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Ashleigh Hehmann

@manicattackvintage

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Auntie | Kin Parent
Bartender | @notnobar
Bipolar | Professional Shit Head

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Hey y’all. It’s been a minute. If you’ve wondered where the hell I’ve been… honestly, same. I’ve lived a whole damn life since I last posted here.

A little over a year ago, my life changed pretty dramatically. In May 2025, I unexpectedly became a full-time caregiver to my two-year-old nephew and, eventually, his sole legal guardian.

Between custody battles, court dates, lawyers, extensive travel, therapy and doctor’s appointments, preschool, bedtime routines, and figuring out how to become a parent overnight, Instagram became… decidedly less important.

And while this past year has been challenging in ways I never could have anticipated, it has also been the most beautiful, meaningful, and rewarding experience of my life. The love we have for this kid really can’t be put into words, and despite how difficult this road has been, and undoubtedly may continue to be, I wouldn’t change it for a second.

When the time’s right, and if it’s appropriate, I hope to share more and use this experience to help others facing something similar. Kinship care is incredibly difficult to navigate. It’s messy, complicated, sudden, heartbreaking, traumatic, and isolating. Add the financial toll that comes with trying to do what’s right for a child, and it’s just completely overwhelming.

Along the way, I’ve had to step away from a lot of things I loved. Competitions, travel, events, work, friends, and honestly, even myself. Not because I stopped caring about any of it, but because there was a little man who needed me more.

These days, life looks very different. I’m still bartending. Still learning, still figuring things out, still waiting to be finished with this damned Invisalign, and still occasionally wondering how one small person can create that much laundry. But I’m also slowly finding my way back to some of the things that make me feel like me.

To anyone who’s reached out here and never heard back from me, please know it wasn’t personal. I’m making my way through everything, which may take some time, but I’m incredibly grateful for every person who thought of me, checked in, or simply kept a little space for me along the way.

Anyway… Hi everybody. I’m still here. 😅✌️ by @manicattackvintage

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2 months ago

Come for the kids, stay for the debauchery.
This Sunday @herbsandrye
DONATE ⬇️
https://www.stbaldricks.org/fundraisers/barmanialv2025 taken in Herbs & Rye by @manicattackvintage

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2 years ago

Big shout out to @barflybymercer and @chilledmagazine! So much gratitude. 🖤

Also thankful to @skrachpad for the opportunity and @child.one for that hot beat. by @manicattackvintage

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2 years ago

This experience has been truly special, and I am just so full of gratitude. Thank you so much @academia_patron for creating a competition that so beautifully demonstrates what this industry is all about…hospitality and community. I don’t think there’s a group of competitors that can embody just that so perfectly. While it is a competition, the level of collaboration is incomparable. I am honored and humbled to be amongst such a talented group. We are all truly winners here. That said, I want to give a well-deserved congratulations to @thatguyjoe808. Your passion and craft is inspiring.

I also want to thank @tales_of_the_cocktail and @pendrywesthollywood for hosting this wonderful event. To our judges, Patron Master Distiller David Rodriguez, @theminxologist, and @slabgoddess, thank you so much for your time, encouragement, and support. Thank you so much to the Patron team and reps @roberto.nunez.moreno, @katie.spaghettti, @tayhbarron @carissamkaufman, @kennyjfreeman, @slenderjuices, @redbarpriest, @imixinstyle, @brockdupont, @tjvonglikestodance, and @thehrdepartment.

Last, but certainly not least, a huge thank you @billy_killin for your constant support and pushing me to do this. It means more than you know.

While I’m still hoping to wild card my way to globals, I’m just grateful to be given this opportunity and wish all of the global competitors the best of luck in their journeys. #patronperfectionists by @manicattackvintage

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3 years ago

Daq Till Death. #daquirikombat #daquirikombatklub #speedrack #roncolon #roncolonchallenge #roncolonrum #rum #daiquiri #daqoff #daqtildeath #talesofthecocktail @oddbirds_nola @roncolonsalvadoreno @thebestdrinkever @tales_of_the_cocktail by @manicattackvintage

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3 years ago

Wildcard baby! Back for redemption. 🪩
#speedrackseason11 #backtherack #speedracknola2023 #teambacardi
#speedrack #speedrackwildcard #TOTC2023 by @manicattackvintage

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3 years ago

Now bring it back down. #speedrackwildcard #speedrackwildcard2023 #backtherack #speedrack #speedrackcalifornia #cocktails taken in Rhythm Room LA by @manicattackvintage

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4 years ago

Life is short, you’re capable.
#speedrackwildcard #speedrackwildcard2023 #speedrack #backtherack #speedrackcalifornia #rhythmroom #cocktails taken in Rhythm Room LA by @manicattackvintage

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4 years ago

Redemption. #daiquirikombat #daiquirikombatklub #notformortals #roncolonsalvadoreno #cocktails #thebestdrinkever by @manicattackvintage

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4 years ago

Album drops 2020. taken in Lancaster, California by @manicattackvintage

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7 years ago

Those first date feels. 💕#ebonyandivory taken in Echo Park by @manicattackvintage

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7 years ago

If “shoes speak louder than words,” these dudes are screamin’. taken in Long Beach, California by @manicattackvintage

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7 years ago