About

Ashley Roya Buzzy McHugh is a few too many names, so just remember the one: buzzy (that's the only thing I'll respond to in a crowd).

Born in Denver to Greg (from Pittsburgh, PA) and Parvin (from Tehran, Iran), then raised in the South - Atlanta to be exact. Attended Shiloh High School and graduated from Providence Christian Academy in 2005. Received a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Georgia in 2009, concentrating in Graphic Design (and took a lot more Fabric Design classes than my advisors suggested). Married a dashing young baseball player named Collin McHugh in October of 2009, and have proceeded to follow him around the country - watching more Minor League baseball games than I thought was humanly possible.

My culturally diverse family made traveling a large part of my life from an early age. I've been priveledged to travel for the sole purpose of deeply understanding that life looks different everywhere you go. What drives one group of people may not influence anyone else. That isn't wrong, it's amazing. It makes respect and common understanding a noble effort.

I've always been interested in too many things. I never really subscribed to the idea that I should pick one, and even if I'd tried I don't think I would have gotten it right. Through schooling, I imagined myself as many things: an architect, chef, astronomer, actress, florist, seamstress, printmaker, singer, physicist, psychologist, photographer, and even a graphic designer. Above all, I am an admirer of design, pattern and texture. I like things that repeat, and I like to know how and why. I'm prone to search for similarity - even in places that seem directly opposed. I recall memories by color. I never really knew how to translate that into the real world, but in the words of Lady Gaga: baby, I was born this way.

In January of 2010, I started my own small business, Buzzy Craftery. Built around the idea that this name could be a "catch-all" for my different interests: when people ask me what I do, I respond, "whatever you ask me to." But I promise I don't sound like a bad streetwalker movie. 

Years of retail, design and freelance service, combined with owning my own business have taught me some important things. You have the best ideas when you're listening to good music. There is no reason for a bad attitude, and even when you have one, you need to get it straight. Don't eat lunch alone every day, nobody deserves that. Everyone loves Michael Jackson, and when you're putting in filler text, make sure it's the lyrics to Billy Jean. There is nothing more frustrating than being misunderstood - to a client, an employee, a friend, anyone. And last but best, it's amazing what a smile and joke can do.