Ashley Burris - Artist

Hello, I am Ashley. I have not had the easiest time in life, but I know things can always be worse. I try to keep my head up and shine bright for those around me who may benefit from my light, even when I don't think it's bright enough. I have had my share of struggles, and through each one I rose like a phoenix from the ashes of its own demise. I have suffered through abusive relationships, toxic people, and the loss of my husband, Howard, 4 days before our 2nd wedding anniversary. His artwork always astounded me, his skill; mesmerizing. I was so close to having his art tattooed on me, but his collection of drawings has gone missing.

When he passed and my stepdaughter moved back with her mother, my world crumbled around me. I was a shell, I felt like I had nothing worth living for. The mother to my 3 beautiful godchildren grabbed me and shook me from 6 hours away and told me to join this amazing group of women. That was the second most wonderful thing she ever did for me, next to introducing Howard and I. The love, support, encouragement, and community I found with that organization was unmatched. A few of those women pulled me out of my darkest moment and held a mirror up to me to show me how strong I really am. In under a year with this organization, I regained confidence I never knew I had, and, was physically stronger than I had ever been in my life.

As the seasons changed, so did that organization, which I have since parted way from. I now funnel my compassion and care into being dog mom to Loki Runic, and working under my bonus mom at the veterinary practice she built herself. Starting anew in a the field I have always watched from the outside with awe has been a journey for the ages. Every single day is more interesting than the last, and bears even more learning opportunity. I may have missed the first two years of watching my bonus mom create and grow this business, but now I am a part of it and cannot wait to see how far we go.