We were lucky to catch up with Ashley Quinones recently and have shared our conversation below.
Ashley , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?
The most meaningful project I have worked on is the pursuit of justice for people who have been killed by our government.
In 2019 my husband Brian Quinones was murdered by Richfield and Edina Police. Since then I have made sure to always be involved in community work regarding all forms of justice. Social and racial justice are huge and of course, are a main focal point for me but while navigating through grief I found environmental and economic justice needed just as much attention.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Many people know me from my activism. Which is a large portion of who I am and what I do. I will always be a revolutionary freedom fighter and advocate for those who lost loved ones by law enforcement. However, I am most proud of the healing that has come in the aftermath. Being from Minnesota and organizing events/protests/healing spaces is something I take pride in. Creating and promoting healing after trauma is essential for individuals and communities to rebuild and thrive. Healing involves providing safe spaces for individuals to process their experiences, offering support and resources for recovery, and addressing the underlying causes of trauma. It requires fostering empathy, understanding, and resilience while respecting the unique needs and experiences of survivors. Healing also entails dismantling systems of oppression and injustice that perpetuate trauma, promoting restorative practices, and investing in mental health services and community-based support networks. By prioritizing healing, we can empower survivors to reclaim their agency, restore their sense of safety and dignity, and contribute to the creation of a more compassionate and equitable society.
Since I have been on the mend I found traveling has helped with my personal healing and growth more than most options. While I have been trying to figure out what to do for a career after my life was abruptly changed I know I want to build my career around travel. I opened my own travel agency this year. Xursions Enchanted Travel Agency in hopes to help promote healing in others and bring excitement for those who want to explore and travel! Sometimes when we get wrapped up in lifes tragedies we forget to live. I want to be a example of triumph. Showing others that there are ways to get through the toughest times. Regardless if they chose to travel or need to find other outlets I really share a lot of my experiences as well as my resources for people to use. I am very growth orientated and want to be the change I would like to see in the world.
What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?
I think people could be better about communicating, sharing experiences, and resources. It is really hard to do everything all by yourself. With lack of support and resources you can easily get overwhelmed and give up. If people worked collectively and openly we would all be winning to a much greater degree. I am always looking for collabs and people to share information with. Everything is not meant to be done alone.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
My personal goal is to be doing work that I love and is impactful. Life is hard enough. I want to really help as much and as many people as I can. I get motivated knowing I can help people change their mood or offer a reset from their day-to-day life. Which is extremely important in today’s society. Unplug, explore, release, go somewhere new! It can change your life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://xcursionsenchanted.com/
- Instagram: 6lacwidow
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ashley.m.b.5/
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/ashleymquinones