By Delaney Crawford
For one Ocean City native, a summer job at age 14 has blossomed into a dream-come-true business venture and a vibrant new space for creativity and community. Ashley Mathers, now 23 years old, is preparing to open her very own art space, Coastal Creations Studio, with a goal to launch by Memorial Day weekend. This studio is the product of her lifelong dream, and her art journey is rooted in both passion and perseverance.
Growing up in Ocean City, Mathers always had an interest in art. She began working at a local creative space, Glazed Over Studios, during her early teen years and credits the experience with helping her clarify her goals and finding her path.
“I started working at Glazed Over Studios when I was 14,” Mathers shared. “I was just a girl who loved art, and suddenly I was immersed in the art world. As I grew into a manager role there, I realized this is what I was meant to do.”
That first job offered more than just experience: It helped her build the confidence and clarity to envision a future filled with creativity. Mathers emphasized that the role gave her direction and a passion for helping people connect with their creativity, which is something she plans to bring to her own studio now.
With community connection at the center, Coastal Creations Studio is designed to be a welcoming, expressive space for all. From paint nights and clay workshops to journaling groups and collage-making, there’s something for every kind of creator, whether that be a beginner or a seasoned artist.
“My ideal customer is simply someone who’s curious about art,” Mathers said. “Whether you’re local or visiting, beginner or experienced, I want you to feel at home in my studio.”
Having grown up in Ocean City, Mathers says it was the best choice for her business location. “I’ve always loved the small-town charm here. It’s the perfect place to plant creative roots and build community,” Mathers said.
Her goal is for Coastal Creations Studio to be more than just a place to paint. She hopes it becomes a hub for connection and self-expression for all, locals, visitors and friends alike.
“What makes Coastal Creations Studio different is our focus on community and emotional connection to the art process,” Mathers explained. “It’s not just about making something pretty, but also about self-expression, confidence, and togetherness.”
The idea of focusing on the process rather than the outcome has been central to her own artistic evolution and will be evident in how the studio is set up. That casual, low-pressure approach is reflected in the studio’s walk-in offerings, with opportunities such as canvas painting, mosaic creation, collage-making, and even grabbing an art kit to enjoy onsite.
But Mathers isn’t stopping there. For her, this is a dream come true, and she’s thinking beyond the brush. She hopes to offer events like poetry nights, collaborative collage sessions, and yoga-and-art combo workshops with Yoga Ginger. Community events are high on her priority list.
“This means creating a safe, inspiring place where people can come together to create and connect,” she said. “I’d love to host monthly art groups — poetry nights, journaling meetups, and collaborative collage sessions. It’s about making space for authentic expression and belonging.”
This isn’t her first attempt at launching a studio. Despite setbacks, Mathers is committed to seeing her vision come to life, not just for herself but for all aspiring or working artists around.
“I tried to open a studio back in 2022, but it didn’t work out,” she admitted. “Now, not only is the space better than I imagined, but my best friend’s store is literally right next door. Starting this journey alongside her has made it all even more meaningful.”
As Mathers prepares to open the doors to Coastal Creations Studio, her hope is to provide more than just a place to make art.
“I hope it inspires people to make more art and helps build their confidence in the process,” she said. “My goal is to make a positive impact on people’s creative journey and be a place where they feel safe, supported, and inspired.”
Above all, she hopes her journey encourages others to pursue their passions, especially young women.
“Knowing that I can be a symbol of what’s possible — especially for young women — that’s everything to me. I hope my journey shows them that they can chase their dreams too.”
Coastal Creations Studio will be located at 411 E 8th Street in Ocean City. Mathers has worked hard for this new venture and hopes her space becomes your new favorite place to unwind, create and be inspired!
