Ahlers Designs creates gifts and awards that motivate, commemorate and celebrate milestone moments and short term goals. They make things that are meaningful to your target clients, employees and your socially responsible charities. See here for more on her custom awards.
ty artist. She studied art history in Paris and sculpture at the San Miguel de Allende Institute in Mexico. In 2009, Ahlers Designs won the Digital Growth Contest, co-sponsored by Cox Business and Ladies Who Launch for her compelling essay on how advanced communications technology will give her business more global reach. Ahlers Designs product line includes awards, gifts, such as unique business card holders, magnets, jewelry, sculptures and more. See her jewelry designs here The custom awards that Gail creates are unique and personalized recognition awards that add unique value to any industry, event or special occasion. But this has been an evolution from fine jewelry to custom corporate gifts and events. " Our biggest challenge is designing of custom products that can compete with the standard items produced overseas," says Gail. "One example of our success was when we created a clock for an insurance company's 75th anniversary. Originally the company asked for 500 pieces,but loved the clock so much that they increased the order to 3,000. The clock was so successful with their customers that the clients reordered 7,000 more the following year."
A Rhode Island resident since the 1980’s, Gail is a graduate of Rhode Island School of Design where her independent spirit and energy infiltrated the school. Getting her BFA in light metals in 1985. She held the office of President of the Foundry Artist Association and was the leader of the Rhode Island Alumnae Association for many years. Her education continued internationally in both Paris and Mexico where she focused on art history and sculpture. Gail recently received a scholarship for attending the Tuck-WBENC Executive Program, proving that one only benefits from opening your mind and embracing knowledge.
What has kept Ahlers' Design in business for so long?
"Ahlers Designs is always evolving. Because it is always changing it allows me to grow as an artist and a designer."
How do you keep yourself going?
"Simply I love what I do. I rather work a 14 hour day doing something I love than wake up dreading the tasks ahead. I enjoy the interaction with my staff, my clients, my suppliers. Bringing ideas into the 3rd dimension is a fascinating task."
What advice do you have for other women interested in starting, growing or evolving a business?
"Everyone is an expert at something but identifying what you don’t know is the key. Once you know what needs improvement find someone to help you. Ask for help. Always keep learning. It is about progress not perfection."