Meet Ashley Berry | Artist & Engineer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ashley Berry and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ashley, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I started working on AshTreeArt in early 2020, right as the pandemic was beginning. I was looking for a new creative outlet to balance the work of my full-time, analytical role as an engineer. Up until the closures, my creative outlet had been practicing and teaching dance since I grew up being a competitive dancer. Being stuck at home, I turned to more visually artistic activities; I had an old jewelry making kit so began making some beaded designs just for fun, until I realized I had enough I could sell on Etsy. That’s when AshTreeArt began! That same year, I quickly discovered my passion for floral and botanical design from designing my own wedding, so I incorporated that into my jewelry making. Today you can see the end result, which is floral and botanical jewelry with an emphasis on romantic designs. I particularly love recreating wedding bouquets into jewelry as mementos for brides!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My floral jewelry is hand sculpted out of clay and I take great pride in my art being created without the use of any molds or pre-mixed colors. I form and place each petal and leaf by hand, I add details and design with a small needle tool, and I mix my own colors for truly unique pieces of art. Getting to this stage of my art took several years of practice to refine my style and techniques. There is a lot of trial and error in figuring out how to best replicate a type of flower, and even if I think I’ve nailed it one year, I’ll find a better way to do it the next! My favorite way to learn and grow has been through my custom orders for customers – I’ve learned about so many types of flowers this way that are complex to recreate, such as the Maypop or King Protea. Some customers also challenge me in the best ways possible to create new bouquets from only inspiration color palettes and flowers; Without an actual bouquet to recreate, it’s up to me to decide the floral arrangement which I have so much fun doing!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I recently did a photoshoot for my new collection with a group of friends and we spent the Saturday around downtown Greenville! I love the Rock Quarry Gardens as a hidden oasis in the heart of downtown – it’s filled with beautiful flowers and a small waterfall! It’s the perfect backdrop for a stroll, picnic, or photoshoot. We then walked the Swamp Rabbit Trail over to Passerelle Bistro for brunch which was very good! Passerelle is in such a great spot right on Main St within Falls Park on the Reedy. On Saturdays in the summer, I also love walking through the TD Saturday Market downtown and in particular picking up some fresh flowers for my home. In the evening, Vault and Vator is perfect for a cocktail over conversation. They offer a “dealer’s choice” option where you select a few adjectives, and the bartender will craft the perfect drink for you!

For those who love the outdoors, I also have to recommend the nearby hikes and climbs. Greenville is situated within an hour from the mountains, so there are countless waterfall trails and views to explore. I also began rock climbing last year and have found it to be an activity that even beginners can enjoy! I recommend Crowders Mountain and Big Rock as being both nearby and offering a range of route ratings and types of climbing for various levels. If it’s your first time climbing or new to the area, there are also guides such as through Pisgah Climbing School that can get you set up and take you out!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My husband Sam has always been my been my biggest supporter. With each new decision I make for my business or route I want to try, he’s cheering me on. He helps me with countless in-person markets, packaging orders, and even some design decisions! I’m so thankful for his love, encouragement, and support in doing what brings me joy.

Website: www.ashtreeart.com

Instagram: @ashtreeart

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ashtreeartboutique

Image Credits
Chelsey Ashford, Ashley Berry