Hello there! I'm Ashley, the proud owner and designer behind Patriot Beads and Brass. I extend a warm welcome and sincere gratitude for visiting my page and being a part of my small business venture. As a 12-year veteran of the Army National Guard, with deployments to both Iraq and Afghanistan, I am thrilled to share the story of how Patriot Beads and Brass came to life during my time in Afghanistan in 2014.

During my deployment, as we prepared to return our ammunition, a thought crossed my mind: "What happens to the brass we gather from the firing range? Wouldn't it be amazing to transform it into jewelry?" With that idea in mind, along with some time spent at the range and brass donated by friends, Patriot Beads and Brass was born in the summer of 2015.

Art has always held a special place in my heart. Going through a divorce shortly before my last deployment made readjusting to civilian life upon my return particularly challenging. Dealing with the stresses of deployments, being a single mother, and returning to school led me back to art, which ultimately became a source of healing for me.

Through my jewelry and artwork, I strive to convey the message that service members can continue to find purpose and make a difference after their time in the military. Just as the casings used for reloading ammo gradually wear thinner or even crack with each use, every deployment takes a toll on the mind and body of a service member. Yet, those worn-out casings find new life as exquisite jewelry. Similarly, although our military mission may be completed, our purpose continues to drive us in the civilian world.