Meet Ashley Murray | S|W Inspo & Design, Owner & Creator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ashley Murray and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ashley, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
All of my professional career, I’ve always held a position in the medical industry. Near the end of the year last year, something was stirring inside me to step out of my comfort zone. At that time, I didn’t know what direction I was headed, but felt determined enough to pursue something on my own – something that would give me family flexibility and career fulfillment. I ordered a candle making kit – for fun, for my kids and I to make over the holiday break & we ALL enjoyed the process! My husband was so impressed that we could “make” candles that we’ve been buying and buying for years, that he suggested, “you could do that” and the flame inside me immediately grew to learn so much more…

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
“Inspired by the S|W, designed for you.” As a newer transplant to the S|W, I’ve absolutely fallen in love with the outdoor Arizona beauty; including but not limited to, the mountains, endless cacti, sunrises & sunsets, proximity to the coast, and the fabulous weather that attracts so many. With so much admiration for this scenic beauty, a candle brand evolved. Bringing the outdoor inspiration in, with carefully sought out scents, jar colors, and clean ingredients to fill your home with ease, S|W Inspo & Design is currently known for its handmade coconut soy wax candles and luxe wax melts.

I’ve always loved being a part of a process that evolves from nothing into something! I believe that is what captivated me early on with the candle making process. Little did I know, the art of candle-making involved SO much more than a few simple ingredients…I quickly learned that making candles (outside of a pre-made kit) was very time consuming to find the right scientific ratios of wax, fragrance oils, and not to mention endless wick trials to create the correct candle burn, according to rules and regulations. Yes, there are regulations on how your candle should properly burn! In doing so, I also discovered how much cleaner candles burn with natural ingredients and how different our home felt and smelt without chemicals being emitted into the air. Ask me about wicks, I have tried SO many…as me about wax – what a game changing ingredient! I started off with soy wax & personally struggled with the lack of esthetic appearance…making the switch to luxurious coconut soy wax was love after first pour. Fragrance oils, equally a pivotal ingredient, with again so much trial & error to find the perfect balance. Looking back on the initial process, how much I’ve learned (and will continue to learn) does make me appreciate the challenges, as it makes the end result so much more rewarding. Business entrepreneurship has come with so many facets, 2022 has indeed been a year of growth in so many ways!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I am amazed at how much I continue to learn about this state each day. With endless sites to see, places to visit, & things to explore, this state offers so much. A couple hour drive to find snow, a few hours to find coastline beaches, and staying put you’ll be in awe with some of the most colorful sunset filled skies. We’ve loved finding local vineyards & hiking trails & continue to take all the local food & drink recommendations we can find! Learning about desert life has been so interesting – eye opening & fullfilling!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Without hesitation, I would not be pursuing a passion-led career without the support of my husband, Drew. I feel so fortunate to share this journey of life with him and am confident without this man’s unwavering support, I would not be where I am today. He has always encouraged me every step of the way, challenged me when I’ve needed it most, and believed in me without a doubt. I’m so grateful to share in his unconditional love & strive daily to make him and our children proud. I would also like to recognize my sister Taylor in this entrepreneurial journey – she has always been a phone call away & never hesitates to provide help, especially when it comes to social media/tech questions. I am ever so grateful for her friendship, love & encouragement as well.

Website: www.swinspodesign.com

Instagram: @swinspodesign

Facebook: @swinspodesign