Creative Ways of Living: Ashley Weinaug
A Floridian turned New Yorker traded the city’s hustle for laid-back life in Barcelona
Welcome to this month’s edition of Creative Ways of Living, where we’re widening your aperture around more creative (and gratifying!) ways of working and living. Ways that allow us to build our identities around all of the vibrant – and varied! – different parts of ourselves.
In our conversation with Ashley Weinaug, a Floridian turned New Yorker, who traded the city’s hustle for laid-back life in Barcelona by the sea, we unpack her experience with the traditional corporate lifestyle, the moments that gave her permission to explore a different path, and what she discovered about herself as a result. Ashley also recently launched a new passion project, The Hotel Crush, a curated collection of more than just places to stay, but places that stay with you.
Alice Katter: Can you tell us more about what your creative life looks like?
Ashley Weinaug: Since moving to Barcelona, my life has transformed significantly. Growing up in Florida it felt like my entire life was defined by my career aspirations. Kids my age were already incredibly invested in their future career goals and that pressure was very real. Especially after moving to New York and working for Gary Vaynerchuk, who basically coined the term “hustle culture”, it was hard to shift my mindset. But living in NYC also opened my eyes to so much more and I cherish that experience to this day. Now, I prioritize my happiness and making others happy in relationships. Although I love my job, I'm content with where I am and grateful for the opportunities I've had.
At the same time, living in Barcelona and the city’s slower pace and emphasis on personal well-being have been crucial in helping me balance my professional and personal life.
Alice Katter: What does living a creative life mean to you?
Ashley Weinaug: For me, living a creative life means constantly running experiments and seeking new experiences. This approach helps me discover what I like, where my strengths lie, and where I need help. It keeps me curious and continuously exploring different aspects of life.
“Oh wow, there is more to life than your job.”
AK: Was there a moment that made you realize you want to live a life outside of the traditional 9-5 path?
AW: There were many small steps that led to a big realization. Traveling with my family during high school opened my eyes to different ways of thinking. A life-changing trip to Israel solidified my understanding that life doesn’t have to be defined by a career. Hearing different perspectives made me realize that not everything has to look the same, and that life is richer when people pursue diverse paths.
“I think it's gaining that perspective from other people and hearing their stories, learning about how they've set up their lives, and realizing that not everything has to look the same. Actually, the world is a better place when people are doing different things.”
AK: What did you have to let go of to live your creative life?
AW: I had to let go of the American expectation that success is solely defined by career achievements. In New York City, the first question people ask is about your job, which reinforces this mindset. Moving to Barcelona, I realized people are more interested in who you are and what you’re passionate about. This shift allowed me to redefine my metrics of success and prioritize happiness and relationships over career milestones.
AK: What helped you transition to a more creative way of living?
AW: Moving to Barcelona was pivotal. The city’s culture emphasizes living in harmony with nature and the seasons, which influenced my approach to life and work. Observing how locals prioritize family and personal well-being helped me adopt a more balanced lifestyle. I also learned to honor natural cycles and rhythms, which has been essential for my creativity and regeneration. Especially in the US, we're always searching for more, we're always wanting more. What I realized when I moved to Europe, in America you have access to everything all year round. You walk into the grocery store no matter what time of the year and season you have strawberries, bananas, kiwi, you have every fruit, every vegetable, every type of food imaginable at your fingertips. Moving to Barcelona it's very much living and eating with the seasons. I just was so used to having everything available being the norm and I've come to totally embrace and actually prefer honoring and celebrating the season.
What I realized when I moved to Europe, in America you have access to everything all year round.
AK: How do you set boundaries for opportunities that may not align with your work style or aren't critical to your goals?