Who are Ashlyse&Esylia?

Ashlyse&Esylia are an idea. Not actual people. This concept was developed by me, Ashley Alyse Butler the founder and director. The name is a play on my first and middle name, Ashley Alyse. I developed this name while completing my BFA at Miami University where I dissected and structured the complexity of my personal human and artistic identity.

 Ashlyse&Esylia are alter egos that can translate to almost anyone. Ashlyse is meant to represent one’s outward expression or who everyone believes you are and what you stand for. This concept emerges most in my artistic nature and love for compelling creative expression. Esylia reflects your most honest and vulnerable inner dialog. Esylia is the concealed part of you that is responsible for growth, resilience, healing, and tough personal choices. For me this part of my consciousness is most prominent when I am adventuring, testing my limits, and discovering new incredible wonders that challenge my perception of the world around me.

 Ashlyse&Esylia make up one complete mentality. Both are vital for healthy living and to maintain drive for purpose and success.

What Happens Here?

I am a formally trained studio artist. I graduated from Miami University of Ohio in 2014 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. I create mainly large scale oil, acrylic, and mixed media paintings. You can check out and purchase my work HERE. I also create custom commission pieces for your specific space. You can find sizing and pricing for commission orders HERE. If you’d like to connect with me at my latest exhibitions and see dates of upcoming art events, you can find that information HERE.

I'm also employed by an all-female international multisport adventure travel company called Explorer Chick. I am an adventure guide and a life long multisport athlete. You can see snapshots of some of our incredible once in a lifetime adventures below. You can also come with me on these fabulous trips! See the dates I will be guiding HERE. For more information about each trip click "I'm Interested" to see the Explorer Chick description, photos of past trips, the itinerary, what's included in your trip, and book your adventure with me!

I am an indoor and outdoor rock climber with 5 years of climbing experience. When I’m back home in Cincinnati from Explorer Chick tours I am an indoor rock climbing instructor at RockQuest Climbing Center. There I manage the gym during regular hours and offer private one-on-one lessons as well as semi-private lessons for groups of 2-4 at the gym by the hour. For details on lessons or information on how to book a session go to the “Climb With Me” tab or click HERE.

My Mission

Art. Mountains. My people. It took me a long time to understand what was really important.  Maybe I'm spoiling myself or maybe I'm just done compromising myself for the world. I asked myself what I could do all day everyday with no influence from anyone else, no incentive or consequence what would that be? That's creating and experiencing art that tells a story. Exploring as many corners of this world as I can. And constantly making new memories with the people I love.

 In a past life I was a hairstylist for 13 years. There I built a beautiful community and gained professional experience working with and for women. To say that I am an advocate for women's rights is the silliest understatement of the year. I can't explain how proud I am of the strength, bravery, and unity I've seen amongst women all over the world despite the deadly political climates that have waved this Earth since the beginning of time. I admire the poise and grace they've carried themselves in while moving into positions of great power. Empowering them on the way to their purpose is why I'm here. I am a mentor, I am a teammate, I'm a challenger, I'm a sister, and a cheerleader.

 She/hers and them/theys, our voices are ours to wield and our expression is powerful. Quieting the feminine voice has been the agenda of many enemies but we've learned to fight back in our own style. Understanding and valuing what it is to feel something, anything, deeply and not being afraid of that depth is ascendancy. Farther more, our ability to discuss these feelings intimately and authentically with one another has created an emotional intelligence among our community that is in my opinion completely unmatched. We have a great roll to play here and some of us are just discovering our wings. I'm here to help you take flight.

 I've been an athlete from early elementary through college. After college I looked for a way to release my puppy energy in a way that I loved as much as organized sports. Eventually I found the outdoors. I loved to hike. I loved that my feet really could take me just about anywhere I wanted to go. I loved exploring new trails, gazing at breathtaking sights in the mountains, testing my skills at bigger, deeper, and wider water crossings with my 40lb pack. Soon after that I began climbing. I wanted to learn to use ropes and climbing gear so the exploring could continue on without limits. The heights I loved while climbing became skydiving. Skydiving unveils so many secrets of our illusions of fear. Not that caution shouldn't be taken! But I do believe that our fears kill us more that the things we're afraid of. It's panic that often causes you to slip. Not your lack of balance.

 Since guiding tours with these phenomenal ladies at Explorer Chick, I have traveled through national parks across the country, rafted white waters through Yellowstone, stood at the edge of more cliffs that I can count, rode through mountains on horseback, climbed gorgeous red canyons, trekked the Appalachian trail, kayak-camped for days down the Colorado River, and discovered my undying love for the ocean and all of the magnificent creatures that occupy it. 

It's taken some time, self-discovery, and a ton of dismissal in the self-doubt department but dare I say I am so proud of how far I've come. Bringing you with me is how I can give back what so many have given to me. Join me on this journey! Welcome to the adventures of Ashlyse&Esylia.

Ashley Alyse Butler

founder/director