We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Ashley Stewart a few weeks ago 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?
When I first started going to local live music events back in 2010, I knew that this was exactly where I wanted to be. In the heart of music, art, conversation, and entertainment. I’ve always loved live music since I was a kid, but going down the event organizer path was a pleasant surprise for me. I was asked by a friend from Wisconsin in 2019 to book his band in Tampa on their tour, and I knew well enough people in the music scene having been to shows for about 10 years at that point. So I said let’s do it & booked them and that’s kind of where it all started. Being able to put that together and seeing people turn out for it really brought me closer to that feeling of giving support to musicians and artists and giving them that space to shine really is what drives me the most!
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My name is Ashley Stewart, I’m 28 years old and my small business is called Scents From The Crypt, I specialize in handmade creepy aromatherapy soywax candles and wax melt made with plant-based ingredients. I’ve been in business since October of 2022 and been candle making since 2020! I started my journey during the pandemic after losing my job and wanting to start my own craft & business.
I create to push myself artistically & mentally. I find it therapeutic making something by hand and would love to share my products and expand more this year. I want my clients to know that they’re loved and everyone deserves relaxing time to self care and enjoy fragrances. My business is very openly accepting of LGBTQIA+ community members and I strive to make it a safe space for collaborators and artists in the community especially at the events that we host!
How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?
Showing up and making an effort to support the creators, artists and makers directly plays a huge role in keeping people motivated and inspired. We host a variety of markets with a little something for everyone. Talking to the artists and seeing how much work is put into a craft can really change your outlook on how you shop & support local vs. buying from big stores.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
Definitely meeting other artists and creatives. I’m so thankful to be included in such an amazing community of hard-working people that deserve the world.
Image Credits
Juniper Morantes (candle headshot) Tori Silva Photography (band shots)