In a world of mass production and copy-paste creativity, there's something magnetic about a maker who doesn’t just follow trends — she starts them. That’s exactly the energy behind Little Ash Co., a brand that’s as bold and inventive as its founder, Riley.
At just 26, Riley is making serious waves in the maker community with her custom NFC bag tags — smart, stylish, and designed with both kids and parents in mind. These aren’t your average backpack charms. These are beautifully assembled tech-meets-style accessories that give peace of mind while looking downright cool.
In a new behind-the-scenes video, Riley gives us a peek into her process — and let’s just say, it’s equal parts art and science. She cuts her designs using her Aeon Redline Mira 9s (a beast of a machine), working with stunning acrylics sourced from the ever-loved CMB Acrylic. Each piece is assembled with Keychain Thingies hardware — a must-have for quality and flair, made by our talented friend Crystal over at Riley Black Designs.
But what really sets these tags apart is how Riley solves a problem many parents didn’t even know they had. Traditional NFCs are limited — one number, one link, one shot. But Riley? She found a workaround that gives families the flexibility to include multiple emergency contacts, allergy notes, or medical details with ease. (We’ll let the video spill the secret — it’s clever, clean, and customizable.)
What makes Little Ash Co. truly shine, though, isn’t just the product — it’s the heart behind it. Riley’s work is thoughtful, trendy, and hers. In a community where imitation runs rampant (right down to the photo styling and fonts — bless their hearts), she’s not chasing someone else’s idea of success. She’s building something meaningful, with intention in every detail.
She’s creative. She’s daring. She’s a little bit obsessed with getting every angle just right. And she’s a maker to watch — not just for what she creates, but for how she owns her space in the industry with grace, grit, and a little sparkle of rebellion.
We’re proud to showcase Riley’s work here — not because of any family ties (though we adore her), but because Little Ash Co. represents the kind of maker we all aspire to be: original, passionate, and just getting started.
🎥 Watch the process. Admire the details. Then go ahead — try to pick just one.
Here's where you can find all the things:
Backpack File: Little Ash Co on Etsy
Acrylic: CMB Acrylic
Keychain Hardware: Keychain Thingies / Riley Black Designs