Ashley Woodson Bailey is not one to shy away from prints or patterns. On the contrary, she embraces the two with open arms, allowing them to act as the thread that ties her work together across all mediums. A florist first, the artist's love of flowers has remained a constant in every project she pursues, and we can't help but to get lost in the dreamlike worlds she's building. Wherever she decides to take her business next, we don't doubt that it will take her viewers somewhere beautiful.
Where are you from?
Corpus Christi, Texas.
What was your first job?
I worked for a woman named Sarah Norris who sold the most beautiful turquoise jewelry.
What inspired you to launch your own business?
I wanted to be my own boss. I have worked for so many amazing female entrepreneurs who molded me along the way. I don't think I realized it at the time because I was a rebellious girl with a hard head but looking back, I see so many incredible qualities in all the women I worked with and I definitely learned from all of them.
You're a florist and a self-taught photographer. How did that lead to creating a capsule collection and debuting wallpaper?
I love clothes and I always have, so it made sense for me to do a capsule collection. The wallpaper really goes hand in hand with the prints from an interior design perspective. I love the idea of being enveloped in a floral world.
What are some challenges you've encountered in running your own business?
Being a boss is not my biggest strength as I am friends with everyone. The business side is also hard to wrap your head around if you aren't business savvy. I am getting better at this part but I have certainly learned many lessons.
What has been the greatest lesson in running your own business?
Take your time. Slow down. Don't be in a hurry. Listen to those that you trust about building your business and ignore the people that want to see you fail.
Flowers are an integral part of your work across all mediums. Talk to me about the significance of that.
Flowers are my love language, and really, the language I speak best. I am sometimes not quite as eloquent with words so I turn to flowers. They represent me in so many ways. The lifespan of a flower is just like that of a woman --- we grow older, we have wrinkles, we start to tire, but we are still strong and beautiful.
What does your daily work routine look like?
It really depends on the day. I have a great team working with me now that helps with so much of the business. I work on all the emails and have meetings and hopefully get to squeeze in a few flower photos. I have an office that I share with my husband that I go to a few times a week but when the kids are at school I tend to sit at my dining room table at home and work. I like to be with my dogs at the house!
When you're not at work, how do you enjoy spending your free time?
With my husband, Brad, our kids Byrd, Lane, and Woodson, our dogs George and Rose. I love to travel and hang out with friends. And if I am being totally honest, I love a good day in bed binge watching shows like The OA.
What wallpaper trends have you noticed recently?
Caryn Cramer has just launched this incredible collection on wood veneer that I hope to use in our new house. It is abstract and gorgeous. Elworthy Studio is another wallpaper designer that I think is just out of this world talented. And if I didn't mention Timorous Beasties I would be ridiculous because to me, they paved the way with their over the top designs!
You wrote a post on your site about wanderlust. What's your ideal travel destination?
Right now I am dreaming of a vacation in Italy with my family where there is zero internet and I can't check in on work.
What's next for your brand and what are you working on right now?
We have been very busy getting ready to launch our new website that has new wallpaper patterns, all of the fabric, leather, and amazing lucite trays! I am so excited. We are also working with Wonderwall in Austin, TX, on some pretty amazing new products we will offer soon!