Meet Ashleigh Byrne: Blogger: Cooking, Gardening + Home

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

Hi Ashleigh, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
A friend of mine persuaded me to start my own blog. It honestly had never crossed my mind. She thought that I had a lot to in terms of sharing my love for cooking, home and garden. I’m so glad I listened to her because it has been the most life giving and positive thing to come out of 2020. I didn’t know how much I needed it. Before I became a stay at home mom, I was a teacher and I missed using the creative side of my brain. Don’t get me wrong, I love staying home and it’s the most rewarding job, but now that my kids are getting a little older, I wanted to do something for me.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Before I became a stay at home, I was an early years teacher. I’ve always loved creating, and I take a hands-on approach to everything. My passions are cooking, gardening, organizing and decorating. After I had my first child, I felt a little lost. I was so used to being around a classroom of students and other teachers everyday. I knew I wanted to stay home, but I also felt a pull to do something on the side where I could connect with others. After a conversation with a good friend, the blogging just organically happened. I’m still trying to figure out exactly where I want to take my blog, but I have a sole focus, which I just keep sticking to. It has opened a lot of doors for me and I’m so grateful for that.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Oh gosh, do I have a love for Atlanta and the food scene. I feel like Atlanta is underrated for how many delicious places there are to eat, as well as to shop and walk around. I just love this city. Basically, if a friend was visiting, all we would do is eat. Here are my current favorite spots in no particular order: – The Chastain: amazing coffee and breakfast sandwiches, have breakfast outside by the fire pit and then head on a walk around Chastain Park – Fellows Cafe: for amazing homemade food, Lemon Ricotta Cakes are TDF! Great atmosphere and even nicer staff – Buttermilk Kitchen: (can you tell I like Breakfast?) Buttermilk is like my second home and it will always hold a special place in my heart. The grit bowl is the best. I’ve been going since before my first was born. So going on almost 6 years. – Star Provisions: Lovely lunch spot in the westside. Delicious sandwiches, treats, so many fun things to shop for. – Souper Jenny- the best soup you’ve ever had. another second home for me. – Superica- best chicken fajitas and margaritas – Atlanta Botanical Gardens- so much inspiration and great walking spot – Pollen Flowers- for all of my pot needs for my plants – Aillea Beauty- for all of my makeup and skincare, everything is natural or organic – Seed Factory- sweetest baby/kids shop – Peachtree Road Farmers Market- great people and dog watching, amazing vendors, the place to get local produce and goods The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My husband has been my biggest supporter since deciding to start this venture. He is always encouraging me and helping me make it fun. I also would have never started this without my best friend Shelly, owner of Pastry Shells. She has helped me so much, whether it be with my website or just answering business questions. I’ve met some really lovely ladies in the blogging world, who live all over and have truly become real life friends. They are supportive and encouraging, and it’s been wonderful to be a part of that.

Website: ashleighbyrne.com
Instagram: @ashleighbyrne

Image Credits
Elizabeth Lauren Jones