Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Morrow.
Hi Ashley, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My story is rather simple and straightforward. I purchased my 1912 Craftsman Style Bungalow in Youngstown, Ohio, in August of 2019. Fun fact: I believe it is an Aladin Kit Home after much research. My beautiful home had one big burning bush and one ugly thorny bush that was it. I quicky had the thorny bush removed and began searching for free plants, free seeds, free landscape materials, etc. This led me down an eventful and rather interesting rabbit hole. Free seeds from Seed Libraries turned into pollinator-friendly plants, and my yard “certified” by The Pollinator Steward Certification, Bee City USA, Pollinator Pathway, Cincinnati Zoo, and many others. Most were free; some were $10.00 to process your application or $25.00 to certify your garden. I started to dive further into the rabbit hole of gardening! I learned native plants were the “crem de la crem,” so to speak; that is how I linked up with Wild Ones. I was able to get to where I am today because of Wild Ones (and the tiny chapter I founded through them), Elayne Bozick from Operation Pollination, Lois Martin-Uscianowski from Southside Community Gardens, Julie Bartolone from Wild You, Nancy from Bending Oak, Susie Beiersdorfer, Ella George, Gary Davenport, Else Higby, Nancy Linz, Bill Perkins, and many more amazing individuals, and fantastic organizations that believed in me and my vision for the Wild One’s Youngstown Area Chapter.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The beautiful winding garden path has been far from smooth. There have been little rocks that have started to trip me and small holes in the path that have slowed me down, so to speak. However, all of it has been a learning experience, all of it has broadened my horizons, made me rethink my approach to things, gain new friends and mentors, go new places, and have a deeper appreciation for life! Some of the struggles along the way included lack of members, absence of funding, deficiency of publicity about our little non-profit, lack of opportunity to table at local events, deficiency of gas (in my case diesel) to travel to certain events, etc. However, it is all about perspective and attitude. I personally and our little chapter have been able to overcome these obstacles and turn them into opportunities.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My summarized job title is Payroll Manager/HR Manager/Grant Writer/Safety Assistant at Livi Steel, Inc. in Warren, Ohio. I was quoted by Mahoning Valley Manufacture’s Collation (MVMC) for their amazing article, Manufacturing Workforce Looks to Hire More Women, and my quote went as follows: “To be successful in manufacturing, you need to be bold enough to believe in yourself, you need to be willing to listen to your managers/supervisors, collaborate with your co-workers, and encourage others in your field to do the same.” I believe that rings true in all areas of my life (personally, professionally, as a small business owner, as an artist, etc.) It is exciting working at a small family-owned and operated structural steel manufacturer. It has been around since 1977 and has been overseen by three generations of Livis’ now. Plus, my mother, Angela Arnold, is our Controller and is in the office right next to mine. It is really incredible. I am blessed to work where I do, and with the individuals I do, especially my mother! Recently, I was nominated and selected as a finalist for the 2024 Athena Award. I am hoping this humbling honor will seamlessly blend all of my awards, achievements, experiences, etc. together into one memorable moment (being the owner of Ashley’s Peer Recovery Services, LLC. Restoring my 1912 Craftsman, serving as the President of the Youngstown Area Chapter, and for a while serving on the Wild Ones Chapter Advisory Committee).
What does success mean to you?
Trying. Waking up every single day and trying your best. Always, no matter what, put your best foot forward, even if it is difficult, even if you are sick, even if you are tired. No matter what, always trying to do your best.
Pricing:
- $25.00 Limited Income / Student Membership
- $40.00 Household Membership
- $90.00 Affiliate Membership
- $250.00 Business Membership
- $1,500.00 Lifetime Membership
Contact Info:
- Website: https://youngstownarea.wildones.org/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ashleynicolemorrow17/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-morrow-501a8b26b
- Other: https://businessjournaldaily.com/manufacturing-day-activities-excite-local-students/
