Meet Ashley Wilson | Filmmaker/Content Creator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ashley Wilson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ashley, do you have some perspective or insight you can share with us on the question of when someone should give up versus when they should keep going?
There have been moments that doubt has slipped into my mind, but there was never an option to quit. Living with cystic fibrosis, a genetic life-threatening disease, I knew time is precious. Listening to naysayers will only slow you down and prevent you from following your passions. The best piece of advice I have received is, “Whatever you choose to do, make sure it makes you happy.” That does not mean it will be easy, but the difficulties will make you stronger and grow as you pursue your passions.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I originally had no interest in pursuing a career in film or social media. From a young age, I was pursuing acting to one day be on a stage on Broadway. Little did I know, that all of the creative outlets I had explored growing up would be the stepping stones to filmmaking. In the summer of 2015, I was hospitalized due to cystic fibrosis. It had been my longest admission. My health team thought I would be negative or sad, but instead, I was thinking of others who were in the rooms next to me. I was aware those patients were struggling and I wished there was something that could be done. At that time, I found YouTube comforting and a way to escape reality. I realized it would be the same for others. I began working on creating my YouTube channel, Ashley’s Roses. I named it Ashley’s Roses because roses are significant in the cystic fibrosis community. Oftentimes, children cannot say cystic fibrosis so they say, “65 roses.” I officially launched my channel in 2016 and six years later, I am still creating content, but have grown my brand of “Ashley’s Roses.” I am still advocating for cystic fibrosis and my life, but I incorporate film since that is my career. I also started a podcast in 2020 called the “Blooming Roses Podcast” where we share stories of growth while blooming in adversity. With over 60 episodes, I have had the honor to interview people who have not only inspired me, but have made an impact in the community.

Being a filmmaker and in my last year of college as a film major, the creation process is far from being over as I am excited to continue to create and inspire others.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
For Colorado…I am from a little town called Steamboat Springs. Life slows down which is a nice break from reality. I would first take my best friend to my favorite book store, “Off The Beaten Path,” find a good book to read, grab a coffee (my favorite is the Mr. Darcy), and sit by the Yampa River. Later a hike to Fish Creek Falls is a must, but really, any trail in that area is a must. I love supporting upcoming artists and as an alum of Perry-Mansfield Performing Arts Camp, the oldest performing arts camp in the country, we would definitely watch a performance. If we want a quick couple of days in Denver, I love hopping on a short flight from Hayden to Denver and then taking the train into Union Station. From there, there are so many fun stores and restaurants to explore within walking distance. I haven’t had the chance to see the Rockies or the Denver Broncos play in person for a long time, but if it’s their season, definitely catch a game. I will forever be a Rockies and Broncos fan. Lastly, if we want to catch a touring Broadway show, we can go to the Denver Center for Performing Arts. For California…I love exploring the different cities, especially San Franciso. I love hidden gems and noncrazy tourist areas. For lunch, we would grab a slice of pizza at Za Pizza on Hyde St. then walk up to Swensen’s which is a local ice cream shop and the original location of the franchise. I love spending time by presidio either sitting on the picnic grounds or exploring the Walt Disney Family Museum. If there is time, hopping on a streetcar and exploring the city is always fun. If we want to catch some waves, I love going to Santa Cruz. There are several spots to catch a wave for any level. Lastly, after a day of surfing, fish tacos at a local restaurant are a must. Best way to end the day.
Either way, I love exploring new areas and supporting local businesses in both states.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My parents have always been my number one supporters. They inspire me in every possible way; they always encouraged me as I explored my different passions and gave guidance in the moments I would doubt myself. My parents bought me my first camera in high school. My mom thought it would be a little hobby, but my dad suspected it might grow into something more. They have watched me grow from making YouTube videos where I advocate for cystic fibrosis to sharing my life adventures to now pursuing filmmaking as my career. They have both sacrificed so much for me and I will always be thankful for everything they have done for me.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashleys.roses/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ashleysroses16

Youtube: youtube.com/c/ashleysroses

Other: https://anchor.fm/bloomingrosespodcast

Image Credits
Feature/Headshot: Victoria Maeri Image 1: Sam Salerno Image 2, 3, and 5: Kati Scheid