We've Got The County Covered
We've Got The County Covered
When Ashley Molyneaux graduated from Chinook High School in 2000, she aspired to be a nurse. However, life is known to intrude on one's plans, and in 2002, she married Justin Liddle. The couple went on to produce four children: Ethan, Genevieve, Sidney, and Cassidy. When their children were very young, Liddle worked at both Kid's Korner and Little Kritters, two daycare services in Chinook that allowed her to bring her children to work. Now, 21 years after graduation, she's "taking life by the horns" with her new business venture: Marie Laveau Creations.
In addition to motherhood and childcare, Liddle has explored a variety of other professions, including massage therapy and selling dōTERRA products. However, Cassidy was a baby during that phase of her life, and Liddle decided to abandon her massage therapy business, The Healing Path, to prioritize her family.
Once all of the children were in school, Liddle again explored work beyond the home and eventually secured a position with Shores Floral and Gift working for then owner, Bonnie Weber. When Tomi Simenson purchased the store, Liddle stayed on. In February, she will be starting her fourth year with Shores Floral. Although she took an online course in floral design, Liddle claims that what she knows about the art comes from experience and support from her coaches: Weber and Simenson.
While working with flowers-arranging them, studying their colors, and pulling together designs, Liddle discovered a passion for artistry. That passion extended to other elements in nature. Liddle said she has always enjoyed studying designs and home décor ideas on Pinterest and Facebook. When she saw some decorated skulls, something inside her just clicked, and she said, "I can do that."
Referring to the skulls as unique and different, Liddle wanted to create something just as memorable and eye-catching. Using a skull, antlers, or even a unique fence post as a focal point or a canvas of sorts, Liddle collects materials that will complement the colors and textures inspired by that central piece. In her creative process, she describes having a vision and devising a scheme. She employs her floral arrangement and design experience and pulls in diverse materials and colors to create a finished look. The composition involves selecting elements while considering space, line, form, light, color, texture, and pattern. "A balance of design elements is vital to every scheme," Liddle stated.
Liddle credits Simenson-who is an artist in her own right-for pushing her to focus on her own art. She encouraged Liddle to bring in a piece of her own.
"When Ashley brought in her first skull, I got to see just how unique and creative they are. I also saw an opportunity there that I encouraged her to chase after. Once I purchased the store, I suggested that she bring them in and try to start selling them here, and they were a hit right away. It's been fun watching her grow and seeing how excited people get over them. They are definitely a one of a kind piece, each and every one of them," Simenson said.
Before the beauty emerges, however, there is a beast of a job in preparing the skull. "I had no idea how time-consuming that part of the process would be," Liddle confessed. Calling this phase her "greatest challenge," Liddle described skinning the animal's head, boiling it, and using a water and hydrogen peroxide solution to remove all of the grease and remnants of flesh. "It helps to have had experience in my dad's butcher shop."
Her father Pat Molyneaux operated Moly's Bone and Grind for fourteen years before his hands couldn't take the labor of cutting any longer. Liddle credits him for giving her lessons in the skull preparation process. "Learning that part was really interesting. When we worked with a cattle skull that had horns, we had to pull the horn caps off and remove all of the bone, skin, tissue, and blood vessels inside the horn. Once cleaned, the caps are returned to the head."
Liddle's artistically accented skulls have found their way into people's homes as well as played a role in various wedding decoration schemes. Although she didn't sell any of her designs during the All I Want for Christmas Art Event held on December 12, Liddle hopes that her business continues to grow. In the meantime, she's content in knowing that her job as a floral designer complements her role as a personal designer of home décor with Marie Laveau Creations.
"I'm always looking for an idea, so whenever I go out of town or outdoor recreating, it's inevitable that something comes home with me that finds a place in one of my art pieces," Liddle stated.
Regarding advice for others pursing a side hustle or a business of their own, Liddle claims, "You never fully know until you try, so go for it! We tend to hold ourselves back with our own doubt. Put doubt aside, let your creativity fly, and see what happens!"
A philosophy like that suggests life requires a certain boldness. Liddle's business name as well as its slogan: "Take Life by the Horns" complement her philosophy about dreaming big and acting boldly.
About the name of her business, Liddle explains that it was inspired by multiple influences. "I tried out different names, but Dad kept insisting on Marie Laveau, saying the name was unique and different. It does capture the idea of being wild and free, too, I guess."
Liddle's middle name is also Marie, and when she started selling the dōTERRA oils, her dad would call her 'Marie Laveau' as a way to tease her about her "voodoo oils and potions," along with the "magic" zoning and pressure points-areas targeted in achieving the health-promoting benefits of essential oils. Liddle eventually decided to embrace the nickname.
Her mother, Kathi Molyneaux also confirmed that "Ashley always liked the [Bobby Bare] song 'Marie Laveau,' and she is very talented, with an eye for putting things together."
In addition to her creations being available at Shores Floral, Liddle also takes custom orders. Anyone unable to connect with her at work can reach her at 406-390-0163.
When Liddle is not creating, she's immersed in the lives of her four children. "There's not much time beyond work, but I so enjoy watching their sporting events and following them in their pursuits. I am proud of my kids and the people they are becoming."
