Ashley Merklinger shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Ashley, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Getting back to reading just for fun has been bringing me an incredible amount of joy lately, and has been helping me feel more like myself. I have a tendency to bury myself in work so much that it overwrites every part of me, so carving out this quiet time to nourish my inner child has been delightful.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi! My name is Ashley Merklinger, and I run two community pottery studios in Wilmington, NC: Bookworm Pottery & Co. and The Cozy Bookwyrm. My company offers fun, beginner-friendly pottery classes, craft nights, PYOP, retail from women-owned small businesses, collaborative events, and more in a calm and welcoming environment. Our mission is to connect as many people together through the joys of working with clay as we can while giving back to important causes in our community. Since I started my studio in 2021, we have taught thousands of students and benefited over 20 local causes. I am incredibly proud of my team, our students and members, and how much our community has come together over the years.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
As a child, I thought that I was a mistake and that everyone around me would be happier without me. I didn’t have much confidence, and I hated being another mouth to feed when I felt I wasn’t worth it. It’s a mindset that plagued much of my life well into adulthood.
Now, I feel like I was put here for a purpose and that I generally have a positive impact on people. It’s okay to take up space, and it’s okay to make mistakes as long as there’s growth that comes from it. I can share love, kindness, and care through my work, and I finally have a calling that makes me feel fulfilled as a person. Opening my studio has given me the opportunity to positively touch the lives of those around me and make ripples in my community that I never thought I could. Our tagline, “thank you for being you,” is something I tell myself as much as I tell others too <3
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
There have been SO many times where I’ve wanted to throw in the towel. Running a small business takes every bit of you, and then some. But each time that feeling reemerges, I think of all the people that rely on my company and find joy in what we do, and I somehow find the strength to keep going just another day. It’s worked so far–I hope to keep going for quite a while yet.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
“It takes a village.” Life is infinitely better when you’re surrounded by a community of people that love and care for one another, providing support and teamwork toward goals that enrich everyone. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the village of people around me that have lent a hand to my mission, and my heart swells seeing people come together to help each other. Hardships are always easier to overcome with a friend.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
My hope is that people will share my heart that I have for others. I truly want everyone to be happy, fulfilled, and successful, and I would hope that my actions will reflect that long after I’m gone.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bookwormpotteryco.com
- Instagram: @bookwormpottery | @thecozybookwyrm
- Facebook: @bookwormpottery
- Other: TikTok: @bookwormpottery
Image Credits
Lightbloom Photography
