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

Hi Ashley, why did you pursue a creative career?
Growing up with a mother who loved all things creative, shifted me into the same direction…. Never too much, always room for one more last touch. The drive for my creative side definitely blossomed from the likes of my creatively planned birthday parties, themed Easter and Valentine’s baskets, or her building my life sized dollhouse before there was Pinterest, Facebook, or any other form of social media. This with being an elementary educator for almost 18 years continues to tap into my creative career. Starting iCre8too was purely formulated out of passion for creating the hopes and dreams of my clients.

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.
Currently, I’m a full time teacher in my 18th year, and lead designer and owner of iCre8too, LLC. It’s like I’m living the idiom of teach by day, and party by the night! In my time while maintaining both educator and designer, I’ve managed to be teacher of the year at both my school and district teacher of the year at one point. My creativity has landed gigs through contractors with the City of Birmingham, colleges and universities, name brand foundations and more. Prayer and perseverance with the determination and growth mindset of continuing to grow and improve lead me to where I am professionally. Consistency and struggle have has gotten to where I am now. It wasn’t an easy task. There are not many people who can work all day, five out of seven days educating people, spending nights grading papers, planning and preparing nightly for weekend events, I’ve learned along the way to take time for myself. Burnt out creativity is no creativity! However tough things get, I try my best to keep pushing through doing two things that I love, I am an educator and iCre8too!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Birmingham bars are the go to for me. I don’t get out often, but when I do, it’s usually a bar. A new spot is Woodlawn Bar and Grill, Urban Smoke is another consistent venue for me.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to shout my FRAMILY! That’s my friends and family. They have supported me even before there was a business. Respecting my creativity, pushing me to complete the business side of things, and even monetarily supporting me to grow and carry out the duties to maintain.

Website: www.iCre8too.com

Instagram: @icre8toollc

Twitter: @icre8too

Facebook: ICre8too

Image Credits
Stephanie Handy

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.