Women Who Move Buffalo, Ashley, from Ashwood Ink

Today’s feature is pretty special because its a feature on a former co-worker of mine, who turned friend and who I’ve seen build her business from the ground up, that woman is Ashley, from Ashwood Ink. Ashwood Ink is a design studio based in Buffalo, NY specializing in creating custom stationary for weddings and events.

Photo cred - Kelsey Rebmann Photo

For over seven years Ashley worked in graphic design professionally for multiple sports teams and other corporate America jobs. Then in December of 2015 after she had designed her own invitations, save the dates, shower invites (and more) for her wedding, it spiraled into her friends who were getting married and friends of friends reaching out to have her design their stationary. So in July of 2016 Ashwood Ink began, turning what she loves to do into her own business.

Learn more about Ashley below:

Do you ever wonder how people think of the name behind there business? I do, so I asked, how did you get the name Ashwood Ink?

Ash - came from Ashley (obviously)

Wood - came from the street she used to live on (Brentwood, now Woodbury)

Ink - is a play on words; Inc. is used for a company so she took that and used Ink - as in printing

What do you specialize in?

Everything from invitations and save the dates to branding and creative pieces for companies to social media creative, logo creation, reception signage and day of pieces for weddings and special events.

What new/creative projects would you like to see happen with Ashwood Ink in the coming year?

Working with more small companies to help create their branding needs, also growing the side of the business for day of events. Growing my listing on Etsy to reach more people outside of WNY as well.

What helps you get in the “creative zone"?

I get inspiration from my clients - when I meet with them and get a sense of their personality, what they are looking for, theme of their wedding, pictures they bring with them of their reception decor, dresses, this all helps. I also go to Instagram and Pinterest - it helps to look at other creative pieces or pictures.

Photo cred - Knight Studio Photography

What is you favorite song to help you focus?

Anything by Old Dominion

Favorite Quote?

"I still remember the day I prayed for the things I have now" - unknown

What is your dream project/collaboration?

It would be pretty cool to do a wedding from start to finish - not only working with the client on invites and save the dates, but also working with local wedding venues and wedding coordinators to offer day of assistance for reception signage or grand place card displays. Collaborating with an event stylist and being more involved on the day of pieces. (Ashley also mentioned working with someone famous would be pretty cool too).

What is your favorite project or invite to date?

Besides my own, I don’t have one particular one. Seeing designs of my own and pulling pieces or elements of those a part to help create a custom piece for my clients is a favorite of mine. Also creating stationary pieces for my friends are meaningful as well.

Who are some of your favorite social media accounts to follow?

@suitepaperie @beautifully_noted @buffaloindieweddings

What do you love best about Buffalo?

Everyone’s pride and desire to see this City and the businesses here succeed. It helps motivate you on those tough days - giving you a reminder that there are many people in the community cheering you on. And the food is great - one of my favorite restaurants is Pearl Street - the way they incorporate Buffalo into their branding and decor and the way the venue looks - vintage with an industrial vibe, its a special place.

Photo cred - Shireen Elizabeth Photography

What has been one of your most “eccentric'“ or “unique” projects?

The destination wedding I created stationary pieces for. Everything from the save the dates to the invitations were travel themed. Think luggage tags, boarding passes and airplanes throughout the pieces.

Where do you get the inspiration to keep going on those “tough” days?

I definitely get it from my son, Eli. When I feel like giving up or throwing in the towel, he reminds me to put the effort in. To be at home and make my own schedule, it provides me with more freedom to spend time with him. My husband, Kevin is also my biggest fan, he loves me unconditionally, supports me and my dreams and reminds me how lucky I am.

I also tell myself I have creative freedom working for myself. When you work with companies you have to stay within brand guidelines, so your creative level may be restricted to a point. To think a couple years ago I wanted to work for myself and now I’m actually doing it, it puts things in perspective.

Make sure to stop and say hi to Ashley at the Buffalo Indie Weddings Spring Show on March 10 at Hotel Henry

Another favorite quote of Ashley’s:

"May today there be peace within. May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be. May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith. May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you. May you be content knowing you are a child of God. Let this presence settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love. It is there for each and every one of us.” - St Theresa 

Photo cred - Shireen Elizabeth Photography