I would like to introduce another inspiring girl boss in my life!

Ashley Hutchison is the mastermind behind Castilia Designs Inc. where she offers 3D rendering, interior design, space planning, and architectural drawings. She has always been an intelligent, inspiring, and creative go-getter and it has been awesome watching her develop into the successful entrepreneur she is today. Her vast experience, professionalism, and passion for classic, modern, and chic design elements have lead to her thriving business creating high end residential and commercial projects inside and out. 

I first met Ashley in grade 10 during tryouts for the senior girls volleyball team at Evan Hardy Collegiate. We were 15, and she had just moved to Saskatoon from Alberta. She was easily the most skilled out of all the girls there who were not yet in grade 11 or 12. As such, she was also the only one in grade 10 who made the team. I had to settle for the Junior team. About a year later, I got to know Ashley better when we made the Senior Basketball team. We became fast friends, and as they say, the rest is history! After high school, Ashley ended up moving to Edmonton, and I followed a few years later. Ashley was key to helping me adapt to living on my own in the big city.

After some travelling, Ashley attended The Norther Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT). studying Architectural Technology. As well, she also studied Residential Interiors at the University of Alberta. Although I was studying Occupational Therapy, we had many study nights together at NAIT - I can tell you that the Architectural Technology program is incredibly intense. As well, Ashley is also partially responsible to introducing me to photography. Ashley is quite the photographer herself and has taken some education in this realm as well. She was always more interested in landscapes, nature, and architecture genres opposed to portraits which is where my interest lies.  

I remember once I went rollerblading on a cool fall day in shorts and a tank top when it started to rain. I then realized I had locked myself out of my place, and didn't even have shoes! Ashley came to my rescue, with a pair of warm boots, a jacket, and even gave me lunch money so I could go to the food court and grab a bite before I could get keys to my place. She always goes above and beyond the call of duty both with those close to her as well as those who she engages in business relationships. 

Ashley worked incredibly hard to get where she is today; there were many years of working in the service industry and trades - often in roles where being female was uncommon. She knew to get where she wanted to go, it would take a lot of dedication and a positive attitude.

I always admired Ashley, but just when I didn't think I could admire my friend more, she became a mother. She has two absolutely amazing kids who are dangerously clever; those cunning kids are going to give her a run for her money in a few years! Being a mother is a full-time job in itself, but Ashley is still fully committed to Castilia Designs and makes parenting and entrepreneurship look easy. I am in awe at how she manages both so successfully, and know that it takes a lot of hard work, patience, organization, planning, and passion. 

Last summer, I got to do some business portraits with Ashley! In December, I helped her with her blog series, Drinks and Decor. It was a ton fun, and I hope we get to work together on more projects eventually!

Vitality Images Photography may have some projects for her in the future as well...

If you are thinking about building a house, overhauling the design of your home or business, or embarking on some renovations, contact Ashley Hutchison of Castilia Designs Inc. You can follow her on Facebook, Houzz, and Instagram!

I look forward to many more years of chasing Northern Lights and falling stars with our cameras together! Thank you for being such an inspiring woman in my life!