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Ashlee Keene of The Sassy Barn is a home and lifestyle blogger. She has a real passion for taking vintage pieces and giving them a farmhouse chic look. When she’s not creating decor, she’s working on her 1949 fixer upper. With the help of MR Direct in her dream bathroom, her forever home is coming together perfectly. Take a look at our interview with Ashlee to learn more about how The Sassy Barn came about, and stay tuned for her bathroom reveal coming soon!
Ashlee Keene of The Sassy Barn is a home and lifestyle blogger. She has a real passion for taking vintage pieces and giving them a farmhouse chic look. When she’s not creating decor, she’s working on her 1949 fixer upper. With the help of MR Direct in her dream bathroom, her forever home is coming together perfectly. Take a look at our interview with Ashlee to learn more about how The Sassy Barn came about, and stay tuned for her bathroom reveal coming soon!
Tell us about yourself and your boutique.
Tell us about yourself and your boutique.
I was raised in Lancaster, Pennsylvania and it wasn’t until my late 20’s when I decided to make a career change. I opened up “The Sassy Barn” in April 2016 and was only selling locally until 2017, when I officially launched on Etsy and Instagram. My boutique items include my designed and handmade signs that I make from cut to finish. I also work with vintage pieces, such as stamped vintage spoons.
I was raised in Lancaster, Pennsylvania and it wasn’t until my late 20’s when I decided to make a career change. I opened up “The Sassy Barn” in April 2016 and was only selling locally until 2017, when I officially launched on Etsy and Instagram. My boutique items include my designed and handmade signs that I make from cut to finish. I also work with vintage pieces, such as stamped vintage spoons.
How did you start and grow your boutique?
How did you start and grow your boutique?
I was taking a walk on our farm and went into one of the old barns on our property. It was filled with vintage items and gorgeous barnwood. I did my research and bought myself my very first set of power tools. From there, I taught myself everything, from cutting to painting. I was slowly growing until January 2017 when I had an Instagram blogger share my work. I have been growing ever since- by networking and connecting with people who have a passion for small shops and farmhouse décor.
I was taking a walk on our farm and went into one of the old barns on our property. It was filled with vintage items and gorgeous barnwood. I did my research and bought myself my very first set of power tools. From there, I taught myself everything, from cutting to painting. I was slowly growing until January 2017 when I had an Instagram blogger share my work. I have been growing ever since- by networking and connecting with people who have a passion for small shops and farmhouse décor.
How would you describe your style?
How would you describe your style?
My décor style is very rustic and vintage with touches of old and new. I like to incorporate old pieces in all of my décor.
My décor style is very rustic and vintage with touches of old and new. I like to incorporate old pieces in all of my décor.
Where do you find inspiration for your artwork?
Where do you find inspiration for your artwork?
Inspiration from my work comes from old barns, farmhouses, and vintage pieces. A lot of the vintage pieces that I work with, including the wood, has history to it and that’s what I love most about it.
MInspiration from my work comes from old barns, farmhouses, and vintage pieces. A lot of the vintage pieces that I work with, including the wood, has history to it and that’s what I love most about it.
Tell us about some of the people in your life who have had a strong impact or influence on you.
Tell us about some of the people in your life who have had a strong impact or influence on you.
My parents were a great influence on me, both of them being entrepreneurs! They both didn’t graduate high school and went on to create a life for themselves. My husband also has a strong impact on me. He is very driven and an entrepreneur. He taught me how to form a business mindset and always pushes me out of my comfort zone to achieve more. Lastly, one of my best friends is also a small shop owner who is very successful, so I lean and bounce ideas off of her. It’s nice to have someone to relate to when it comes to running a small shop!
My parents were a great influence on me, both of them being entrepreneurs! They both didn’t graduate high school and went on to create a life for themselves. My husband also has a strong impact on me. He is very driven and an entrepreneur. He taught me how to form a business mindset and always pushes me out of my comfort zone to achieve more. Lastly, one of my best friends is also a small shop owner who is very successful, so I lean and bounce ideas off of her. It’s nice to have someone to relate to when it comes to running a small shop!
What advice would you give first-time homeowners who are trying to make their home their own?
What advice would you give first-time homeowners who are trying to make their home their own?
Don’t rush decisions. I have learned that when I take my time and live in a space for a while, I start to get inspired by what I want it to become. From there, I will start the process to transform each room.
Don’t rush decisions. I have learned that when I take my time and live in a space for a while, I start to get inspired by what I want it to become. From there, I will start the process to transform each room.
Any advice to anyone looking to get into blogging?
Any advice to anyone looking to get into blogging?
Be authentic and relatable. Start with a vision of what you hope to gain from blogging or opening up a small shop and stick with that! It’s easy to compare to others, but when you stick with attainable and achievable goals, you succeed far more than when you follow in the path of someone else.
Be authentic and relatable. Start with a vision of what you hope to gain from blogging or opening up a small shop and stick with that! It’s easy to compare to others, but when you stick with attainable and achievable goals, you succeed far more than when you follow in the path of someone else.
All Photos Courtesy Of: Ashlee Keene
Follow Ashlee at @thesassybarn on Instagram or read her blog for inspirational home décor and lifestyle content
