A little about the designer, the journey behind the studio, and why thoughtful design matters to me.
Hi, I’m Ashley.
I’m the owner and designer behind Heartleaf Design Studio—and I believe the best design work begins with getting to know the person behind the business.
(she/her)
I create thoughtful websites and visual identities for therapists and independent health and wellness practitioners who are ready to build an online presence that feels professional, personal, and true to their work.
I especially enjoy working with thoughtful practitioners who care deeply about the people they serve. You don't need to arrive with every detail figured out. You don't need to know exactly what your website should look like. And you don't need to become an expert in design, copywriting, SEO, or Squarespace before we begin.
That's what I'm here for.
I'll ask questions, listen carefully, help you sort through your ideas, and guide you through the process one step at a time. My goal is to make the experience feel collaborative and low-pressure while creating a website that gives you confidence in the way your practice is represented online.
A little more about me
I am naturally curious, creatively minded, and probably more detail-oriented than I need to be. I love understanding how things work, figuring out why something isn't working, and finding a thoughtful way to make it better.
That combination of creativity and problem-solving is a big part of what I bring to every project.
Why this work matters to me
I love making the complex feel more manageable.
For many practitioners, creating a website can feel like one more major responsibility competing for their time and attention. There are pages to plan, copy to write, images to choose, technical settings to configure, and countless design decisions to make.
I genuinely enjoy taking those moving pieces off my clients' plates.
Whether you arrive with a clear vision or a collection of scattered ideas, I'll help you organize your thoughts, understand your options, and make decisions with greater confidence. Rather than simply presenting questions or pointing out problems, I aim to provide thoughtful guidance and practical solutions.
I enjoy explaining the reasoning behind design decisions, finding creative ways to solve technical challenges, and handling the behind-the-scenes details that clients may not want—or have time—to manage themselves.
Most of all, I love seeing the uncertainty around a website begin to fade as a client realizes they are working with someone who understands their goals, can guide the process, and will take care of the details.
A creative background with a practical side.
Creativity has always been part of my life. Long before I became a professional designer, I thought of it simply as art—drawing, experimenting with ideas, and creating pieces for family and friends.
Before founding Heartleaf, I worked as the Director of Recreation and Tourism for a local town. My role involved managing tourism and marketing initiatives, parks and recreational facilities, staff, customer experiences, and the day-to-day operations of two commercial caverns and a popular tourist attraction.
It was a role with many moving parts, and it taught me how to manage complex projects, communicate with a wide range of people, solve problems, and think strategically about how businesses serve and connect with their audiences. I also worked closely with the town's contracted designer to coordinate advertising, signage, maps, and other marketing materials.
Over time, I realized that the creative, detail-oriented parts of my work were the ones that energized me most.
I wanted more freedom to create, more ownership over the work I produced, and the opportunity to build something of my own.
I invested in hands-on design education, explored different design platforms, studied effective layouts, and taught myself Squarespace.
I began offering brand design, website design, and graphic design services—and gradually discovered that website design was where my creativity, curiosity, organization, and problem-solving skills came together most naturally.
Today, I especially enjoy taking the many pieces of a client's business—their ideas, services, goals, personality, and audience—and bringing them together into a website that feels clear, cohesive, and uniquely theirs.
What you can expect when we work together
My background in creative work, business operations, marketing, and customer experience has shaped the way I approach every project. I bring both a creative eye and a practical, organized mindset—so you can focus on your practice while I guide the many details involved in bringing your website to life.
A genuine collaboration
Your website should feel like your website. I'll bring my expertise in design, strategy, copywriting, and user experience, while you bring your knowledge of your practice and the people you serve.
The best work happens when those perspectives come together.
Clear, practical guidance
I'll ask thoughtful questions to better understand your practice, but I won't leave you to solve every decision on your own. When you're unsure which direction to take, I'll provide clear recommendations, practical options, and the professional perspective needed to keep the project moving forward.
A low-pressure process
I don't believe good work requires constant urgency.
I intentionally keep my project schedule limited so I can give each client the time, attention, and thoughtfulness their project deserves. You won't be rushed through decisions just to get your website out the door.
A designer who cares about the details
I notice the small things: the way a section flows into the next, whether a button feels intuitive, whether a piece of copy sounds like you, and whether the experience makes sense on a mobile device.
Those details add up to a website that feels polished, intentional, and easy to use.
Clear communication
You'll never be left wondering what happens next. I'll explain the process, communicate clearly, and make space for questions along the way.
When I'm not designing...
When I’m not working on a website, you can probably find me at home, surrounded by a growing collection of plants and at least one cat who believes my desk belongs to them. As much as I enjoy creating in a cozy space indoors, one of my favorite places to be is outside.
I love hiking, tent camping, and growing vegetables in my garden. I also enjoy creating detailed floral scenes with ultra-fine markers and experimenting with pyrography, or wood burning.
Music is another creative outlet I enjoy. I sing and play guitar, autoharp, ukulele, and trumpet, and I regularly get together with friends for casual jam sessions.
Many of these interests reflect the way I approach my work, too. I enjoy noticing small details, learning how things fit together, and taking the time to create something thoughtfully and with care.
Basically, I am happiest when I have something to make, something to learn, or something to grow.
Ready when you are.
Tell me a little about your practice, your goals, and what you'd like your website to do for you.
I’ll take it from there.