where the spark began

Hi, I’m Ashley — founder of Coop & Co., mom to Cooper, and longtime believer in the magic of thoughtful gifting.

This shop began as a quiet dream I carried for years: creating a warm, whimsical space where people could discover something meaningful, feel inspired, and connect through small acts of kindness. Cooper is the heart behind the name, but he’s also the daily reminder of why I do this — to build a life centered around joy, creativity, and community.

During my final years in college, I worked in a beloved hometown shop called Liztech — the kind of place filled with talented local artisans, unexpected treasures, and pure whimsy long before Amazon and next-day delivery existed. It wasn’t just a store; it was a community gem. Watching people light up when they found something special stayed with me, and I’ve carried that feeling into everything I create today.

pictured: a dress made out of encylopedia pages. one of my favorite creative projects to date, made for Liztech.

Before Coop & Co. ever had a storefront, I was crafting, hand-lettering, and selling one-of-a-kind pieces on Etsy — always with gifting in mind. Every item was made to be meaningful, personal, and given with intention. That season taught me how powerful a thoughtfully chosen gift can be, and it shaped the way I approach everything at Coop & Co. now.

pictured: a neighborhood fall market in 2021 when I reopened my etsy shop after first having Cooper.

taking the leap

Coop & Co. officially began on a whim as a small booth at Westside Market. What started as a “why not?” quickly turned into something more — and when the opportunity to open a storefront in Anderson came along, I couldn’t ignore it. This community, this space, and this season felt like the right next step, even if I never imagined myself opening a brick-and-mortar store.

pictured: the first time i showed my family the booth in Greenville!

I’ve always loved the simple, powerful things: handwritten notes, well-chosen gifts, encouraging words, and tiny moments that make someone feel seen. I’m a Virgo with an ADHD brain (a very spicy combo), which means I live for crisp planner pages but also have 47 tabs open — mentally and literally. I’m fueled by good vibes, Pinterest boards, and the thrill of finding something so good you have to show someone immediately.

As a mom and mostly-solo parent while my husband travels for baseball, joy has become my love language and my anchor. Those little sparks matter. Those “oh my gosh, this is so you” moments matter. And honestly? I think the world needs more of them.

pictured: Gigi (my mom, Ceil), me, Cooper, and Bill at the Marlins home opener.