Meet Ashleigh Alder | Artist & Small Business Owner

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

Hi Ashleigh, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
As a stay at home mom, creative outlets are very important to me. I grew up doing various art forms so it’s a part of who I am. When I had kids, I sort of lost touch with that part of me and when Covid and lockdown started, I struggled even more. I had been wanting to start a small business for a while, but hadn’t had the extra funds or drive for it. When I got my stimulus check I discussed it with my fiancé and we decided to invest in me. I got some small resin kits to start out to see if I liked it and I instantly became obsessed. I started diving in and set up my business IG account and went from there. I commissioned an artist friend for my gorgeous logo and business card design, that’s when it finally felt real to me. It’s been over a year that I’ve had my art shop and it’s the best decision I ever made. I love creating art, whether it’s just something from my mind or a custom design for a customer. It brings me joy and sharing it with others just makes it all the better. I recently opened a website for my shop as well which is such a wonderful feeling. The small shop and artist community is a beautiful place as well, full of so much love and support. There’s no place I’d rather be!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am primarily a resin artist, but also dabble in glass stone art and polymer clay. I really love what I do and I always make sure I only put out quality art, I painstakingly go over every tiny detail to make sure the pieces are up to my high standards. That sets me apart as well as my use of color, I don’t stick to just one aesthetic because I have so many I love and I’m not afraid to venture into different ones! When a piece comes together like I pictured it in my head (or better) it’s such an amazing feeling! I’m always excited about the new ideas I have or when I get new silicone molds to try out. I’m definitely proud of my work because I have grown so much as an artist, it was a tough journey learning about the different difficulties resin presents (not curing all the way, being sticky or bendy, having to file excess off, bubbles or dust) and how to overcome them. I reached out to fellow resin artists or took to researching on the internet when I had trouble or questions. I’m more confident in my skills now. I want people to know that I love creating for others, doing custom pieces is one of my favorite things to do and a big reason I started my small shop! My art also has a big range aesthetic wise, so there very well may be something for everyone. I will only sell items up to my high standards as well.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My family and I live almost three hours away from Atlanta, so we don’t get to go as often as I would like. There are a few places I would have to show them though. The High Museum of Art, the aquarium, and the Children’s museum of Atlanta. We would try local bakeries together and anywhere with boba and macaroons! I would also have to show them Noah’s Ark in Locust Grove and want to experience Urban Air Adventure Park in McDonough. There are a few local (to me in Lamar County) restaurants I would take them as well and that’s the Mexican restaurant El Aurora and an amazing breakfast place called Donut Palace. I know they would have an amazing visit here with so much to do and experience!.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I owe a lot to my fiancé, Steven Smith, he believed in me and has always supported me and my creative pursuits. I don’t know if I could have come as far as I have without his unconditional support. I also owe a lot to the small shop and artist community as a whole, it’s a very welcoming space and I get inspiration from so many artists on there. I have to name my logo artist, Ariana Clark, because she helped me bring my first vision to life which gave me the confidence to move forward. I also have to name my good friend Jennifer McCracken, of Jens Paint Pour and More, because she gave me endless love, support, and guidance throughout my entire journey and continues to even now. I must also give a huge thank you to Alyssa McNerney of Vintage Embers because she recommended me for this interview and has supported my shop as well!

Website: https://busyhandsco.bigcartel.com/

Instagram: @BusyHandsCo

Facebook: Busy Hands Co

Other: I have a tiktok that I try to post on sometimes @ashofbusyhandsco