Tightrope

It's a simple Thursday.

Setting the tone for everyone's day,

That's my job.

Slip on the mask 

Of who I'm expected to be.

I try my best to walk the line;

Remain balanced,

Take my time

Carefully stepping

One foot in front of the other

Quietly,

So as not to disturb

You 

or the children.

I use kind words

Watch my tone,

Convey confidence -gently;

I mustn't be too rough.

While meal Planning 

I feed the dogs,

And make snacks,

And dry tears.

Inevitably I slip,

Losing my balance 

One foot falls and I yell,

I'm not being heard or seen.

Quickly regain my composure,

Apologize for being human.

Now-

Back to meal planning.

Ashley Cummings

Ashley Cummings is a Raleigh-based poet, artist, and founder of Woman Unraveled, and Curl + Co Hairstyling. A lifelong creative, her work lives at the intersection of beauty, intuition, and personal growth. Whether through words, visual art, or sculptural hairstyling, Ashley explores the quiet courage it takes to follow one’s inner voice and build a life rooted in authenticity.

Her professional journey spans nearly a decade in salon leadership and education, including advanced training at Bumble & Bumble University in New York City. Today, she leads her own bridal styling brand while raising two sons — shaping a career that honors both artistry and intentional living.

Ashley writes from lived experience — about anxiety and growth, motherhood and identity, creativity and becoming. Her voice is reflective yet grounded, gentle but honest. At her core, she believes that beauty is not about perfection, but about expression — and that healing begins the moment we stop performing and start listening to ourselves.

Check out Ashley’s businesses!
Woman Unraveled & Curl + Co

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Beckoning

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Fight Club