Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Parks.
Hi Ashley, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My story with Earthly Ash started with a small love for cold-process soaps. I was always buying handmade soap for myself and constantly searching for my next favorite bar. Then, one day while shopping with my sister and niece, something just clicked. Completely out of the blue, I decided I was going to make soap myself!
I grabbed some basic supplies to try melt-and-pour soap, went home, made it, and thought, Okay, that was pretty cool! But I want to make it completely from scratch.
So began the research… and I mean A LOT of research! I spent hours learning about cold-process soapmaking, watching videos, and figuring out everything I needed. It became something I was constantly thinking about. I’d wake up in the morning and get ready while watching videos, and when I went to bed at night, I’d lie there thinking through the process, trying to understand every step and learn as much as I possibly could. I was completely absorbed in learning how to do it.
Once my supplies arrived, I was so nervous that I let them sit for probably a month or more while I continued watching videos and learning. I wanted to make sure I understood what I was doing before taking that first step. Finally, I decided I was ready and made my very first batch of cold-process soap. Was it pretty? Not really! Haha. But I absolutely loved it, and I knew right then that I had found something I was truly passionate about.
What’s fascinating is that feeling didn’t stop with soap. As I started learning how to formulate and make other products, I kept having this same feeling. It was almost like I knew this was what I was meant to do. I remember thinking, “Ohhhhh, I’ve been waiting for this!” It was hard to explain, but everything just clicked. I’ve always had a love for the beauty industry, especially skincare, self-care, and products made with cleaner, more thoughtful ingredients. I just hadn’t found the right way to bring all of those interests together until then.
From that point on, I dove right in. I knew I wanted to turn this passion into a business, and there wasn’t much of a testing the waters phase for me. I went in headfirst, formed my LLC, and started building what would become Earthly Ash.
What started with handmade soap naturally grew into something much bigger. As I continued learning and experimenting, I began creating natural skincare products, including tallow creams, body oils, herbal salves, and other handcrafted goods. Every new product gave me another opportunity to learn, create, and explore something I genuinely loved.
After spending 16 years in another career, I eventually took the leap to pursue Earthly Ash full-time. It was a big decision, but I wanted to build something of my own — something I could pour my creativity, time, and heart into.
Today, Earthly Ash is so much more than the soap business I first imagined. It’s something I’ve built from the ground up, one product, one lesson, and one customer at a time. It’s a lot of work, and there are definitely challenges, long days, and plenty of things I’m still learning along the way. But when you love what you do, it makes it all worthwhile.
I’ve also been incredibly fortunate to have the support of my family and the local community. They have played such a big part in helping me grow Earthly Ash and get my name out there. I know I still have a long way to go, and I’m far from being a well-known brand, but every bit of support, every recommendation, every purchase, and every person who takes the time to share my business means more to me than they probably realize. I will always be grateful for the people who have supported me and helped me get to where I am today. I truly couldn’t appreciate them more.
I’m incredibly proud of how far Earthly Ash has come, and I’m excited to keep growing and see where this journey takes me next. What began as a random idea during a shopping trip turned into a passion I didn’t even know I was waiting for, and I’m so grateful I took that leap!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I would be lying if I said it has been a smooth road! Starting a business is one thing, but learning how to run one, grow a brand, develop products, manage everything behind the scenes, and get people to know who you are is a whole different experience.
One of my biggest challenges has been learning everything as I go. I’m not just the person making the products; I’m also the one researching ingredients, formulating, testing, creating labels, managing inventory, marketing, handling orders, and trying to get my business in front of new customers. There’s so much that goes into running a small business that people don’t always see, and some days it can feel very overwhelming.
Another challenge has been growing brand awareness. I believe in what I make, and I put so much time and care into every product, but getting people to discover a small business and trust a brand they’ve never heard of takes time. Building that customer base and getting my name out there has been a learning process in itself.
I’ve also had to learn that not everything will work the first time. Formulating products takes research, patience, testing, and sometimes starting over. There are things I’ve tried that didn’t turn out the way I envisioned, and there have been plenty of lessons along the way. I’ve had to learn to be flexible, make adjustments, and remind myself that figuring things out is part of growing.
Taking the leap to pursue Earthly Ash full-time after spending 16 years in another career was also a big step. When you’re building something of your own, there’s a lot of responsibility that comes with it, and you don’t always know what to expect.
But even with the challenges, I wouldn’t trade this journey. I’ve learned so much about business, about creating products, and honestly, about myself. I’m incredibly grateful for my family’s support and for the local customers who have helped spread the word about Earthly Ash. Those people make a bigger difference than they probably realize.
I think one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that building something takes time. You have to be patient, follow through, and be willing to put in the work, learn from your mistakes, and keep going even when things don’t happen as quickly as you’d hoped. You aren’t going to grow overnight, and I think you have to be willing to make it through that discovery period — that time when you’re putting yourself out there, getting your name known, finding your customers, and figuring out what works for your business. It takes consistency, dedication, and a whole lot of faith in what you’re building. You have to trust the process, stay committed to your vision, and remember that even the smallest steps forward are still progress.
We’ve been impressed with Earthly Ash, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Earthly Ash is a small, woman-owned business specializing in handcrafted natural skincare, cold-process soaps, and artisan goods. Everything began with my love for handmade soap, but it has grown into so much more. Today, I create a variety of products, including tallow-based creams, body oils, herbal salves, facial oils, and other thoughtfully made goods, all with an emphasis on simple ingredients and intentional craftsmanship.
What sets Earthly Ash apart is the care and thought that go into what I make. I’m not simply buying products to put my name on them. I’m the one researching ingredients, developing formulations, testing ideas, and making each product myself in small batches. I put a lot of time into understanding the ingredients I use and why they belong in a formula. I’m always learning, experimenting, and looking for ways to make my products better.
I’ve always been drawn to the beauty and skincare industry, especially the idea of taking care of yourself with products made from thoughtfully selected ingredients. That philosophy carries through everything I create. I want people to feel good about what they’re putting on their skin and to enjoy products that feel special without making everyday self-care complicated.
I’m especially proud of how Earthly Ash has evolved from a simple love for soapmaking into a growing natural skincare brand. Developing my own formulations and expanding into products like tallow creams, botanical oils, and herbal salves has allowed me to combine my creativity with my passion for skincare. Every new product represents time, research, and a lot of hands-on work.
Because I’m a one-woman business, there’s a personal connection behind everything I make. When someone purchases from Earthly Ash, they’re supporting a small business where the person creating the product is also the person researching it, making it, packaging it, and continually working to improve it. That means a lot to me, and I never take that support for granted.
Earthly Ash is built around the idea of Wildly Natural. Beautifully Handmade. I want my brand to represent quality, thoughtful ingredients, and products made with purpose.
My goal isn’t simply to sell skincare; it’s to create products that make a meaningful difference in people’s lives and in how they feel about their skin. I want people to come back because they love my products, trust the care that goes into them, and feel good about making them part of their everyday routine. I also want to be mindful of those who struggle with sensitive skin or skin concerns like eczema and have a hard time finding products they’re comfortable using. I want to continue developing thoughtful formulations that offer gentle options for different skin needs, because I believe everyone deserves to feel good about caring for their skin. Knowing that something I’ve created may help someone feel more comfortable and confident in their own skin is one of the most rewarding parts of what I do.
I’m still growing and discovering new possibilities for Earthly Ash, and that’s one of the things I love most about this journey. There’s always something new to learn, create, and explore, and I’m excited to continue building a brand that reflects my passion for natural skincare and the value of thoughtfully handmade goods.
How do you think about happiness?
Honestly, creating makes me happy. There’s something so fulfilling about taking an idea, learning how to bring it to life, and turning it into something I can share with others. I LOVE formulating new products, experimenting with ingredients, and putting in the time and research to create something I’m truly proud of.
But above all else, outside of my business, my family is what makes me happiest. I’m so blessed to have such a close family, and that’s something I will never take for granted. I’m grateful for the family I’ve created of my own, my beautiful child who means the world to me, and my supportive husband who stands by me. I’m also incredibly close to my sister and her family, and I love my nieces as if they were my own. Having my mom, her partner, and my grandmother close by, along with my husband’s family, makes life that much more special. I’m so grateful to have so much family and love surrounding us, and to have the opportunity to spend time together and be part of one another’s lives. Family is such a big part of who I am, and I truly feel blessed to have that kind of closeness, love, and support in my life.
When it comes to Earthly Ash, what makes it all even more meaningful is hearing from customers who are using my products and loving them. I actually had a customer recently stop by my booth to tell me about my herbal salve that she purchased for her husband, who struggles with eczema. She told me that after just two applications, he was already noticing a difference, and they were both so happy with the product! Moments like that are hard to put into words. When I create something, I put so much thought, research, and care into it, and I genuinely believe in what I’m making. But when someone takes a chance on my product, uses it, and then makes the effort to come back and tell me about their experience, that means everything to me.
Knowing that something I’ve created may be helping someone feel more comfortable in their own skin is one of the most rewarding feelings. That’s the kind of feedback that reminds me why I started Earthly Ash in the first place. It’s not just about making and selling products; it’s about creating things that people can genuinely enjoy and that may make a difference in their everyday lives.
I’m also happy knowing I’m building something of my own. Earthly Ash has given me a creative outlet and the opportunity to pursue something I’m truly passionate about. It’s a lot of work, but seeing it grow and connecting with people through what I create makes it worthwhile.
At the end of the day, I’m happiest when I’m surrounded by the people I love, creating something I’m passionate about, and knowing that something I’ve put my heart into is making someone else’s day a little better. Whether it’s spending time with my family or having a customer come back to tell me how much they love a product I’ve made, those are the moments that remind me how fortunate I am. They make all the hard work worth it, and I will never take them for granted.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.earthlyash.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556314392617
