Daily Inspiration: Meet Ashley Priest

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Priest. 

Hi Ashley, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers.
I created Saffron & Salt to honor my Grandma Margret and to unite my passions for food and cooking with my long-standing interest in entrepreneurship in ways that align with my values and allow me to provide unique, high-quality products and experiences to customers. These passions are intrinsically tied to my love for people and my appreciation for fresh, quality ingredients. My favorite childhood memories center on time spent at my Grandma Margret’s house, where my siblings and I often helped with gardening and canning for the products she and my Grandpa Francis sold at their roadside stand. The best part of those long days was when Grandma served us ice cream with homegrown raspberries. We sat enjoying the flavors and the satisfaction of knowing our hard work contributed directly to the treat. I also noted with great interest how happy Grandma’s products made people outside of our family as I watched Grandpa connect with and even befriend their customers. As an adult, food has remained a favorite hobby, whether I’m in the kitchen, enjoying a good meal, or gifting the fruits (pun intended!) of my labors to family and friends. 

In 2018, I experimented with a new recipe for candied jalapenos, inspired by Grandma Margret’s recipe, and presented the results to friends and family as Christmas gifts. Everyone loved them, and more than a few people encouraged me to sell them. They wanted to continue enjoying the jalapenos and believed others would, too. 

I saw this as an opportunity to dip my toe into starting my own business but with the babiest of baby steps. 

With a very busy life and career and with some trepidation about the unknowns and risks of starting a business – I did not invest a lot of time and energy into Saffron and Salt until a few months into the COVID-19 pandemic. Like many people, my life became much quieter than normal, and living in the shadow of so much death and suffering made me reflect in new ways about what matters most. I had more time for cooking, and my passion grew even deeper. 

A few months into the pandemic, I had a “lightbulb moment.” If not now, then when? 

With new energy, I began dedicating more time and energy to my business. 

The mission of Saffron & Salt is to carry the past into the future by creating invigorating condiments that construct a unique and memorable dining experience. With a long-term goal of eventually developing a range of condiments, I continued to work on the candied jalapenos as a first and signature offering. 

In years 2-5, and based on profits and losses over time, I plan to expand Saffron & Salt to more Farmer’s markets and local vendors. While I’m glad for customers from all over the country to enjoy my products, my primary interest and focus is on more local markets in the Detroit area and potentially elsewhere in Michigan. Part of the reason for this is my desire to connect with and contribute to my community – including by selling products myself at the farmers’ markets. But sourcing and selling at primarily local levels also aligns with the values I hold around community, environmentalism, and sustainability. 

I am proud of how far I’ve come with Saffron & Salt and am excited for its future. I believe my Grandma Margret would enjoy and be proud of the business she inspired – not only based on the taste and quality of the candied jalapenos but also due to the values that underpin the business. 

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I think anyone who starts a business knows that nothing is smooth. You may hit smooth patches in the long road, but they never last long and should be cherished because they are few and far between. The largest struggle I have found is the struggle to continue to believe in myself and this company each and every day. I had tied myself so emotionally to the business that whenever I received any form of negative criticism, I took it very personally, and was a reflection of who I am. However, through this process of starting a business, I have come to realize Saffron and Salt and Ashley are not the same thing. I really struggled most of my childhood with self-confidence and self-esteem, and this process has been a real challenge to really believe in myself and in this business. 

The process of starting a food-based business is not easy, there is no clear path that is to be followed. It took a lot of hunting and searching to figure out the right path for myself. I also chose my starter product to be one of the most stringent of all food products in the eyes of the FDA. That alone has created a lot of struggles and hurdles that needed to be overcome. However, in my day job, I am a project manager and was really able to channel my professional skills into this business and this process. It hasn’t been easy, but with each challenge has been a victory. And that is the fuel that I need to keep going to make this dream really happen. 

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
In my day job, I am a project manager in the automotive manufacturing construction sector. While that is a big part of who I am and has been a love of mine for over 10 years now, I have come to understand there is more to Ashley than just being in construction. I am known for being detailed and organized and a leader of many people who is never afraid to do speak up and stand out. I am incredibly proud to have been part of over 10 multi-billion-dollar construction products. Every time I see a vehicle I helped launch on the road it gives me joy to know that I was a part of that moment in history. My hard work made it possible for people to be driving the car they wanted. It gives me great joy to be behind the curtain and see how the cars are made and how very few understands just how much work, blood, sweat, and tears goes into making that one car. I think it’s my tenacity to try and learn something new that propels me forward in both my career, business, and personal life. I am grateful for everyone who came before me who showed me the way, and I think it’s my responsibility to do the same for future generations who decide to get into the automotive construction industry. 

Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs, or other resources you think our readers should check out?
I have to confess; I am OBSESSED with Rupaul Drag Race and the entire Drag Race Universe! Not to get political but drag and trans community has really struggled and been downtrodden so for long. It is a real inspiration to read and watch these beautiful people be who they are and be accepted and loved for who they are. I have seen a lot of my own insecurities in some of the queens who are opening sharing their insecurities on television. That is terrifying to me! And SO inspiring. 

I also read a lot of “self-work” books, and the goddess herself Brene Brown, is one of my favorites. She is leading the way on taking care of yourself and living the best, most self-aware life you can live. I read and listen to podcasts to learn and discover more about myself. I am on a journey of self-discovery, and I hope it never ends. 

For fun, I read a lot of memoirs, mostly celebrities and people in history. I find it interesting and inspiring to read about the struggles that people have had to face and overcome to get where they are. It’s an inspiration to help me going and overcome all the struggles I have been through. It also makes me very grateful for the life I have had because a lot of my struggles are minor in comparison to others. 

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.saffronandsalt.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saffronandsaltcondiments/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/saffronandsaltcondiments
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-d-priest/

Image Credits
J. Lindsey Photography LTD