Celebrating Ashley Brown: My Friend, My Family, My Inspiration

By Brooke Abbott Abron

This blog post is a little different from my usual mommy advice pieces—it’s more personal. Today, I want to celebrate my incredible friend (and occasional boss), Ashley Brown, the amazing owner of Giggles LA, on her birthday.

So, many of you may not know this, but Ashley and I have been friends for over 30 years. Honestly, we’re more like family. Our mothers were friends and clients of each other’s, and her mom even became my boss for a summer during my first year of college. Ashley and her sister? They’re more like cousins to me than just friends. For three decades, we’ve been there for each other through life’s major ups and downs. But it’s in the past few years, as I’ve started my own family, that Ashley and I have really chosen to be friends—why? Because she makes me laugh, she’s always ready to ride for the cause, and she’s never not ready to feed me! But in all seriousness, Ashley has always had this incredible ability to make people feel like they belong, and that’s something I’ve always deeply admired about her.

As a business owner and entrepreneur, Ashley embodies both hustle and heart. She’s always there for her family, friends, and community—no matter what. But what really blows me away is what she’s built with Giggles LA. It’s not just a clothing boutique; it’s a community. A safe haven. A space where moms (and dads, too!) can feel seen, heard, and loved.

After experiencing the devastating loss of her own child, Ashley could have shut down, turned inward, and closed herself off from the world. But instead, she opened her heart wider and created something so much more. Giggles LA became not just a store, but a place for healing, empowerment, and support.

As a mom of color, especially in these times when our voices are often stifled, having a space like Giggles LA has been nothing short of transformative. It’s been a refuge—a place where I can bring my kids and simply breathe, knowing we’re surrounded by a community that has our back. There’s something so powerful about being in a space that’s built on love, acceptance, and inclusivity—and Ashley has made that possible.

So, on your special day, Ashley, I just want to take a moment to say thank you. Thank you for being the steady rock in all of our lives. Thank you for turning your pain into something beautiful and creating a space where moms (and really, anyone) can find not just clothes, but support, resources, and a true sense of belonging.

You’ve given us so much more than a store. You’ve given us a place to call home. And I am beyond grateful for you.

Happy Birthday, my sweet friend. I love you more than words could ever express. Here’s to many more years of laughter, growth, and sisterhood.

xo

Brookie