Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Lowery.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Ashley. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Navigating in this pandemic, and working from home daily changes your mindset. The white walls made me realize I had begun to lose interest in my current employment. Though I am grateful for my steady income, it does not fulfil me anymore. No matter how many awards and great evaluations I have received, I still feel empty. Life is too short, to just be going through the motions unhappy. I was constantly contemplating about my future and what kind of legacy I would leave behind. I started researching several Master and Certificate Programs. My main focus was for me to benefit from this downtime and evolve in a positive way. I posted an Instagram story of my personal meal prep and told people to inbox me for orders. I was only joking, but people started sliding in my DM’s. Within an hour, I created a menu and placed my first order “Garlic and Herb Salmon with asparagus and red mashed potatoes. I have always loved the art of cooking and creating different flavors.
My mother and nana owned a catering business when I was younger. They taught almost everything I know about the Art of Cooking. I studied their techniques and helped them prep for events often.
I stayed in the kitchen right up under them, not knowing my mind would make a record of everything I saw. My favorite part was getting to taste the samples they left behind for me (#Foodie). I remember being in elementary school dicing celery for our annual harvest soup, and my teacher was so impressed (I was approx. five years old). Creating art fulfills a part of my soul and with everything going on we should all find things that add value to our existence. I took my passion and created a business within 24 hours. It is crazy how everything seems to be falling into place, as if this was always meant to be. I am a creative, so I must create in order to survive.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The most difficult thing for me has been time management. I work my corporate job from 7 am -4 pm Monday-Friday, but I completely forgot about this when creating my business. I am a person who puts all their efforts into anything I am involved in. I found myself working two jobs at one time and I was exhausted and overwhelmed. I had to adjust the way I sourced my time and energy, because I could only do one thing great, at a time. I have been consistently adjusting my schedule due to the demand, and it has been a satisfying learning experience. I finally see firsthand what my strengths and weaknesses are, which is refreshing. I am no longer just a piece of the puzzle; I am involved in every aspect of the finished product. I have gained a new level of respect for all people in the food industry. I pray that I can also continue Coaching Cross Country and Track & Field this Fall/Spring. Only time will tell.
Please tell us about LOAE/ Lowery’s of ATLanta East.
The business offers several food services; meal prep, catering, private dining, and cooking classes. I specialize in flavor combinations and making healthy foods taste and look amazing. My greatest compliments are on how seasoned and fresh the food tastes. I am proud that people can enjoy healthier foods without feeling sad. I want them to experience different ways of preparing food and enjoy the way it makes them feel. I have a client that has been losing weight with my meal prep services and that makes everything worthwhile. I provide an experience that will leave a memorable impression, inside a container, on your table, or at a special event. Eating healthier is not boring, it is exciting. I can cater to all types of eaters, no judgment here. I can make a wing and meatball tray for a party or fresh Pico de Gallo and guacamole for vegans. There is always beauty in diversity.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
I was in preschool and I was picked to do a solo in the Christmas Play. “Make me a Servant” was the song. Back then, I didn’t know it, but I was experiencing anxiety. I was always able to mask it, but I was so nervous because everyone was going to be looking right at me. When the first key was played on the piano and I opened my mouth, the fear instantly disappeared. All the parents were coming up to me (ok some), saying how great I did. I would sing all the time, but I didn’t know I was any good. I made myself and my parents proud that day.
” You can be great at a lot of things and not be happy, so why not be great at the things that bring you joy ”
-Ashley Lowery
Pricing:
- Meal Prep Prices: $12 Poultry $18 Seafood Plates $10 Veggie Plates
- Catering Prices: Wings $50-$100 Meatballs $50-$ 100 Pasta Salad $50-$100 Fruit Tray $50-100
- Private Chef Prices: Chicken Entree $18 per person Seafood Entree $25 per person
- Cooking Class Prices: $30-$60
Contact Info:
- Phone: 920-430-0345
- Instagram: @_
alwaysfreshandneverfrozen - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Lowerys-of-ATLanta-East
Image Credit:
Personal photo: Tiana Hill
Others images: Ashley Lowery
Suggest a story: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
