Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Plunk.
Ashley, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I started macrame randomly a little over two years ago after making myself a plant hanger out of leftover yarn I had from previous knitting projects. After that, I was pretty much hooked on knotting and completely submerged myself into the craft. I researched knot patterns, where to buy materials, and other artists who shared this passion of mine. At the time, I had no idea that macrame was on the cusp of a revival and that in itself was very helpful with finding the information and materials I needed to create my pieces and also super challenging at the same time. I started to sell my work at local craft fairs and it was with the help of my supportive community that I am where I am today. But honestly, I still have so far to go. This to me still feels like the beginning.
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?
A lot of the challenges I’ve faced are internal, and instead of finding inspiration I find crippling self-doubt and comparison in this Instagram perfect world. I have to take a step back reel myself back to reality.
Since the “Flourish Fibers studio” is literally my bedroom, I’ve had to learn how to set work/home boundaries which is a struggle in itself.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Flourish Fibers – what should we know?
Flourish Fibers was born out of my love for all things macrame and while that is my main focus, I create any and all things fiber art related. I prefer to make large wall hangings because I feel like creatively, my mind is free to flow without constriction. There are those days when I see someone purchased a piece or placed a custom order and I squeal and do a little happy dance because it still blows my mind that a complete stranger wants to support me and have my work in their home. Macrame is literally everywhere right now and there are so many amazing and talented artists out there so sometimes it’s hard to know if my work stands out but I know that when a person chooses my work, they can see the intention behind it.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
When I finally decided to start this business, I told myself that I had to do it without the fear of failure. And I believe that mindset is most important to my success because it’s not that I don’t face challenges or make mistakes but I know what I need to do to move forward.
Contact Info:
- Website: flourishfibers.etsy.com
- Email: ashleylplunk@gmail.com
- Instagram: @flourishfibers
Image Credit:
Claire Diana
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
