through her business or her blog, she wants to show women that it’s possible to take control and create the life you want. “Pawn Chick Shopping is just the beginning,” she hints. “I’ve got a few things up my sleeve.”

If you’re curious to learn more about Ashley’s journey, her business, or her podcast, head over to her website. There, you’ll find everything from her latest jewelry collections to her inspiring interviews. Ashley Gold is proof that stepping away from the spotlight doesn’t mean stepping away from success.