Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashton Wiley.
Hi Ashton, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My name is Ashton Wiley, also known as Mrs. Wet Detail and I was born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee. I met my husband Josh for the first time through a mutual friend in early 2022 and we immediately connected on a deep level and started dating. I had just left an 8 year long abusive marriage, in which I had 2 little girls, ages 1-1/2 & 3. At the time, I was working a sales job in a well known uniform and promotional products company as the assistant to the President, giving me a thorough knowledge of customer service, focusing on details, art graphics and creating systematic processes. I had suffered the biggest financial blow during this time, trying to make ends meet and escape my ex to begin repairing myself and building a better and safer life for my daughters. Through the years I was with my ex, I had developed a heavy drinking problem to help numb the pain and cope, which lead me to an unhealthy heavy weight gain. Towards the end of that relationship, I had also developed a stress induced eating disorder, where I could barely keep anything down. I felt so depleted and lost, and I didn’t even recognize myself in the mirror anymore. Josh had also came out of a similar relationship prior to ours, of 3.5 years of the same type of abuse. Needless to say, we were both lost and trying to figure out our next steps in life. Through the beginning year of our relationship, we both poured into one another, helped each other heal old wounds, traumas, and triggers, and we both quit drinking alcohol completely. This time was the turning point in my life, where I started creating myself and I began to blossom into the woman I’ve always wanted to be. I began my fitness journey into fixing my daily nutrition, losing my fat, and gaining more muscle. I then ventured off into creating at home work out videos on my social media and Youtube channel, to inspire other survivors and women alike. I now work one on one with anyone who reaches out, so I can help guide and jumpstart their journey into finding themselves and becoming stronger than ever.
My husband Josh Wiley, started Wet Detail in 2009. Since then, his business has grown from our garage at home, to a full service and detail supplies retail shop. We realized how equally yoked we were in our life journey through our shared hobbies and interests in cars and trucks. I grew up around all types of racing and restoration, so I already had a passion and knowledge for unique builds. Josh asked me to marry him shortly after we began dating and also asked if I would be interested in quitting my job in sales of 6 years, to come work alongside him at Wet Detail. I prayed over this decision, as it would change both of our lives drastically. I took the leap and joined Wet Detail and Shine Supply Memphis in June of 2023. Since then, we have created and implemented updated processes and systems that allow our business to serve our local community as well as supporting the detail community. I have been focused and dedicated to working hands on to learn as much as possible in order to properly help clients find the right solutions. I have also been given the freedom to homeschool both of our daughters at our shop. Our freedom and flexibility allows us to fully focus on growing together as a family and business alongside our team mates. We love to give back in multiple ways, from volunteering our time and efforts, to helping other detail businesses with product and service knowledge. We both have big plans for the future of Wet Detail, now that we are family owned and operated. Our mission is to use the blessing of our business that God gifted to us, to serve others and create a new family oriented experience and culture. We believe in community over competition and hope to help restore the Memphis car and truck scene with likeminded enthusiasts.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I don’t believe any journey is ever a smooth ride. God gives us obstacles along the way in order to learn the lessons and receive the blessings. From the time Josh and I got together, to now, has been a very humbling and growing experience. The economic recession starved out a lot of local and small businesses due to fear of unnecessary and luxury spending. We suffered a very slow season, which grew our faith in the Lord, that he would make a way and send us our clients. Since the beginning of this year, we are finally seeing more growth and confidence in how our clients choose to spend their money and trust in us to help protect their investments. Through these struggles, we found strength and began to give back more in every job that came to our doorstep. We believe in quality over quantity and will continue to dial in all of our skills and services to keep our clients confident in Wet Detail. For me personally, I lacked confidence and certain areas of expertise in the detail industry. Josh has been an incredible mentor, leader, and teacher. He teaches me in depth knowledge of how to approach each job correctly, and also how to answer all of the off the wall questions I am asked on a daily basis. He has helped build my confidence and always has my back.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m known as Mrs. Wet Detail, because Ashton is sometimes hard for others to remember (although it’s an awesome name). I’m the glue that keeps everything together at Wet Detail. I execute all of the customer service tasks from answering calls and emails, to sending estimates and creating our schedule. We are an authorized Shine Supply dealer, in which I answer product questions and sell the right solutions to our local detailers as well as regular daily customers. My favorite part of what I do, is assisting in all of our jobs, starting from a basic detail to ceramic coatings and paint protection film. I’m most happy with how much I’ve learned and absorbed in such a short amount of time, proving that women can operate just as well as the men. The majority of what sets us apart from other detail businesses, is we are not cookie cutter and we do not offer a set menu as far as services and pricing are concerned. We give accurate estimates that are tailored to each client and vehicle depending on what the client is looking to achieve within their own budget. We are more than just our services and incredible results, we are an entire experience. I love being completely transparent and communicative with all of the clients who trust in us with their vehicles. We have a lobby stocked with Shine Supply products, which includes a coffee bar, water cooler and comfortable waiting area for all ages. I even have coloring books and tick tack toe to keep children occupied. We are known for having the cleanest detail shop in the midsouth, almost posing as a car museum when full of vehicles. Another way I contribute to the marketing aspect, is by being the woman behind the scenes. About 90% of the content we create, is through media I have filmed and gathered, making videos and posts for both Wet Detail and Shine Supply Memphis. So, I guess you could say, I do all of my own stunts as well.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
The things that I love the most about Millington and the surrounding areas, is the eclectic collection of interests and events that are offered. We have an enclosed trailer that we pull to events and car shows that we sponsor to bring our shop and products out into the public. We spread our knowledge to others who may not know how in depth you can improve your own personal vehicle. It’s always so much fun showing results in real time and gaining new regular clients and customers. We love networking and building lasting relationships. And yes, I have a coffee bar in our trailer as well!
My least favorite thing about our city is the amount of crime we are faced with, to a point where a lot of OG car/truck scene individuals are hesitant to bring their vehicles out in fear of being broken into or stolen. We’re always looking for venues that offer security and are family friendly, since we typically bring our daughters. I do believe this is something that is in the works of healing, and is growing in confidence yearly.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.wetdetail.com
- Instagram: @wetdetail
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WetDetailLLC
- Other: Tik Tok: @wetdetailofficial
