The Grey Birch and The Grey Birch Vintage both stem from a combination of things: my love of the outdoors, appreciation for things that have a story and history, my passion for making things and being an entrepreneur and my grandmother.

This summer will mark my 7th year of hiking and camping. I never went camping as a kid, and this astounded my now husband when we first started dating 7 years ago. He decided that he would put me to the test and take me for a few days- I don't think he expected me to fall in love with it as much as I did. It was also my first trip to the Adirondack Mountains, a place that we loved so much that we decided to move closer to them 5 years ago. Over the past 7 years I've turned into quite the outdoorsy girl- an avid camper, kayaker, cyclist and hiker- we are aspiring 46ers!

Through our time in the Adirondacks, we have come across a lot of really neat things native to the area as well as the history of outdoorsmen. This stuff has fascinated me. There are brands like LL Bean and Orvis and Woolrich and Pendleton (to just name a few) that have been around for decades upon decades that cater to this type of lifestyle. The quality in their products are really unlike anything else. How many brands make a shirt that someone will still have in their closet, 50 years from when they first purchased it and it's still in great condition? Apparel aside- things that were made for this type of lifestyle generally stemmed from domestic manufacturers which a mission to create quality items.

Not to mention, the entire aesthetic of the outdoors is something fabulous...

My given nature is being a maker. I need to make things in order to be happy- it's that simple. From the earliest of ages, I was "the artist" and I was lucky to have the support of my amazing parents in making that a path to follow through school and now into a career. There is nothing more satisfying than completing a project that started from an idea you had, that you get to share with the rest of the world.

Back in 6th grade, my parents bought a new computer- an Aptiva (I remember sitting on the bus ride home telling one of my classmates about this new acquisition and being told that it was a "good computer"... Why do I remember this?) that had an attached color printer. I remember using the not-so-loved font, Papyrus, for my logo for my line of customized and personalized hair accessories for "Ashleigh's Apartment". This was the beginning of my desire to one day run my own business- and now, almost 20 years later, making it a reality.

My grandmother is and was one of the most incredible people that this world has ever known. Unfortunately, the world lost her in July of 2012, but she remains with me always. We were cheerleaders for each other- she supported and motivated me, and I wanted to listen to all of her stories and about the amazing life she lived.

I spent countless weekends and holidays visiting her and surrounded by all of the amazing things she collected along her journey called life- each and every thing had a story, which made it that much more meaningful.

I'm lucky to be surrounded by such an amazing network of family and friends and my amazing husband that is supportive beyond my wildest dreams. Without any of them, I wouldn't be sharing this story with you.

And that brings me to here- now- today. I've decided to make a go of "The Grey Birch" and "They Grey Birch Vintage" as a full time project. I hope you enjoy!