We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ashley Lasko. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ashley below.

Ashley , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

I have been a stay at home mother for the past 11 years. During those 11 years my time was not my own. It solely revolved around my family. My husband works a very demanding job, odd hours, works weekends, and only gets one day off a week. Just the thought of finding a job that worked with his schedule was hard.

Since I was a teenager, I’ve always known I wanted to help people, I just wasn’t sure what that path would look like. In 2011, I lost my brother to his addiction to alcohol and drugs. He was 22 at the time of his death. For years I watched him struggle with his addiction. At the time, I thought he wasn’t trying hard enough. I couldn’t understand why he couldn’t just quit. My Mom would ask him why, why do you keep hurting us? We love you. His response was, “do you think I want to be like this? I hate who I am.”

Knowing this now breaks my heart. I wish I knew then what I know now. I wish I understood the extreme grip that drugs can have on a person.

After my brother died, I began working as a substance abuse counselor in Sarasota, FL. I absolutely loved that job. I only worked there for 1 year before I had my first child and decided I would be staying home with our son. Fast forward to 2023, my youngest son started school. Unfortunately with my husbands hours I knew I wouldn’t be able to have a “normal” job. I had worked with epoxy in the past, so I started experimenting with it more. It soon morphed into me creating beach landscape paintings. It wasn’t long before I ran out of money. I knew the only way I could continue working with epoxy was if I started selling my art. I was super happy, and having a lot of fun, but I wasn’t helping people.

I decided to use my art as a way to help individuals in recovery. Since August I have donated a large portion of my income to help those in recovery. I truly feel like I am doing exactly what God has planned for me.

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.

I think the first question covered a lot of this. How I initially got into epoxy was about 3 years ago when I wanted to redo our kitchen counters. I wanted to extend the length of our island, so that it could seat our family of 5. After researching the cost of new counters, I quickly realized I did not want to spend that much money. I started researching alternatives. That’s when I stumbled upon epoxy! I was consuming educational videos non stop. After a bunch of research, I jumped in head first. I turned our dinning room in my resin room. Bought a bunch of power tools, and I fabricated a new kitchen island with MDF. It took a lot to get the hang of it. But I enjoyed every step of the way. A huge resource for me was Rhonda Dracoulis at RK3 and Mitch at Stonecoat Countertops. Their YouTube pages are the best.

I am a resin artist. I create wall art, a variety of home decor items, flora preservations, and I pour epoxy countertops. Epoxy counterttops are a wonderful option for individuals who want the top tier granite counters without the hefty price tag. I also teach epoxy classes in Martinsburg, WV and Stephens City, VA.

One of the things I love about epoxy is how many things you can create with it. My day is never boring, because I am constantly learning and doing something different.

I make, serving trays, coasters, jewelry dishes and plates, glass ocean cups. One of my favorite things is when I combine my resin landscapes with building a diorama. For example, I’ll use foam, plaster, glue, and many other tools and supplies to create mountains, rivers, and trees. They are a lot of fun to make.

What sets my art apart from others is that there is a significant story behind mine. Not only do you get a piece of art for your home, you are significantly helping those in need. I try and educate others by sharing my families story. I have experienced loss that I wish on nobody else. If I can help others by sharing my story, I will.

I feel like I should be adding a lot more detail. I have never done an interview like this before. I might be able to verbalize it better on the phone, if need be,

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

I have failed more times than I have succeeded. I can honestly say that had I not failed, I wouldn’t be creating the art I am today. I tell my kids all the time how valuable mistakes are. The only bad mistake is the one you let knock you down.

I was so scared when I started selling my art. I researched and researched, but there comes a point where you have to just start. Yes, do your duediligence, but know, there is never a “perfect” time to do anything.

My biggest advice to anyone starting something new is to embrace your fear. Recognize it, and do it anyway!

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

My business is so new that I have had to rework and restart almost every aspect of my business. I did not have any art background, and am completely self taught. I have to pivot and readjust multiple times a week. It’s okay though, how can you figure out how to do something if you don’t do it? I let the fear of messing up stop me for a long time. I have moved past that, and embrace the fact that it is a learning process. The only way to learn something new is to do!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.ashleylaskocreates.com
• Instagram: AshleyLaskoCreates
• Facebook: Ashley Lasko Creates