Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashlee Dooley.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’m a San Diegan by way of the Navy, I grew up here, served on Active Duty here, and now have settled down here with my family. I created Dash of Ash and started sharing my cooking and recipes, after a season of tremendous loss.
In March of 2021, I lost my grandmother, a very influential person in my life. Growing up, I lived with my mother and grandmother. My grandmother was a source of stability for me as my mother served in the Navy as a single parent. When my mother was gone on deployment, it was just my grandmother and me. My grandmother taught me how to cook my first meals, and always encouraged me to be creative in the kitchen. As my grandmother got older, I had an opportunity to cook for her and serve as one of her caregivers.
When she passed away, it shook me to my core. It was a catastrophic loss to my family and I struggled with my grief. Everyone struggles and experiences loss in some way in their lives, but the passing of my grandmother was the first loss that genuinely stopped me in my tracks. Life felt heavy. I was having a hard time getting out of bed, let alone being a wife and a mother. There were days that cooking would provide fond memories of my grandmother, and others that would leave me in tears.
I started filming my cooking as a way to heal and grieve. I would remember my grandmother and all of the strength and perseverance she showed me in her 98 years with us. My grandmother taught me that food was love, and I really just wanted to start sharing that with whoever needed that online.
Dash of Ash is a space where I have the opportunity to share my love of cooking with everyone. I keep it simple, approachable, and family-friendly. The reality is that as a mother, there are good days and there are bad days, and on all days my family has to eat! Sometimes I share meals that I create from scratch, other days I share my favorite quick meals, and some days I share my favorite local spots to order takeout from. So, whether you are looking for food inspiration, or are new to cooking and looking to learn new ideas, I hope to share and connect with you on Dash of Ash.
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?
Yes and No
Yes, in that everyone I have encountered online has been incredibly supportive! I’ve truly enjoyed engaging with everyone who follows my page. This endeavor has helped me in the healing process and provided me with a creative outlet. Knowing that others are enjoying my content really pushes me on tough days.
No in that grief-struck again a few months after my grandmother passed away, we lost my aunt to cancer. Grief is not a linear process and sometimes I need to take time for myself.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m new to the content creation world, but food and events have always been a passion of mine. I’ve always felt like a very multifaceted individual.
I’m a workplace professional, I’m a civil servant working for the federal government as a supervisor with my agency.
I’m a Surface Warfare Officer in the Navy Reserves.
I’m an event planner with experience in bridal, non-profit, and personal celebrations of all kinds.
And most importantly I’m navigating life as a wife and a mother to two beautiful children.
I know what it feels like to be juggling a lot of responsibilities, but still making time to be creative and enjoy life. If I’ve learned anything from all of the family losses, I have experienced is to enjoy life, and not take a single day for granted. If you are given the opportunity to help others, take it and spread joy in the process.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
Dash of Ash is starting to offer one on one meal planning services! Let me help you take the guesswork out of planning your weeknight meals.
Contact Info:
- Email: dashofash.inbox@gmail.com
- Website: www.dashofash.info
- Instagram: @dashof_ash_cooking
