I have been known by many names, and will answer to just about all of them. Sakura is my favorite tree, and I love spicy everything/am a spicy natured person- hence “Spicy Sakura”, but my mom calls me Ashley. As a passionate person with unlimited interests, I have pursuits in several areas that to some may seem to be “too much” but for me it’s the perfect amount of constantly changing organized chaos.

Allow me to introduce myself-

background

From the time I could hold a crayon, pencil, brush, or marker, I was drawing, painting, and crafting. By the time I was in high school I decided that I wanted to do one of three things: be a psychiatrist/study human behavior, be a chef, or teach Spanish. When I was growing up living in a van and running a blog and TikTok about it wasn’t encouraged or existing, so the only “lucrative” (it kills me to even say that in half-seriousness) option was to teach. So I studied Spanish, Russian, and Japanese at Mercyhurst University, where my work-study gig was working in student dining. I grew to really really REALLY enjoy cooking, not only at home but in the small prep tasks I would get to help out the ladies in the kitchen preparing huge lunches. After deciding to go vegetarian, I got a gig at the Erie Whole Foods Co-Op in the kitchen and got some creative freedom.

I was hooked.

After graduation, everyone was throwing themselves into their “careers”, but I couldn’t leave cooking. I couldn’t work in an office, take out my jewelry, and never say "fuck” in mixed company. It was then I made the firm decision that I would pursue a career in food and the pursuit of delicious things. I was obsessed with the cuisine of the world and soaked up any and every tidbit of knowledge floating around the pre-YouTube era internet. I had just spent 4 years studying languages and cultures of the world, I next committed to studying their food.

currently

It is bittersweet to think this fall would mark 20 years of kitchen life. I recently have taken a hiatus from cooking to focus on my health, spending time with my family, and continuing to work on my art and build my business. In addition to paint art, I’ve been known to make small release hot sauces. There is always room to improve a green thumb for growing herbs, vegetables, and succulents too.

painting + Arts + crafts

As I said, when I was little my first hyperfixation, way before cooking, was art of all flavors. Mostly drawing, but also painting acrylic/watercolor and some sculpture. Recently I’ve been focusing on watercolor and digital art, and truly enjoying learning how to marry the two. You can order prints and other fun bits at The Art Shop. Locally my work can be found at Presque Isle Gallery and Gifts at the Tom Ridge Environmental Center.

food + product photography

My love for cooking was the gateway to my love for food photography. In 2016 I bought a basic Canon to photograph my food, and have been experimenting with the medium since. I am always open to new clients to make your cuisine really shine online. I shoot in natural light, and really enjoy bright, contrasting colors. Drop me a line through the Contact link if you’re interested in booking a shoot. Check out my instagram for the latest dishes 📸