Ashley Lawrence, a Summerville resident since 2016, is so happy to call this wonderful town home! Ashley is representing the state as Ms. Wheelchair South Carolina USA for 2021, and will be competing for the state title again for 2022. She has only been a wheelchair user for three years, and says that she is still learning and adjusting. After becoming disabled, Ashley had a very hard time with her mental health, which is why she chose to focus on that as her platform as Ms. Wheelchair South Carolina USA. She wants to let everyone know that mental health issues can affect anyone, and there is no reason to feel ashamed for seeking help.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I am married to my wonderful husband Brad. We have five children, and our first grandbaby is on the way. We also have a dog and a pet hedgehog.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant, Medical Technician, and Optical Technician. I no longer work outside of my home due to my disability and chronic pain/chronic illness. Now I spend my time advocating for people with disabilities and speaking about the importance of accessibility to mental health treatment. I recently placed in the top five at the National Pageant in Ohio, which was held in Cuyahoga Falls just outside of Cleveland. While there all of the pageant contestants filmed a docu-series titled “A Different Kind of Crown” which will be released next year. I have also been honored enough to participate in projects with NAMI Charleston area and invited to speak at various community programs and the South Carolina Spinal Cord Injury Association.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Swig and Swine is my favorite BBQ ever! It’s usually my go-to for my birthday every year. I also really enjoy Five Loaves and Vicious Biscuit. We are foodies and are always looking for new places to try; supporting locally owned businesses is very important to us.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I grew up in Boone County West Virginia and moved to South Carolina in 2012. We moved to Summerville in 2016 from North Charleston. I absolutely love this town and the people that live here.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
I’m going to list two people. First is Shawn Stewart, owner of Full Circle Fitness on Dorchester Road. He spent 20 years in the military, and now he spends his time serving our community. He has had a major impact on my life by helping me to remember how strong and capable I am. I truly appreciate his friendship. The second is Shirley Berardo, president of the Summerville Rotary Club. I enjoy her so very much. She has had such an exciting and eventful life. Her heart is so kind, and I am so thankful I have had the opportunity to connect with her.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
I have always wanted to visit Australia. Growing up I lived with my grandfather, who served in the Army and fought in WWII. He had spent some time in Australia and told me stories of how beautiful it was, so it’s been a lifelong wish of mine to visit someday.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
I don’t really have a “favorite,” because I don’t watch much. However, I do enjoy things that make me laugh or can teach me something.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Build a longer table not a higher fence. Always be kind.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
So many things! Flying in a helicopter, parasailing, scuba diving, and riding in a race car just to name a few.
Q: What is your go to band when you cant decide what to listen to?
The Beatles or Queen
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Judith Heumann, who is a disability rights/civil rights activist. She is known as the “leader” of activism for disability rights. I would love to hear her stories and get advice on how to be a better advocate. Five loaves is a favorite lunch spot for me, so I would invite her there.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
My favorite thing has to be the people. When I was fundraising for my pageant and travel expenses, I had such an outpouring of support from not only businesses but also community members. That is something that can be hard to find in other places.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
I will have won the Ms. Wheelchair USA crown and I will still be advocating for disability rights and speaking about the importance of mental health treatment.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
My several times great grandmother Jenny Wiley has a state park named after her in Kentucky.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
For mountains, I have to say Southern West Virginia around the New River area. The view is amazing everywhere in that area. I haven’t had much of an opportunity to travel, so I don’t have many places to choose from, but I hope to change that soon!
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
My favorite month is October, spooky season! I love being able to have some cooler weather to have my windows open for the crisp fall air. Halloween has always been a favorite holiday; I love seeing the little ones all dressed up and having such a fun time. Best day on the calendar is my wedding anniversary, October 22.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Spending a day at the beach and just being with my family.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My children and future grandbaby. I want to be the best possible version of myself for them.
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Apple pie would be number one! A close second is coconut sunscreen.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Family, Love, Acceptance
