MADISON – After joining Madison Arts Council in 2016, Ashley Baker has embraced the ways that the City of Madison supports local businesses and its residents.

Madisonians love and take pride in their community, Baker said.

She also appreciates the town’s family-centered activities. Madison Gazebo Concerts are a “small-town treasure right in the heart of a busy town. People are sitting around on blankets and lawn chairs listening to music, children setting up lemonade stands, and twilight setting in while music played.”

The concerts gave Baker a sense of living in Mayberry. “So many communities have forgotten treasures like this,” she said.

A fourth-generation resident of Madison County, Baker graduated from New Hope High School and attended college at the University of Alabama and law school at Birmingham School of Law.

In 2014, Baker returned to Madison County from Birmingham. She landed in Madison for its convenience in shopping and errands.

She works as an accountant at Aviagen. “I’m the owner of Creations by Ashley B. I create and sell handmade greeting cards and gift items in booths at events, like Madison Street Festival coming up Oct. 7,” Baker said. “I keep a permanent location at Twisted Tree Vintage Market on Old Madison Pike.”

“I’ve always been an arts and crafter. A few years ago, I started making cards and gifts for family and friends. Many people kept telling me I needed to start a business, so about two years ago, I did,” Baker said.

“My cards are different from many. I like to incorporate different mediums in my work including watercolors, colored pencils, pastes or ink techniques,” she said.

“I have two miniature schnauzers, Millie and Abbie. They’re great fun to have around. I joke that having them is like having two toddlers in my house,” Baker said.

Along with MAC, Baker is a member of Business Professional Women of Alabama and a certified therapy team with Therapy Partners. She and her pet Millie visit a long-term care facility and community events.

When eating out, Baker likes “any Mexican place.” When listening to music, she tunes to sounds of the 1980s and 1990s.