Ashly Stage

I believe that, before people can act differently, they first must think differently. Good writing should influence an action, whether it's a laugh at a sharp one-liner or it's a signature on a petition after reading a hard-hitting essay. I write and edit to influence the step right before a great action — the beginning of new thought and perspective. I tell people that I'm word-obsessed, a brand enthusiast, a relationship builder, an educational advocate, and I'm forever thinking and writing about food. I've spent a lot of my life feeling a little "other" for various reasons, and while I experienced times of great sadness and confusion because of it, I'm one of the lucky ones because I never felt truly alone. Just lonely. I credit books, my spirituality, and nature for helping me embrace my "otherness" as a type of magic, and I'm always aiming to help others experience the same.