Inspiring Mom: Ashley Beyer of Tinge Floral
In celebration of Mother's Day, we reached out to a handful of working moms who inspire us, and we asked them to share their thoughts, insight, and advice on motherhood and balancing mom life with work life. Follow along all week to see our featured moms and read more!
Today we're featuring Ashley Beyer, the talented florist behind TINGE FLORAL, and mama to her 20-month old daughter, Maci. When Ashley's not designing gorgeous, organic-chic floral arrangements for weddings, events, and editorials—both locally and abroad—she loves traveling and exploring the great outdoors with her husband, Curtis, and Maci. Below, Ashley shares more about her mom life and work life, what's surprised her most about motherhood, and her advice to other moms.
WHAT DOES YOUR AVERAGE DAY LOOK LIKE AS A WORKING MOM?
Most days are very low-key as I don’t take on too many jobs these days. But the days I do work generally mean lots of productivity during nap time and relying on family for some assistance with the babysitting. Whenever I can, I love to bring Mace on the job for lower-key photo shoots and personal work, but when big weddings and projects come along it takes a very supportive husband and family that really swoop in and attend to her so I’m able to focus and execute my job in the best way possible. Doesn’t make it easy being away from her, however!
HOW DO YOU FIND BALANCE BETWEEN MOM LIFE AND WORK LIFE?
I think I’ve set intentions for myself and stick to them as much as possible, which makes sense considering how intentional I try to be with my own work. I’ve decided that if I’m not creatively fulfilled and making a substantial profit on a job it just isn’t worth the time away from my family at this point in my life. It’s worked well for me to just take on a few big projects a year and pick up smaller creative jobs throughout the year to keep the inspiration and juices flowing. This recipe has worked well for me, but I think everyone has a different version of balance or success so I think you just really have to attend to the needs of your own family and assess it from there.
HOW HAS MOTHERHOOD INSPIRED YOU IN YOUR OCCUPATION OR CHANGED YOUR PERSPECTIVE TOWARDS WORK?
The moment I became a mother and held Maci in my arms everything changed in ways I couldn’t have anticipated. Somehow I feel more level-headed and I'm able to separate emotions from work more easily now that my emotions are needed elsewhere. I feel it’s easier to say no, and not feel like I need to follow it up with an excuse. Sometimes it’s just okay to politely say no and not feel you need to justify it. We seem to live in a world where being busy is admired and I don’t find that totally problematic, but I do find the race for the sake of keeping up problematic. Take a breath and remember why you started whatever it is you are doing, and remind yourself it isn’t a race! Everyone has different seasons of their business and it’s better to just put the blinders up and focus on your own goals.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU OFFER OTHER WORKING MOMS?
WHAT'S YOUR FAMILY'S FAVORITE WAY TO SPEND THE WEEKEND?
Outside!
WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE WAY TO SPEND AN HOUR OF ALONE TIME OR A DATE-NIGHT WITH YOUR SPOUSE?
Sharing a meal. We’ve always loved going out to restaurants but with Maci’s age it’s nearly impossible to bring her with us anymore. So those moments when we can share a quiet meal are nice when they happen. We love the crazy ones too!
WHAT HAS SURPRISED YOU MOST ABOUT MOTHERHOOD?
Just how natural it feels to be a mom. I really feel like when I became a mother I almost settled into myself. I feel more comfortable as a mom than I ever did before.
WHAT HAS MOTHERHOOD TAUGHT YOU OR WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED FROM YOUR CHILDREN?
To stop and enjoy the small moments, and to appreciate everything—the good and the bad. Time is so fleeting! It’s the cliche parent saying but it’s proven so true.
WHAT IS THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU'VE RECEIVED RECENTLY?
I think just to have confidence in yourself and your abilities as both a mother and a woman. Generally we are offended because of an insecurity that we have. It’s so easy to be offended if we are looking to be offended. I believe having confidence and modeling that for your children is one of the greatest gifts you can give them.
Photographs: Ciara Richardson Photography
