Ashley Grammer shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Ashley, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: Have you ever been glad you didn’t act fast?
Absolutely! I tend to be a very emotional and impulsive person, so it’s always good for me to practice taking time. Often when I act too quickly I wish I would’ve taken more time to think or process. I actually have a tattoo of a snail on my arm that says “slow & steady” above it as a constant reminder to take my time.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
A lot has changed since the last time I shared my story with Bold Journey! I opened a community pottery studio called June & Gem Ceramics Studio in Downtown Historic Snoqualmie where we offer classes, memberships and sell handmade pottery! I converted a historic house, built in 1910, into a colorful, quirky little studio! My studio is on the smaller side, but I see that as one of its biggest advantages! I truly believe that a more intimate setting encourages genuine connection between students, members and instructors. The size allows for a more personal, approachable experience, where it’s easy to ask questions, get feedback, and feel supported. What sets us apart from other studios is our colorful style as well as our incredibly homey and judgment free environment. I prioritize making sure people of all skill levels feel comfortable and safe enough to create and learn. There’s something special about making art in a house vs a warehouse! Not to mention, we have two resident cats, Hank & Dolly, to keep you company while you work!
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My sweet husband saw me clearly before I could see myself. I used to have a really low self-esteem. I didn’t think I was smart or worth listening to, but he helped change my frame of mind. He believed in me when I was too afraid to make big changes. He was the one who encouraged me to go to college for art when I was feeling unfulfilled in my first career as a hairstylist. When I did find the confidence to step outside of my comfort zone and go to college, he was always been there by my side cheering me on. He’s my biggest supporter and I feel so lucky to have someone like that in my life! He’s the best!
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Just because you think differently and are more sensitive than most people, doesn’t mean you lack intelligence or have something wrong with you. Your unique way of thinking is your superpower. You are soft, smart, resilient, brave and deserving of love and happiness.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
Probably that I care the most about making sure people feel cared for, seen and heard. My mom used to say that I would always make friends with outsiders. It’s true. I have always been an extreme empath. I would see people getting left out and would always put myself in their shoes. I’d think about how much that must hurt and how everyone is deserving of friendship and love. I would go out of my way to befriend them. I feel like I am really good at finding all the things to love about someone vs all the things not to love.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I now feel like I’m doing what I was born to do, not what I was told to do. I’d say the first part of my life I did what I was told to do and how to be. I have always been an artist. I started creating when I was around age 2-3. It started small, like shaping a washcloth on the shower floor into an animal shape. Then it progressed to drawing, jewelry making and sculpting. I couldn’t stop creating even if I wanted to. It’s who I am to my core. But for a long time I really repressed that side of myself because I was told I wouldn’t be able to make any money as an artist, so I couldn’t have that as my career. I believed that for a really long time!! Now I see that’s so far from the truth! I now know that if you have passion, you will ALWAYS find a way to make it happen.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.juneandgem.com/
- Instagram: Personal: https://www.instagram.com/juneandgem/ Professional: https://www.instagram.com/juneandgemstudio/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JuneandGemCeramicsStudio
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
