Generational traditions seem to be quickly fading into the past in today’s “quick & easy” culture. IceMilk Aprons, however, sticks to their roots.

Ashley, Heirloom Designer

For Ashley, designer & creator of the quaint apron line, cooking from scratch was a fundamental part of her childhood. Her deep appreciation for the old is founded in warm memories of her grandmother’s famous hospitality, best remembered for her meal of fresh waffles and, as you might guess, ice-milk.

The IceMilk Heirloom Kit

These familial pastimes paved the way for her unique line of heirloom aprons.

In hopes of preserving each customer’s own family heritage, each apron comes with a complimentary heirloom kit including: heritage tags, apron story book, and blank recipe cards. Ashley’s aprons were also recognized as a “Top Holiday Gift” in Martha Stewart’s 2010 Holiday Gift Guide. moxii had the privilege of finding out more about IceMilk Aprons, and the creative mind that inspires it all. Take a look.

Q: What events from your childhood inspired this delicate line of kitchen wear?

Ashley's grandmother, Cele

A: Growing up, everything we ate was made from scratch. I never knew any different. This line was inspired by my grandmother, who was a consummate hostess. She and my mom both have amazing talent in the kitchen. The depth of this line, however, is more specifically inspired by the art baking itself. There’s a certain sentiment when you bake; it feels like a special occasion, whether it is or not. For me, there is something about baking that can be simultaneously very romantic and very childlike – perhaps that’s the nostalgia.

Q: What or who instilled the heavy influence of family traditions in your work?

A: I think my dad has had the most influence over family tradition in my life.  He instilled the importance of being a seventh generation Floridian, because of his own upbringing traveling all the small, old Florida cities.

I quickly inherited his love for history and the stories behind things. A simple story can give something so much perspective. Everyone has a family tradition they can recall, but what made it a tradition? It seems most times when traditions begin, there is little thought it might actually become something that could be carried on for years. It’s usually the simplest things that are recreated. The memory of family traditions are so simple, yet so powerful, especially when they’re carried on.

Q: What is it about aprons? Where do you get your unique patterns?

A: Because of the nature of the heirloom apron, I really feel the aprons need to reflect the same vintage-inspired and lasting designs of a wardrobe staple. If they are truly to be passed down through the generations, and worn decade after decade, the styling has to be traditional but chic; something transitional that will never go out of style.

"Morning Buns" Full Apron

The apron designs derived from my desire to have something a bit more fanciful than your everyday bib apron. I wanted to add that special feeling of getting all dressed up. The designs are simple and practical enough to go with any wardrobe, especially key when entertaining. The perfect apron for a little black dress can’t compete with the dress itself. My affinity for muted, neutral tones also plays a role in the classic styling.

Q: What effect do you hope to bring to your customers with your “heirloom” aesthetic?

A: I truly believe in the concept of heirlooms. I think people are looking to reconnect with their heritage, and carry on the traditions and memories as best they can. Heirloom, by it’s definition, comes from the Greek word chēros (bereaved) and English word loom (tool / implement). I interpret this to mean truly carrying on the legacy and memory of those special people who have influenced our lives. I hope our aprons inspire a notion for today’s generation to take the time to learn how to bake from scratch, to sew, and to learn about their heritage… to continue to carry those traditions to the next generation so they are not forgotten.

Q: Do you have a favorite family recipe?

A: Oh … I have so many! One of my most treasured possessions is the handwritten collection of recipe cards from my grandmother and her mother, my Nana. Some of my favorites are Nana’s pie crust recipe, meringues, chicken & dumplings, and a chocolate sauce that is just to die for.

Q: Any personal tips for creating a truly cozy kitchen?

A: I love interiors that use unexpected pieces in certain rooms. I once used a silver tea set in my master bathroom to store cotton balls & perfumes; it’s very functional, yet unexpected. I also adore a good kitchen pantry. My grandmother got us all hooked on using jars to store essentials like flour & sugar instead of keeping them in their original packaging.

Blank books are included with each Heirloom Kit sold through IceMilk to preserve your family's apron story.

A few things in my current kitchen that I really love are stacks of mismatched white pottery dishes, a shelf of collected cookbooks, and a rustic breadboard as a little backsplash.

Q: What has been the most exciting event/part of IceMilk Aprons?

A: We have had so many wonderful things, so it is hard to choose. Of course, seeing the aprons on Martha Stewart is the first thing I would probably choose. I adore Martha and having her nod of approval certainly makes me feel like we’re doing something right.

Q:  What advice do you have for those wanting to start their own business?

A: Go for it. If it’s something you’re passionate about then you can’t go wrong. I’ve learned so much through this experience I couldn’t even begin to know where to start. I’ve had amazing mentors along the way, and picked up little random things in some unexpected places – just be open to learning along the way.

Check out the IceMilk Blog Preserves for more on the heritage way.

IceMilk Aprons can also be found on Facebook & on Twitter  @IceMilkAprons.