We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Ashley Arnold Morrow a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Ashley, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Setting up an independent practice is a daunting endeavor. Can you talk to us about what it was like for you – what were some of the main steps, challenges, etc.
Embarking on the journey of establishing my own “practice” was both exhilarating and daunting. Driven by a passion for environmental stewardship, I began by taking small yet meaningful steps.
It started with simple acts like acquiring free seeds and plants from local seed libraries and certifying my yard as pollinator-friendly through partnerships with zoos, parks, and conservatories. As my garden flourished, I pursued certification for its native plant composition, deepening my connection with the natural world.
These early experiences led me to found the Wild Ones Youngstown Area Chapter, uniting like-minded individuals in promoting eco-friendly practices. Through Operation Pollination with the Youngstown Rotary Club, I discovered the power of community-driven initiatives.
Further exploration of ecotourism and sustainable farming solidified my commitment to environmental responsibility. Co-founding The Spore Sorority and The Spore Sisterhood allowed me to share this passion with others.
The culmination of these efforts was the creation of the 1st Annual Mushroom Maiden Festival and the 1st Annual Mushrooms and Monsters Event – vibrant celebrations of fungi’s wonders.
Key challenges included navigating uncharted territory, securing resources, and balancing optimism with pragmatism. Nonetheless, perseverance and resilience prevailed.
In retrospect, I would have prioritized seeking mentorship and networking earlier on. Building a supportive community is crucial.
To young professionals considering their own “practice”, I offer this advice:
1. Start small, but start now.
2. Cultivate resilience; setbacks are opportunities for growth.
3. Seek guidance from mentors (like Lois Martin-Uscianowski, Elsa Higby, and Elayne Bozick) and peers.
4. Stay curious, always learning.
5. Embrace failure as a stepping stone to success.
Remember, every seed planted, every connection made, and every lesson learned contributes to a legacy of positive impact. Keep nurturing your vision, and the world will bloom alongside you.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
Welcome! I’m thrilled to share my story with you. As a passionate environmental advocate and community builder, my journey has been a winding “garden” path of discovery and purpose.
Growing up with a deep love for nature, I began by transforming my own yard into a pollinator-friendly oasis, certified by local zoos, parks, and conservatories. This spark ignited a desire to share knowledge and inspire others.
In 2021, I founded the Wild Ones Youngstown Area Chapter, connecting like-minded individuals passionate about eco-friendly practices. Through Operation Pollination with the Youngstown Rotary Club, I witnessed the power of collective action.
My exploration of ecotourism, sustainable farming, and fungi’s wonders led me to co-found The Spore Sorority and The Spore Sisterhood – vibrant communities celebrating the intersection of nature and creativity.
Proud accomplishments include:
– Co-creating the 1st Annual Mushroom Maiden Festival and the 1st Annual Mushrooms and Monsters Event
– Certifying my garden with native plants, supporting local biodiversity
– Building a network of eco-conscious individuals through Wild Ones, The Spore Sisterhood, and The Spore Sorority
My mission is to:
– Educate and inspire environmental stewardship
– Foster community-driven initiatives
– Promote sustainable practices
– Celebrate nature’s beauty and resilience
What sets me apart?
– Passionate commitment to environmental responsibility
– Unique blend of ecological expertise and creative expression
– Collaborative approach, bridging communities and disciplines
For potential clients, followers, and fans, I want you to know:
– I’m dedicated to empowering individuals and communities to make a positive impact
– My work is infused with love, curiosity, and a deep connection to nature
– Together, we can cultivate a more resilient, vibrant world
Join me on this journey, and let’s grow a brighter future – one seed, one spore, and one connection at a time.
Services/Products:
– Environmental consulting and education
– Community building and event planning
– Sustainable gardening and ecotourism expertise
– Creative collaborations and workshops
If you could go back, would you choose the same profession, specialty, etc.?
Without a shadow of a doubt, a million times yes! I wouldn’t change my path for the world. My journey as an environmental advocate, community builder, and champion of sustainable living has been a deeply rewarding and fulfilling ride.
Every twist and turn, every triumph and setback, has led me to exactly where I’m meant to be. The connections I’ve made, the lives I’ve touched, and the positive impact we’ve created together – it’s all been worth it.
I’ve had the privilege of:
– Founding the Wild Ones Youngstown Area Chapter
– Co-creating vibrant events like the Mushroom Maiden Festival
– Inspiring others to embrace eco-friendly practices
– Building a supportive community through The Spore Sorority and The Spore Sisterhood
If I had to do it all over again, I would:
– Take the same leaps of faith
– Cultivate the same relationships
– Pursue the same passions
My work is my purpose, and I feel blessed to be living it every day. No regrets, no doubts – just gratitude and excitement for the next chapter.
To anyone considering their own path, I say:
– Trust your instincts
– Follow your heart
– Embrace the unknown
Your unique journey, with all its twists and turns, is worth embracing. And if you’re lucky, you’ll find yourself saying, like me, ‘a million times yes’ to the incredible adventure that is your life’s work.
How’d you meet your business partner?
The story of how I met my business partner is one of serendipity, shared passions, and blossoming connection.
It all began at Livi Steel, Inc., where we were introduced as coworkers. Little did we know, our professional relationship would evolve into a beautiful friendship, romantic partnership, and ultimately, a dynamic duo driving positive change.
As colleagues, we discovered common interests in environmental sustainability, community building, and creative expression. Our conversations shifted from work-related topics to shared dreams and aspirations.
Our friendship deepened, and we found ourselves exploring local eco-initiatives, attending workshops, and brainstorming innovative ideas. It wasn’t long before our connection transcended friendship, and we began dating.
With our personal and professional chemistry ignited, we embarked on a new adventure – co-founding two non-profits:
– The Spore Sorority: Empowering women in mycology and sustainability
– The Spore Sisterhood: Fostering community-driven environmental initiatives
Together, we created platforms for education, advocacy, and artistic expression. Our partnership flourished, and so did our impact.
The next natural step was bringing our vision to the community through events:
– The 1st Annual Mushroom Maiden Festival: Celebrating fungi’s wonders
– The 1st Annual Mushrooms and Monsters Event: Exploring the intersection of nature and creativity
Collaborating on these projects strengthened our bond and solidified our mission to inspire positive change.
Today, our partnership is a testament to the power of shared passions, trust, and mutual support. We’re grateful for the journey that brought us together and excited for the impact we’ll continue to make – side by side.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thesporesisterhood.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ashleynicolemorrow17?mibextid=ZbWKwL
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-morrow-501a8b26b
- Other: https://www.habitatcan.org/local-resources/Ashley-Morrow/67878/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR146J-nUJwuu1JX-Cmkq7Y3lMwaZB-jAGjmHnFhSAcl1aBjqAilUkhU2g8_aem_CTtqpoF5goIfJ41PqlS-cg
