Ashley Harris is a Vancouver-based content creator, recipe developer, and lifestyle writer with a passion for approachable, joy-filled cooking. Through her Instagram platform, @harris.ashley, she shares delicious recipes, creative entertaining ideas, and food-inspired content influenced by her favourite Vancouver restaurants and global travels. What began as a pandemic hobby quickly evolved into a thriving digital brand rooted in her love of hosting and bringing people together through food. Ashley blends nostalgia, creativity, and modern trends into every dish she creates. Whether she’s recreating viral recipes, developing seasonal menus, or hosting playful dinner parties for the camera, Ashley’s goal is simple: to make cooking feel fun, accessible, and worth sharing.
What is your channel called and what is it about?
My Instagram channel, @harris.ashley, is a space where you’ll find delicious, approachable recipes — from snacks and sweet treats to creative drinks and full meals. I also love incorporating inspiration from some of my favourite restaurants here in Vancouver. It’s all about making food feel fun, accessible, and shareable.
When did you start it? What motivated you at the beginning?
I started during the pandemic, when I leaned into one of my longtime hobbies: cooking. I began blogging and eventually built a writing career reviewing restaurants in the city. Over time, I realized I wanted to share more of my love for food online — from posting my own favourite recipes to recreating viral dishes at home. What started as a creative outlet quickly grew into something much bigger.
Who were you inspired by? Any influences?
Growing up, I was inspired by Martha Stewart — an OG influencer before influencers were even a thing. Her love of hosting and creating recipes to share with family and friends always resonated with me. I also spent years reading cookbooks and food magazines, and cooking and baking with my grandparents, which shaped my love for the kitchen. My travels have also influenced me — learning how to make fresh pasta in Italy was truly a dream come true.
How would you describe your audience?
Foodies! My audience is made up of people from all over the world who share one thing in common: a love of food and trying new recipes. Seeing someone recreate one of my dishes is the most rewarding feeling — it makes all the time and effort that goes into each video completely worth it.
What is your creative process? Do you have people who work with you?
Trying new recipes is one of my favourite parts of the process. I gather inspiration from Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest, then put my own spin on ideas. Right now, I manage everything myself — content planning, grocery shopping, recipe development, filming, editing, accounting, and emails. There’s so much more behind the scenes than most people realize! My husband, family, and friends often step in to help, especially when I’m staging a dinner party for a shoot. It usually turns into a fun hangout — we get great content and make memories at the same time.
How do you monetize your content? Do you also have another job?
In Canada, monetization directly through platforms is limited, so most of my income comes from brand partnerships and user-generated content. I create recipe videos for food and beverage brands, which I love. I’m also a writer for VITA Magazine, where I cover a variety of lifestyle topics.
What is your favourite piece of content you have created?
Some of my favourite content has been the videos I didn’t take too seriously. My “fancy” dino mac and cheese served in a wine glass has gone viral multiple times — it’s completely silly, but I love it. Sometimes the most playful ideas resonate the most!
What is the best part about what you do? What is the worst part?
The best part is turning my passion for food into a career. Being your own boss means creating your own schedule, having full creative control, and collaborating with brands you genuinely love.
The hardest part is burnout. When you’re passionate about what you do, it’s easy to overcommit because you’re excited about every project. I learned the importance of balance the hard way. Stepping away from my laptop, going for a walk, and getting fresh air has become essential.
What are your future plans for your channel?
I’m excited to continue creating recipes, especially seasonal content. With spring and summer coming up, you can expect lots of outdoor BBQ ideas, hosting tips, refreshing food and drink recipes, and plenty more fun, shareable dishes.
Where can we follow you?
PAY IT FORWARD: What is another Canadian content creator that you love?
I love @breanneallarie on Instagram. She’s constantly coming up with creative concepts — her recent Olympics-themed videos were so good! Her content is incredibly relatable and guaranteed to make you smile.
