Meet Ashley Von Helsing | Photographer and Designer

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

Hi Ashley, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I’ve always had my hands in projects in hobbies since I was a teenager, so starting a business from a passion happens naturally. I’m really passionate about atmosphere design, and so jumping into interiors from being a photographer for so long felt like another extension of set building, but livable. For me, having a sanctuary and escape from reality starts at home, so the business started in my own home, with my own design mistakes and lessons turning into actual skills and styles.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As a photographer first and foremost, I’ve always wanted escapism from reality to be an underlying theme. Naturally I craved an escape from busy Los Angeles life, from traffic, and from the modernity that the city is slowly absorbing. Americans dump more than 12 million pounds of furniture each year, and that also inspired me to rely heavily on repurposing and searching out antique pieces. Some people are really into paper straws or being vegan to help the planet, this is just my way of trying to eliminate waste and help people appreciate and love used items. That within itself is a challenge, because it’s a hunting process, and not everyone sees the beauty or potential of something that isn’t shiny and new. My purpose always comes from rethinking what I have in front of me, in design, in photography, in anything creatively I can get my hands on, so telling a story that relies on how to train people to rethink is a challenge but a satisfying one.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I think it depends on the friend! But….If I had my perfect LA day planned and someone was willing to spend a day how I perceive it perfect, I’d start with an early morning hike, followed by a delicious brunch at Figaro Bistro. We’d hop over to Long Beach Flea Market, hit antique stores in Burbank, and have an early dinner at Edendale in Silverlake. The perfect week would include a lot more brunches, thrift stores, a trip to Universal Studios, and trying new restaurants (because they’re really are about a million spots that I haven’t tried yet in this town).

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My friends have been the biggest support system in my journey thus far. There are so many instances where I couldn’t rely on family or colleagues to push my dreams, but surrounding yourself with creative friends who feel like family make all the difference.

Website: www.ashleyvonhelsing.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashleyvonhelsing

Image Credits
Ashley Von Helsing (photographer)