We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ashley Moore. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ashley below.
Ashley , so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
As a sustainable surfboard art company founded during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, finding our purpose was a journey deeply rooted in both personal passion and a commitment to addressing pressing global issues.
The pandemic forced many of us to slow down and reevaluate our priorities. For me, it provided a unique opportunity to reconnect with nature and pursue my lifelong passion for surf culture. However, amidst the uncertainty and upheaval, I couldn’t ignore the escalating environmental crisis, particularly the alarming levels of plastic pollution in our oceans.
Driven by a desire to make a meaningful difference and inspired by the resilient spirit of the surfing community, I set out to combine my love for the sport with a commitment to sustainability. Thus, the idea of repurposing discarded surfboards into works of art was born.
This concept allowed me to merge creativity with environmental consciousness, transforming what might have been waste into something beautiful and purposeful. Each surfboard art piece not only celebrates the inherent beauty of the ocean but also serves as a tangible reminder of the urgent need for sustainable practices in all aspects of our lives.
Through our sustainable surfboard art company, we found our purpose in promoting environmental stewardship, fostering community engagement, and spreading awareness about the importance of preserving our planet for future generations. Our journey is not just about creating art; it’s about igniting a movement toward a more sustainable and mindful way of living.
In essence, our purpose emerged from a convergence of personal passion, environmental concern, and a desire to effect positive change in the world. Despite the challenges of starting a business during a global crisis, our commitment to our mission remains unwavering, driving us forward with purpose and determination.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
Welcome to Last Wave Co, where surfboards become stunning works of sustainable art! We’re all about giving these incredible boards a second chance, even after they’ve caught their last wave. Our mission is to keep their stories alive, while also reducing waste and preserving the environment.
We receive generous donations of surfboards from local surfers who no longer ride them. These boards may be broken or no longer functional, but they carry a lifetime of memories and adventures. Instead of letting them end up in landfills, we transform them into stunning works of art that capture the essence of our island and ocean.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back, in my journey, three qualities that were most impactful were creativity, resilience, and utilizing my local network and community.
Creativity empowered me to approach challenges with fresh perspectives, finding innovative solutions that others might overlook. It allowed me to think outside the box and adapt to changing circumstances with ingenuity.
Resilience was essential in navigating obstacles and setbacks along the way. It enabled me to bounce back from failures, learn from mistakes, and keep moving forward with determination despite adversity.
Utilizing my local network and community provided invaluable support, resources, and opportunities. By fostering connections and collaborating with those around me, I was able to leverage collective knowledge, skills, and experiences to enhance my journey and achieve my goals.
How would you spend the next decade if you somehow knew that it was your last?
The challenge I’m currently facing revolves around operating a one-person business. Balancing all aspects of the business—from administrative tasks to marketing, production, and customer service—can be overwhelming and demanding. I need to ensure that I effectively manage my time, resources, and priorities to sustain and grow the business while maintaining quality and meeting customer expectations.
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.lastwaveco.com
- Instagram: Www.instagram.com/lastwaveco
