The Creative Entrepreneur: Victoria Ashley of Laundry Day
Sometimes pain is the mother of invention, at least that was the case and journey for Victoria Ashley who founded Laundry Day, a line of design-forward smokeware. Cannabis is more than just for recreational activity and the days of hiding your bargain smoke shop pipe is long gone. Laundry Day serves up a modern design aesthetic for frequent cannabis users that allows them the freedom to be super chic, while being chill.
In this interview with Victoria Ashley, she touches upon her personal health experience with cannabis and her need to design a better smoking pipe, the kind that blends in with her lifestyle and decor.
DESCRIBE YOUR LIGHTBULB MOMENT FOR STARTING LAUNDRY DAY
I began using cannabis for pain relief and a sleep aid after experiencing IUD related health issues. I decided to take ownership of this daily ritual and head to my local smoke shop to treat myself to my first pipe. The experience left feeling out of place, embarrassed and discouraged. I just spent money on something I already wanted to hide under my bed and I thought I couldn’t be the only person who uses cannabis who felt this way. The response has been amazing and I am so grateful that people connect with LD in the same way that I do.
WHAT’S THE STORY OR MEANING BEHIND THE NAME
I am such a home body and have really come to love the lazy days around the house. The days where you have a bath, do a face mask, fold the clean clothes that you threw in your hamper a week ago and all while binging on your fave podcast/show/snacks . The name Laundry Day is meant to embody and encourage those moments.
HOW MUCH OF YOUR WORK DAY IS DESIGN FOCUSED AND BUSINESS ADMIN
I would say that 98% of my general workday could be considered to be very "unglamourous". Being an online based business, and a company of one, I am responsible for everything from product design and production to packing orders, invoicing, you name it. Though, I really enjoy all aspects and feel extremely privileged to be able to call this my work.
WHAT ARE SOME MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT CANNABIS THAT YOU’D LOVE TO CORRECT
I think that people assume that if you have an interest in cannabis, that you are all in all the time. I believe that the relationship between you and the plant is so specific and that relationship can take time to figure it out. I would encourage people who are canna-curious to treat their experience with cannabis like wine. We don't all like the same wine and we can't all drink the same amount. Take it slow and try a few different strains and doses to figure out your sweet spot!
WHICH ITEM WOULD YOU GIFT THESE NOTABLE CELEBRITY CANNABIS USERS: WHOOPI GOLDBERG, SETH ROGEN, MILEY CYRUS AND OF COURSE SNOOP DOG
I love this question! For Whoopi, Clio Pipe / Seth Rogan: Charlotte Pipe / Miley Cyrus: Nanou + Paola Grinder / Snoop: our classic Hudson Pipe.
ONE PIECE OF ADVICE TO GIVE TO BUDDING ENTREPRENEURS
Make Connections. The Cannabis space has been incredibly welcoming and has taught me so much about the importance of networking, not only in a business sense. There is also a camaraderie and understanding between people who are experiencing the same industry hurdles that I have not experienced elsewhere and I have made some of my closest friendships from "sliding into the DMs".
LIGHTNING ROUND Q’S
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morning or night person: Night
instagram or pinterest: Instagram
crossbody or tote bag: Cross Body
city or countryside: City
dine out or delivery: Delivery
pizza or pasta: Pasta
