She and her husband, Ryan—who owns a coffee shop next to Heritage Goods and Supply—
tend to sheep, dogs, cats, and 22 chickens, and Ashley homeschools their kids Lyra, Isla,
and Jupiter. Classes take place in a shed out back—and anywhere on the small ranch. In
the kitchen, herbal remedies are lined neatly on wooden shelves, and morning porridge is
warming on the stove; the kids run in with foraged dandelions for cookiemaking. It’s a step
back in time that would make Laura Ingalls Wilder proud, but like any modern woman,
Ashley keeps it real with a sense of humor and even occasional screen time. “I appreciate
modern conveniences and cheat whenever it makes more sense for me in the moment,” she
says, “whether that means buying something very simple to make like hemp milk because
I have a busy week or grabbing veggies I haven’t had time to grow myself from the farmers
market.” The forager and trained herbalist makes everything from face wash and deodorant to
natural cleaners and tinctures—many of which are sold through the store. “One of the biggest
things people get excited about,” she says, “is finding they’re able to do something like make
sourdough bread from scratch or their own cold and flu remedies. It’s so empowering!”
Set high
above the sea,
Ashley Moore’s
Carpinteria
ranch is dusty
a nd bu s y.
THIS PHOTO Ashley, with help from
daughters Lyra and Isla, grows herbs,
veggies, and fruits in the family’s
backyard. Raised beds conserve
water and keep veggie-loving
critters from feasting on plants.
COUNTRY
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68 SPRING/SUMMER 2019
