In a world often demanding conformity, Ashley R. Wood stands firm in her authenticity, embodying the power and resilience of the Black woman’s voice. As she opens the doors to Soulo Studios, her new creative arts venture located in the heart of Del Ray, Alexandria, she invites others into a space of healing, expression, and connection.

Ashley reflects on her journey, often quoting Diana Ross: “When I think of home, I think of a place where love’s overflowing.” For her, home has always represented support, creativity, and belonging. “Love is a refuge,” she says, “a place of safety and family memories.”

Del Ray has taught Ashley profound lessons about home. “It's not about the size of the house but the feeling of belonging and warmth,” she emphasizes. Today, she shares how her journey began in a space where she once felt lost and limited. “I felt stripped of my belongings and sad as memories of childhood resurfaced. But our home here in Del Ray has been cozy and filled with life,” she recalls.

Ashley’s north star has always been her daughter, Lily. “This journey has strengthened our bond,” she shares. “We’ve learned to navigate the challenges together, transforming that small space into a world of creativity and intimacy.” They thrived, realizing they could create beauty from their circumstances.

“It wasn’t just about survival,” Ashley says. “It was about love.” With every stroke of paint and piece of furniture that found its place, they crafted a home filled with inspiration, laughter, and memories. “Trusting God in the little things taught me how to embrace the magic of this space.”

Now, with Soulo Studios—a 1,300 square-foot sanctuary for creativity—Ashley has expanded on that mission. “This studio is the manifestation of a long-held promise,” she explains. “It combines my past experiences with the richness of community storytelling.” Each room embodies her journey of healing, marked by warm colors, eclectic patterns, and a myriad of artistic expressions.

“Freedom is more than a concept; it resides within us,” she states passionately. “True freedom is about choice—who we are, what we create, and understanding our roots.” Ashley’s heritage is one of strength and resilience. “I come from a bloodline of people who carved out their meaning from surviving. The depths of my roots were enslaved, not slaves, and their power inspires my journey.” As she reflects on the journey of her Great- great grandfather who ran towards freedom.

Her trip to Andrews, South Carolina, before opening the studio opened her eyes. “Standing on the grounds of my family cemetery, surrounded by spirit and family history, I felt a deep connection to my ancestors. It was a spiritual awakening,” she recounts. “They laid the groundwork for my purpose: to build a legacy of love, freedom, and creativity.”

In establishing Soulo Studios, Ashley identified a gap—a need for spaces that nurture creativity and connection. “We focus on artists, storytellers, and community members. Providing a haven for expression has become my purpose,” she explains.

This creative arts studio serves multiple functions. It is a meeting space for collaborations, a setting for workshops in writing, visual arts, music, and much more. It also prioritizes youth mentorship, fostering social-emotional learning through storytelling.

“Home is about intention,” Ashley asserts. “Every piece of this studio reflects my heart and vision. It’s a place where stories come to life, where the community finds refuge and inspiration.”

In a society where Black women often grapple with the duality of strength and vulnerability, Ashley remains unapologetically herself, weaving her experiences and insights into the fabric of Soulo Studios. “I stand in my authenticity,” she concludes. “This journey is not just for me; it’s for everyone who needs to know they can create their own reality.”

Ashley R. Wood, originally from Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, continues to forge her path with love, grace, and the unwavering belief in the transformative power of home, community, and creative expression. Through Soulo Studios, she opens her arms to all, inviting them into a shared journey toward freedom and healing.