Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Woodford.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I am 31, 1 son from Macon GA. I used to do art as when I was younger. I had dreams of going to SCAD (the Atlanta campus). I stopped creating art when I was about 18 because I thought I wasn’t good enough. I used to look at everyone’s art and think that my art or my creations were not as good as others. In return, I was scared to try. I worked at Geico for 3yrs and I realized money wasn’t everything and I quit my job in 2018(working there gave me anxiety). I started back creating in 2018. I create art, jewelry, body butter, photo props, balloon arches, and floral arrangements. I usually see things creative things, think they look easy, then attempt to master it. I also create gift baskets. My inspiration with gift baskets was my Dad. He used to always buy me gift baskets for Valentine’s Day. And they were never plain, always customized w/ things I loved \(like purses, CDs, my favorite body spray, etc.) That inspired me to make gift baskets that are unique and personalized to your personality.
I have five brothers and two sisters, I am the oldest and I am their LEADER. Being an older sister is part of why I am who I am. I always tried to be a good example for my siblings. I always thought I was their boss. And I made sure I protected them. In return, I feel like I am supposed to also do the same and help do the same with my community.
I have a passion for working with the community. My mom (Erica Woodford) inspired me to do community work. Growing up, I used to go to different community centers in Macon, such as FIRST ST. ARTS, BOOKER T. WASHINGTON COMMUNITY CENTER, and the TUBMAN MUSEUM. My mother used to work at First Street Arts. She would teach dance and Art. I remember the people from there and I remember I had the happiest time at that place(it is now closed). I also had amazing times at Booker T. I took swimming lessons there 3x and used to volunteer there in the summer. I met kids that influenced me in such an amazing way, so much so that I was initially scared to work with the community because of how much of your heart you have to put into it (I hate pain and seeing others in pain). I also spent some summers at the Tubman Museum, there I learned black history and the importance of learning history. I used to pretend that I wasn’t interested in the history lesson, my eyes would always be looking in a different direction, but I was actually paying attention to what they were talking about. This is a part of why I am who I am. I decided it was time to stop being afraid and try to think of ways to help save my community.
I have previously worked at the BOOKER T. WASHINGTON COMMUNITY CENTER in Pleasant Hill (for about two years) (the oldest Black Neighborhood in Macon). There I was the director’s assistant, I was in charge of the everyday activities and coordinating events at the center (I was the first and last face that was seen in the community center). While working with Booker T. I received a $12,000 grant for a Teen Pop Up Shop. My target with the pop-up shop was to get kid entrepreneurs from ages 5-18 whether they were artists, musicians, or entrepreneurs. I paid for entrepreneurial classes for the kids (hosted by Spark Macon), I donated to each kid that participated in the classes. And the day of the actual pop-up shop I had kid influencers, artists, musicians and all got to keep their money. I also donated money to each kid’s business and gave money for tables and chairs for the community center.
I recently resigned from my job (which I Love) to help with my grandparents. My grandfather has Dementia and I resigned so that I could help my Meme with my Papa. They helped raise me, and I remember promising my Meme that whenever they were older, I would always take care of them. So I resigned from the community center in March.
I recently volunteered to help with the Tubman Museums’ annual Pan African Festival. I helped with coordinating the setup of the Children’s Village. I plan on continuing to do work and volunteer in my community and try to figure out a way to help save our youth.
I do plan on having a community center one day, who knows when. And I will continue to Do my art w/ kids, be motivational, work with the community (w/ a passion).
Alright, 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?
It hasn’t been a smooth road. Some people ask me to drop the price of my art without knowing how much heart and time was put into it. This is also my first time not having a job besides Covid. I am facing my fears and not being scared of being an entrepreneur. I am facing my fears and working with the community and trying to help be that one person who they know loves them and believes that they can be whatever they want and know that they are great. I struggle with the fear of being heartbroken that something has happened to one of the kids. But I’m not worried about it because the road won’t be bumpy forever. I have patience and I know that everything I’m doing is for the good of others.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I create Art, photography, floral arrangements, balloon arches, natural products, gift baskets, jewelry, photo props and event planning.
I specialize in Floral Arrangements and Art. I am most proud of my Art. Sometimes I surprise myself. I’m just happy that I still have an imagination. I love how I can draw a picture in my head, see colors and how to construct it, then make it appear on a canvas. It will always amaze me and keep me forever humbled (I know I can’t duplicate my work!)
My originality when it comes to my art makes me different, My love and passion for my art and my community. It isn’t about money with me at all. It is purely about the love for fine arts and the love for my community.
I’m proud of everything I do because I know it was done with pure intentions.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I used to be scared to take risks. Now I’m out here taking risks that I never thought I would be doing. Like quitting my job and pursuing to sell my art and let it be seen by others. I’m taking a risk by putting my heart and my love and pouring it into the community. Im taking risks by not being afraid to let my voice be heard and not being afraid to tell people the good things they need to hear about themselves. I’m no longer holding back.
Pricing:
- Floral $20-80 will deliver
- Art $100+ Prints $15-60
- Balloon Arches $75-200 each
- LUXURY/ CUSTOM BASKET $60-300
Contact Info:
- Website: https://anicolepresents.square.site/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a.nicole_presents/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/A.Nicolepresents
Image Credits
A. Nicole presents, Darrel Moye (headshot) Dartez Threatt (white backdrop photo)
