Today we’d like to introduce you to Ash W.
Hi Ash, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
In May 2025, I lost my home in the tornado. It was one of the hardest seasons of my life, and I needed a safe space to rebuild, not just physically but emotionally. Creating became therapy for me.
That is how Craft and Chill was born.
What started as a way to heal turned into a community art studio where people can relax, create, and get their mind off life’s tasks. Today it is a growing creative space built on resilience and connection.
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?
Not at all. It has not been a smooth road.
I was rebuilding my life while building a business and raising a toddler at the same time. There was financial pressure, learning everything as I went, managing inventory, marketing, staffing, and staying emotionally grounded after losing my home. Balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship was exhausting at times.
But every challenge strengthened me. The struggles stretched me, sharpened my discipline, and shaped me into the leader and mother I am today.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am the founder of Craft and Chill, a creative art studio in Ferguson, Missouri. We specialize in hands on experiences like Drip Bears, rug tufting, sneaker customization, candle painting, and themed community workshops. Our focus is creating an environment where people can relax, create freely, and enjoy the moment whether they are on a date, celebrating something special, or simply needing a break from life.
We are known for our energy, originality, and the vibe of the space. It is colorful, welcoming, and intentional. I am very hands on in every part of the business, from building frames to sourcing materials to designing experiences that feel elevated but still accessible.
As a mom of a toddler, I understand how rare it is to find spaces where adults can truly unwind and connect. Craft and Chill is not just about painting. It is about people from all walks of life coming together, sharing ideas, laughing, bonding, and respecting one another while they create. Whether you are 21 or 81, a parent, a student, an artist, or trying something new for the first time, everyone is welcomed and valued.
I am most proud that it has grown into more than an art studio. It is a community hub. A place where people gather, collaborate, celebrate milestones, and build genuine connections. After losing everything, creating something that brings people together means everything to me.
What sets us apart is the experience. It is not just about what you make. It is about how you feel while you are making it
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
I think starting Craft and Chill was one of the biggest risks I have ever taken.
I launched it during a season where I was trying to get back to a sense of normalcy in my own life. Most people would have played it safe, but I chose to build something new. I did not have everything figured out. I was rebuilding personally while investing money, time, and energy into a brand new business. That alone was a risk. I also introduced experiences like Drip Bears and sneaker customization to my area before they were proven locally. There was no guarantee people would respond the way they did.
For me, risk is not about being fearless. It is about asking myself, what is the worst that can happen? Most of the time, the answer is not failure. It is learning, adjusting, and trying again. I would rather move, test, and refine than sit still and overthink.
That mindset has shaped Craft and Chill. I introduce new ideas and new experiences without waiting for perfect conditions. Some things take off immediately. Some require tweaks. But every move creates momentum. I believe growth rewards movement. I would rather take a shot and figure it out than wonder what could have been
Pricing:
- Drip Bear Experience starting at $30 per guest
- Sneaker Lab Customization Experience starting at $79 per guest
- Kicks and Candles Experience starting at $35 per guest
- Rug Tufting Workshops starting at $75 per guest
- We also offer themed events, seasonal workshops, and bundled experiences throughout the year.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Craftandchillstl.com
- Instagram: Craftandchillstl
- Facebook: Craft and chill Stl
