Locals with Heart
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Today is the first of hopefully many articles featuring our “Locals with Heart.” A series of articles written about local businesses that have given a little extra of themselves and their businesses to help others in our community. Each article will feature the nominated “Locals with a Heart,” and their business will receive a free advertising package with Macaroni KID Southern RI. In addition, another local business will sponsor each article; we ask that you support our sponsors who make this all possible!
Today’s featured “Locals with Heart” is photographer Ashley Richer.
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A first look at this photographer’s site, and I was captivated! Beautiful weddings, adorable new arrivals, family portraits capturing real life, and some landscapes that take your breath away! Yet one group of photographs stood far above the rest, “Fight Cancer-Find a cure.” I spoke with Ashley on the phone to find out more about them.
Ashley is a local photographer granting “Magical Wish Sessions” to children who have cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, cancer is the second leading cause of death in children ages 1 to 14.
Sadly, the idea of the "Magical Wish Sessions" came to her after a loss. When Ashley’s young son’s friend, Lia, lost her battle with cancer in 2017, Ashley wanted to honor her short life.
While viewing some of the pictures Ashley has taken over the years, it is obvious that she is doing just that. Each child beams with happiness and delight as they become the character of their dreams! You see, Ashley doesn't just take beautiful photos of children dressed in their "Sunday best" she creates a magical fairy tale world in which the child can live in for that moment. They become their favorite princess or character, defeating dragons, meeting unicorns, and making memories like any other child.
There is no charge for a “Magical Wish Session,” Ashley donates all of her time, skills, and resources to each child. She has multiple themes for them to select from and is always working on creating more.
Since 2018 she has granted her “Magical Wish Sessions” to more than 20 children. In 2021 she paired up with “The Glimmer of Hope Foundation,” where twelve young ladies participated in a princess photo shoot.
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Ashley did not plan this career, for she was a “teacher, competitive runner, thrill seeker,” and more; then, in 2010, she had a life-changing event. She had torn her carotid artery. “I had a double-layer dissection that caused a dozen TIA strokes and left me in the hospital for a while.”
Ashley had fought hard during her recovery, demonstrating a strength found deep within, yet when I asked her what her biggest "Lion" was, it wasn't those struggles she had; she told me something else. "Being brave enough to take the leaps needed for growth in my business. As a small business owner, it can be very intimidating...Luckily, each leap thus far has resulted in growth- there may be some missteps or tumbles along the way, but they have all been worth it!"
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In 2014, she started her photography career, and now nearly a decade later, she has photographed countless dancers, weddings, models, sunsets, and families. She is an amazing woman, who has reinvented herself, and along the way, created lasting memories for those around her. Her ability to capture one’s inner light in photos is awe-inspiring.
In her photo session series titled "Fierce," she shows off the athletic side of some young ladies. Showing the viewer that girls, and women, can be both fierce and beautiful. We don't have to be one or the other.
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To explore Ashley’s work, please visit Ashley Richer Photography's website Ashley Richer Photography.
You can also view her Facebook page, Ashley Richer Photography.
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This “Locals with Heart” was sponsored by Joyce’s Jungle.
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Please visit their Facebook page and check out their events in our event calendar.
If you would like to nominate a “Local with Heart,” please complete the form here.
If you would like to sponsor a “Locals with Heart” article, please contact us at Macaroni KID Southern RI.
