We were lucky to catch up with Ashley Rosenwinkel recently and have shared our conversation below.

Ashley, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

I have always been an artist. When I was little, if I wasnt reading, I was drawing or painting something. I loved creating elaborate doll houses out of cardboard boxes, & making clothes for my barbies out of whatever fabric scraps I could get my hands on. When I got to high-school I took every art class I could, and I even got to dabble in pottery. I still have some of those pieces hanging around.
Through the years I’ve tried my hand at many artistic outlets, but jewelry has definitely been my favorite.

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?

My name is Ashley, and I am a crystal jewelry designer in sunny Arizona, where I live with my wonderful partner, and our two beautiful, wild kiddos.

I began learning about crystals in the fall of 2018, and I now hold mulitple certifications in Crystal Healing, Spiritual Leadership, and Energetic Alchemy.
It didn’t take long for me to fall in love, and with my DIY attitude, and long history of artistic ability, I decided to try my hand at creating my own Crystal Healing Jewelry, and from that Virgo Vision was born.

In 2019 I launched my Etsy store, and Social Media pages. It was scary, and very slow starting; there were a lot of learning curves, but it has been so worth it.
I have improved my skills tremendously over the last 5 years, and I’m so proud of where I’m at now.

Being on social media has been a big push to open up, and put myself out there..something I struggle with as a neurodivergent, and introvert. It was very difficult at first (and some days still is), but I’ve found this wonderful little community of supportive people, and other amazing creators, and it’s helped me grow so much as a person, and artistically.

I currently offer Crystal Jewelry in many styles, and in a wide price range to fit *almost* any budget and wardrobe. Right now most of my jewelry is wire wrapped, but I am looking into metalsmithing so I can learn some new skills, and take my jewelry to the next level, so keep an eye out for what’s to come!

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

This question is something I feel very strongly about, because Artists are rarely taken seriously in the ‘real world’. For most of us, this isn’t just a hobby, but an outlet..and a career. We work hard to learn and perfect new skills, & to market and manage our businesses. It may be something we love, but it’s still work, and we deserve to be compensated for our time like anyone else.
One of the most common remarks I see on Artists work is
“its pretty, but it’s not worth *XYZ*”
and it is so frustrating.
Just because something is out of your budget, does not mean it is overpriced.
Purchasing something original, and handmade from an artist, is Not the same as making a purchase from a big box store.
If you’re looking for a unique item that you can feel good about gifting, or bringing into your home, look for an artist, & shop small. If you love it, share it on social media, tell your friends about it, and leave them a review. Word of mouth goes a long way.
Remember, when you shop with an artist, you are supporting a dream!

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

One of the most rewarding things about being an artist for me is people’s reactions to my work. I love seeing peoples faces light up, and I will never get tired of hearing ‘wait, you MADE that?!’
I love doing custom work and seeing other peoples visions come to life thru my hands, and the excitement that comes from it.

If you asked me when I was little what I wanted to be when I grew up, I would have said an Artist, without thought.
Growing up, life was rough, & eventually I didn’t think it was ‘realistic’ or even possible.. and now? It is such a rewarding feeling to know that I made that little girl’s dreams come true. She would be so proud. I am so proud.

Contact Info:

• Website: VirgoVisionCreations.Etsy.com
• Instagram: Instagram.com/VirgoVisionCreations
• Facebook: Facebook.com/VirgoVisionCreations

Image Credits
All photos were taken by myself, and my partner.