Oh, hey! I’m Ashley Hay Mitchell, founder of Haystack Media. Genuine connections, authentic storytelling and collaboration are at the heart of what I do. I’m a magnet to creative individuals and businesses who need help articulating or telling their story, and amplifying what they do best. PR is all about relationships — not transactions — and it shouldn’t cost an arm and a leg.
Whether you’re a writer seeking sources for your next piece or a business owner needing a lift but don’t know where to start, I’m your girl.
Let’s create something amazing together — and maybe enjoy a good bite and a well-crafted cocktail while we’re at it!
📸: @rutasmithphoto
Spring in Charleston always gives us a reason to gather, and this coffee brunch was one of our favorites. We hosted it in celebration of The Washington Cafe opening, with chefs Reggie Miller and Gabby Smith creating the most beautiful dishes using locally sourced ingredients. The brunch took place on Peter Washington’s generational family land, which made it all the more special.
We clinked glasses and sipped Counter Culture Coffee and Don Luchi prosecco and spent the morning with an incredible group of family, friends, and collaborators. These images are part of our feature in the latest issue of Vessel Magazine.
Photography - @rutasmithphoto Napkins - @pluffmuddfarm Art on place settings - @nysacreative and @maggie.p.prints Flowers - @bearswampflowers Food - @chef_reggiemiller and @gritsandgabs Coffee - @counterculturecoffee Jewelry - @xoalandem Prosecco - @donluchiwines PR + Photo styling - @haystackmediaco
Happy Friday friends! It’s the weekend and we can’t wait celebrate. Here’s what Haystack’s weekend looks like… and we think yours should too:
✨SAT 1/18— Stems & Skins 10th anniversary… a birthday bash you don’t want to miss. Expect an outdoor bar with bubbles, classic cocktails, and a few celebratory surprises. 2pm-Midnight
✨SUN 1/18- @thewashingtoncafe hosts the first monthly @the.geechee.salon featuring CHS poet laureate, @asiahmae , 11am-4pm
✨clams, garlic chili butter, & breadcrumbs: Almejas de Jaimito are calling your name @estadiochs
✨MON 1/19- @thewashingtoncafesc presents “Educated & Caffeinated,” an HBCU connection event from 12-4pm
✨no rush, no screens; just good wine and good company @stemsandskins
✨WEEKLY TUES-THURS, @estadiochs tartare happy hour; grass fed beef tartare & special pricing on pintxo gildas! 5-6pm
✨THURS 1/29- @altmuseco vision boarding party at counter culture coffee, 6-8pm
Our team was thrilled to see so many volunteer hours come to life at last month’s Slow Fish Festival on Bowen’s Island. Guests experienced panels and hands-on demos, enjoyed incredible dishes from participating chefs, and listened to live music. From chefs to education, it was an honor to help bring together so many passionate members of our community. Ashley, Haystack’s founder and the co-chair of @slowfoodchs , joined the “What’s Up with the Blue Crabs” panel, exploring the current state of Charleston’s blue crab population. Cheers to another year celebrating our waterways!
Pics 1-9 credit @hcbcreative
Small Business Saturday was a special one this year! ✨ Haystack Media was thrilled to help organize a holiday market for the one-year anniversary of @neighborlypc , bringing together local artists, makers, delicious food trucks, and live music for a day of celebration. Shopping small and patronizing local businesses strengthens our local economy and celebrates the creativity of our community: a cause that matters more than ever in a world of corporate giants. Behind the scenes, we coordinated vendor outreach, managed rentals and logistics, and worked with local media to shine a spotlight on the event. Huge thanks to Jamee and the Neighborly team—it was a delight to celebrate with you! 💛
Pics 1-5 are from @hcbcreative , a business we LOVE collaborating with!
We are thrilled for a new chapter at Estadio! Yesterday, the restaurant reopened with a refreshed culinary and front of house team. Chef Jeremy Gozlan and Sous Chef Carter Louv are bringing fresh energy and a fun new menu to match. With Max Kuller, the heartbeat and guiding spirit of Estadio, leading the way, we’re excited for what’s ahead. We can’t wait for you to sink your teeth into this one.
This Saturday, @thewashingtoncafesc opens its doors! It’s been a joy to watch this project come to life and spread the word about the opening. @petesopete85 has poured his heart into bringing this space to life, creating a place that will celebrate Gullah Geechee culture through community, food, and art. The coffee and tea are top-notch, the bites are incredible, and local artists are getting the spotlight they deserve. He’s bringing something truly special to Mt. Pleasant. We can’t wait to celebrate — see you there! 🤍
Mark your calendars!!! Nysa Hicks Puig of @nysacreative is exhibiting her first solo show, Duality, @stemsandskins 🎉 join us on Nov 20th from 5:30-8:00p for the opening party.
Duality is a collection of all new works on burlap that celebrates the harmony in balance and the depth in simplicity.
There’s nothing we love more than cool weather, autumn provisions, & community collabs… & this roundup’s got it all. Here’s what’s happening at Haystack:
✨10/24-10/25 @barestrellachs at Estadio: Champagne + Potato Chips from around the world! 4-8pm
✨10/25 Hat Yai Fried Chicken + Champagne @stemsandskins — they’re frying chicken from 5-9pm!
✨ @herdprovisionschs “Persimmon Patch” with local persimmon syrup!
✨10/27 @schoedl.family pouring wine, @bigtentpizza firing pizza. All at @stemsandskins
✨11/2 Delicious bites, live music, fishing demos + more at Slow Fish 2025, 12-5pm
✨11/6 Endless whiskey samples + bites by @chef_jeanneoleksiak at @thelocalpalate Whiskey after Dark (tix link in bio!)
✨11/7 @charlestonlitfest kicks off at Dock Street Theater
Happy weekending, friends!
