We recently connected with Ashley Charles-Bennett and have shared our conversation below.

Ashley, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Do you wish you had started sooner?

If I could go back, I definitely would’ve started on my passion sooner! I feel like in my teenage years, I didn’t have much guidance or help finding what I love to do. I wasn’t exposed to many creative hobbies or culinary projects growing up. I oddly found my passion while grieving (that’s another story) when I was 24 and I’ve kept growing and learning ever since. I think if I started sooner I’d of course have a wider skill set, but I would have pursued culinary school instead of a traditional university. I do wish I had started sooner but there’s no point of constantly looking back on it. I just learn & practice new skills as often as possible. I think being self taught is one of coolest and most impressive things an artist can do!

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I started seriously baking while grieving the loss of my first two babies who were both sadly full term stillbirths. I found it extremely therapeutic to be in the kitchen baking and having my friends and family try all the delicious things I created. After giving samples to any and everyone I came across, I finally decided to make it a “small business”! I was lucky enough to receive my first large order just a few weeks after starting my business by another local business called Kolor My Kanvas for an event they were hosting. As of lately, I’m currently a mother of two little boys, a wife & a full time Baker in Houston. I offer creative & custom party treats, favors, unique cookies and so many other desserts. My goal is to offer affordable but delicious and custom desserts. I would say I am extremely proud of the growth I’ve had since starting. I’m creating things I’ve never imagine I could and constantly learning more everyday.

: Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

I’m not quite ready to share my biggest goal but I do hope it brings support, unity and so much more to the baking community!

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

When I first started out, I constantly thought every opinion on what I do and how I do it should be matter to me. I guess I’d take things personally. I’ve definitely learned that’s not always true. You can always listen to and respect others opinions, but don’t let all opinions effect you and your art!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.facebook.com/HelloSweetsbyAshley
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/hellosweetsbyashley?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=