Mount Pleasant Magazine 6.3

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As cultural affairs and tourism officer for the town of
Mount Pleasant, Ashley Richardson makes sure our com-
munity flourishes. Her two daughters, Cora, age 4, and
Elise, age 2, give her plenty of reasons to keep our neigh-
borhoods great
for the enjoy-
ment of future
generations.
“My hus-
band, Brett, and
I keep an open
line of commu-
nication about
expectations and
responsibilities,”
said Richardson.
“We don’t have
a typical work
schedule, since
Brett starts his
shift at Boeing
at 5 a.m., and
I sometimes
have night and
weekend com-
mitments.”
Never too
proud to ask for
assistance when
needed, Rich-
ardson gets by with a little help from her friends.
“A strong support system is critical,” said Richardson.
“We have family nearby, and I’m lucky to be able to call
on a friend, colleague or neighbor when we need help.
My mother-in-law babysits frequently, allowing us to have
date nights.”
Richardson also stresses the importance of not letting
computer screens and iPhones dictate your home life.
Family dinnertime in the Richardson household is reserved
for conversation and healthy face-to-face interaction.
“Work can be consuming and social media can be
addicting,” said Richardson. “Unplug when it’s fam-
ily time. The emails, voicemails and Facebook posts can
wait. I have to remind myself to do this often.”
Wes and Alicia Bishop own and operate More Space
Place, a company that provides top-of-the-line home
furnishings to make your abode that much more cozy, chic
and functional.
When not helping customers decide on cabinetry, they
can be found getting in some much needed bonding time
with their 4-year-old daughter, Lily.
“It is quite challenging balancing family life and work
life for any small business owner, especially within the
first few years of starting up. I would say that the key
term for me is to delegate,” said Wes. “As the owner,
everything ultimately points to me, but I cannot do it
all. I feel that I’ve been very fortunate to find trustwor-
thy, hardworking individuals to help build a solid team
within my company.”
Like the reliable staff Wes is surrounded by at work, he
counts on his parents and in-laws to add to the dynamic of
life off the clock.
“Family is very important to us, and with both sets
of grandparents within an hour of each other we are
having family outings and dinners on a weekly basis,”
said Wes.
The Charleston area lends itself to lots of activities
to do as a family. The Bishops stay busy with beach bike
rides on Sullivan’s Island, trips to the Mount Pleasant
Farmers Market and visits to the Children’s Museum of
the Lowcountry and the South Carolina Aquarium.
“The most rewarding aspect of being a father for me
is experiencing the wonder and magic of life through the
eyes of my 4-year-old daughter,” said Wes. “As we get
older, the more complicated life can get, but to be able
to go back to the simplicity of life as a child can be a very
refreshing point of view. Lily shows me every day to keep
it simple, don’t take it personal and stay positive.”
The Bishop family.
The Richardson children.