Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ashley Lucas. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Ashley, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
In 2020 I had a new baby and a whole lot of stress living in a big city during the pandemic. I asked my husband if he would be on board to relocate quickly, and we found a home to rent on the Jersey Shore very close to the ocean. In the months that followed, my whole outlook on life started to change. The connection I made with the sea was so deep and meaningful, that it changed my entire trajectory as a creative person. I started a sea glass art business based on the beautiful pieces I was finding every day, and found that my purpose in life lies somewhere between being an advocate for ocean health and spreading the word about how amazing and healing nature is!
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I love what I do because it’s really a partnership between me and the ocean! I find beautiful pieces of frosted sea glass on the beach and use them to create whimsical artworks that people give as gifts and adorn their homes with. The name of my brand is special as well. ‘Sook & Hook’ originates from what our five-year-old son used to call the squirrels in our garden before he was able to say the word, ‘squirrel’.
Sook & Hook is for anyone that loves and is enchanted by the sea. I offer sea glass artworks in various sizes, as well as art prints, painted shells, sea magic jars and custom artwork for any occasion or space. My work is currently represented in over 21 stores nationwide, and I am extremely proud of the new connections I make daily.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
The three qualities that have been crucial to my journey are: perseverance, spirituality, and imagination. Every artist that has been a full-time creator for more than a few years, knows that perseverance is absolutely crucial! The journey is hard, and you need focus and have the ability to believe in yourself no matter what.
I became more ‘spiritual’ after moving to the beach. I started to become curious about all the crystal and tarot shops in our area and started to use all these divination tools to guide me on my journey as a small business owner. My belief in the magic that is in all of us helps me get through the darkest of times.
Imagination is the real fun one – never lose what made your heart come alive in childhood! It’s always there just lurking under the surface!
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
I am always looking to collaborate with others! Whether it be a retail shop, interior designer or an influencer, I am open to almost any collaboration where my products can bring interest or value to someone. Anyone that would like to collaborate can reach me via my website: www.sookandhook.com or on social media @SookandHook.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.sookandhook.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sookandhook/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SookandHookStore/
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/ladylucas
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SookandHook
Image Credits
Ashley Lucas / www.sookandhook.com
