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

Ashley, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

One of my favorite things to create are keepsakes. I love being able to take something special and create something beautiful or funny or meaningful out of it. I had a woman ask me to make her some breastmilk jewelry, which I LOVE to make. I told her absolutely. She then told me that it was something she’s been wanting to do for a long time but just hadn’t found the right person or time to do it. She told me that this jewelry was very important to her and she needed it to be handled with care. Then she asked me if I would be comfortable adding ashes and baby hair to jewelry. She told me her story. She lost her baby boy during child birth. That’s when I knew I needed to put every ounce of love and intention into her keepsake jewelry. It was such an honor to be chosen to make such sentimental pieces for her. It was heavy but so special. I think the reason I felt the need to make the very best for her is because her son would be the same age as my oldest boy if he was still here. As a mother and a creative I knew in my heart and soul that I had to do right by her. It also almost felt like I was a part of her healing/grieving process. It was such a beautiful thing to work on. It will probably always be the most meaningful piece I’ve worked on.

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’ve always been a “crafty” person. I’m that person who picks up a new craft every so often because I think everything is cool and I have to try it for myself. Haha. I follow a lot of craft pages and small businesses on social media. One of the small businesses I was following at the time had just started her own hand at resin. Me being who I am, I was instantly hooked. So, I asked her questions and she was nice enough to oblige every single one. Then, I started hitting up YouTube for tutorials. That’s when I decided to just say “screw it” and try it for myself. I just had my first son and was finally in a good groove with his schedule and desperately needing a creative outlet for myself. I bought molds and resin and everything else you can think of and I just threw myself into it. It was definitely a matter of trial and error and figuring out which resins worked best for me but it was so therapeutic. At first I was just doing decor and keychains. Now, I do a ton. Jewelry, keepsakes, decor, trinkets, custom pieces. A ton! Keepsakes (breastmilk, ashes, hair), nature inspired and macabre style pieces are probably my favorite things to do, but I LOVE making jewelry. Most of my jewelry pieces these days do not include resin. Now, they include semi-precious gemstones and sometimes even animal bones! I feel like in the last year I’ve definitely found a style I enjoy. I take pride in being an inclusive small business and being as open-minded as I can be. I feel like this has allowed me to work on pieces I never would have thought of doing or had the pleasure of working on. Especially in the realm of DNA keepsakes.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

As a military spouse and small business owner I feel like resiliency becomes your second business name. Haha. With every permanent change of duty station comes shutting down the business, packing it all up, moving wherever the Airforce takes us and then rebuilding. We have to reestablish our whole business every so many years with every single move. We have to find our audience and where we fit in all over again. We have to learn the ins and outs of the area and what they have to offer small businesses. You have to learn the tax and vending laws. It’s a lot. It literally feels like you’re starting from scratch each time. Sometimes it doesn’t feel doable or maybe even worth it but once you get your groove back things change.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

Seeing my work make people feel something. When I see someone get excited or even laugh at some of my pieces it brings me such joy. When they compliment my work or simply take a business card I know that I’ve touched them in some way. The smirks, smiles, and wide eyes while they browse my booths at markets, it makes my heart happy. Even if they don’t buy anything, I know that they still enjoyed my work. Sometimes that’s just as rewarding. I think that’s why I enjoy doing keepsakes so much. The sentimental value behind those kinds of pieces is just so special. It makes all the hard work worth it.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://GaiaCraftyCreations.etsy.com
• Instagram: @gaiacraftycreations
• Facebook: Gaia Crafty Creations
• Other: Tiktok: gaiacraftycreations