Meet Ashlee Creighton of Ashlee Hamon Photography!

To celebrate 5 years of Babe Crafted, we commissioned a custom illustration of each amazing member who has been with us for five years! Here’s Ashlee’s beautiful illustration by Maureen Horan.

Hey, girl, hey! Ready to dive into a creative biz owner’s story?! When I met Ashlee in 2012, she was a Wedding Photographer and I was running the marketing department for Creative Loafing Tampa. Since then, Ashlee has has pivoted to focus more on Branding Photography, has become a homeowner and gotten married. It’s been amazing seeing her build the life and business of her dreams and I have felt so lucky having her as a Founding Member since day 1.

If you’ve seen her work, you’re already familiar with her vibrant, sophisticated, and totally creative photos. If you haven’t, do yourself a favor and head to her website after checking out her Founding Member Feature below! Enjoy getting to know Ashlee and I hope you take away lots of inspo from her words. xo -Gina

Ashlee Creighton of Ashlee Hamon Photography

How would you describe the last 5 years as a business owner?

The last 5 years of my business has been a coming into balance. 2022 marked 10 years since I went full time with my LLC. At 5 years in, I remember telling Gina to JUST DO IT. She had a brilliant idea and there was nothing else to do but to go for it. My own first 5 years were all about hustle and complete dedication. I started to come up for air in 2018 when I finally started paying attention to my personal life and needs. I met my now husband and was fueled to figure out how to have a business that served my life instead of living for my business. Thanks to the pandemic, I was granted a true reset on my routine and had my first taste of real rest. Since then I have truly enjoyed finding balance.

I still work hard but I also rest, regularly! I have a sense of security and well being that I have never had before. I know I can trust myself and my business to not only bring joy to who I serve, but also myself. Shout out to my therapist for helping me to believe that it is possible to feel good so many days in a row! I have figured out what I need to thrive and I unapologetically decided that is my standard. Five years ago, my advice was always to ACT and now it's to REST. If you feel like you're not doing enough, you're probably doing too much. You need both forces, you owe it to yourself to find that balance. Looking to my next 5 years I know that I have the experience to accomplish anything I desire. Thank you for being such a wonderful witness and support, Babe Crafted!

“Five years ago, my advice was always to ACT and now it’s to REST. If you feel like you’re not doing enough, you’re probably doing too much. ”

— Ashlee Creighton

Ashlee hangin’ next to her bestie, Annie of Ann Cox Design at our very first member event on January 30, 2018 at Industrious in Downtown Tampa // Photo by The Dashing Ginger

What’s your proudest accomplishment (so far!)?

I was able to buy a house on my own in 2018. Being able to take care of myself like that with just my camera blew my damn mind. I am forever grateful.

Ashlee in a red dress rockin’ a glitter crown at our 2019 Galentine’s Day Breakfast // Photo by Christina Jones Photography

What are you excited to accomplish in the next 5 years?

I am really excited about a course idea! I would like to continue having more time to be in my life and less IN my business. I see a seasonal schedule in my future.

Left to Right: Annie of Ann Cox Design, Ashlee Creighton of Ashlee Hamon Photography, Rana Tierney of Roohi Photography, and Christina Maldonado of Boudoir Tampa at our 2019 Holiday Party for members // Photo by The Dashing Ginger

How has being a part of Babe Crafted impacted you?

It has helped me to feel like I am part of a community. I am reminded that I am not alone. I can also count on this community to be open and supported. I love how we all share the things we have solved.