About Chef Ashley

Hi everyone! 

So, I think most of you will agree that this is always the worst part of something…the ‘about me’ section and one in which I tend to struggle with! However, that being said, I want whoever lands on this page to understand just what cooking and food means to ME and to why it is an honor to be able to do this full time!

Quite like art is to an artist or sheet music is to a musician, food, to me, is the absolute perfect canvas to bring my vision, my feelings and my passions to life.

I’m just a small town girl from Iowa who grew up with very humble beginnings. Food was nothing more than just a necessity for survival. However, as I stumbled through adolescence, struggling to find what really and truly excited me, I soon found that I fell in love with food.

I’m not here to paint a sob story, but, there was one particular part of my life that was taking me to my most deepest and darkest moments. One particular day, I decided to cook and bake a meal for family. I found myself so immersed in the moment that time became merely a word, I spent hours in the kitchen, putting all different types of things together and found that not only did it excite me, but it made me feel emotions that, to be frank, I felt had broken up with me on a post it note!

I felt alive again, I felt in control and when everyone sat down and enjoyed it, the emotions felt overwhelming. So I decided, life was too short to just stumble through anymore. I wanted to take my passion and growing love for food even further. I wanted to push myself even harder. I wanted to explore and learn more and see where my curiosity would take me. So, I took a deep breath, packed up my stuff and moved to Austin, Texas where I was lucky enough to attend the prestige culinary school of Le Cordon Bleu!

My time at Le Cordon Bleu was grueling and tough, but mostly was fascinating and eye opening. It taught me more about myself than I ever thought and 1 million percent solidified that, this…cooking, was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life!Fast forward and I’ve now been doing this ‘professionally’ for about 11 years and I’ve loved every moment of it.

I’ve done the ‘nitty gritty’ roles and even worked in a place where a rat decided to test its athletic abilities by using my foot as a hurdle course!

But shortly after culinary school, I found myself at Workiva and have not looked back since. I have had the advantage of meeting, and cooking, for some amazing people, learned more, grown more and have been part of a very successful kitchen team.

I enjoy all types of food and cuisines from here and all around the world. I enjoy learning about the different cooking styles and always try to stay as authentic as possible while adding my own personal touch.

I always try to support local businesses and endeavor to use ‘in season’ produce. I draw on inspirations from world renowned chefs such a Dominique Crenn, an inspirational female chef, René Redzepi, Grant achatz, Jose Andres and Clare Smyth.

I’m always trying to grow and expand my knowledge and will always remain grounded and Humble. However, during covid, I had a whole year of no work, like many others, and felt completely out of my element. As I watched the world around me change, I decided it was time to use my time wisely by throwing myself into what I loved most. I decided to start exploring more new cooking styles, cuisines and cultures. I indulged in cooking show after cooking show, cook book after cook book and allowed my mind to wonder. I introduced myself to the world of TikTok and found great pleasure in being able to share what I make globally but also, watch other people share their passions for food.

After such a tough 2.5 years with covid, riots, wars and division, the one thing I noticed that caused no division was gathering round the table for a meal. After 2.5 years of families being apart, I found that gatherings, reunions and parties etc became SO much more important because it was something we once merely took for granted.

I love what I do, but, nothing brings me more joy than seeing people enjoy the food I put in front of them.
And so, my business has been set up so that I can help more families come together. Where I can take care of all the food and catering so that all you need to worry about is having a great time, enjoying the company around you and fully immersing yourself in the moment whilst I make sure the food matches your theme and brings to life your vision.

Outside of cooking, I love music and sports, and thoroughly enjoying cheering on my football team who, quite often let me down. Other than that, you can usually find me at a farmers market, a store or a golf course!

Sorry, I’ve rambled. Long story short, It is truly my honor, and my pleasure, to provide for any catering or private event - so, drop me a message!