Happy July everyone! It is a great honor that I introduce to you, Ashley! I had the pleasure of meeting Ashley a few years ago at the gym, she is so strong and I always remembered her being so friendly with such a gorgeous smile (which is still true to this day). During our first few encounters I remember talking to her about her upcoming wedding and seeing the excitement in her eyes. What gradually became a casual encounter developed into a mutual friendship based on support and respect. It has been an honor to have her as a friend and a mentor as I have often brainstormed with her while she provided insight and motivation with all things related to my business. She has been a cheerleader and a fountain of knowledge in the areas of personal and professional growth and she has really been influential in helping me solidify my business plan and goals and connecting me with other local small businesses. I am thrilled to share her story as I know she will serve as an inspiration for you all!
- What is your creative talent or a hobby that makes your heart smile? – "Helping others, I pride myself on listening and encouraging others. I am good at pushing others outside of their comfort level. I find joy when others find their spark and happiness. I want to help others use their voice and be proud."
- What are some of your best/favorite accomplishments? "Becoming a mom is the best accomplishment that I have done. There is a sense of joy, pride and reasonability that comes from knowing that you are a part of impacting our world with future generations. The second would be my career. I worked really hard to get to where I am, and it was not always easy, especially with being a woman, and a woman of color. There were a lot of tears along the way, but I made a way. I love what I do, and I hope that I create a pathway for other women!"
- What is your career? "I currently mentor small businesses with a focus on minority businesses, women businesses, veteran businesses, and LGBTQ plus. I work with them in many ways to help them grow and scale their business and help them to reach whatever goals they are looking to obtain within their business. I also offer educational classes that I do in a group setting with various nonprofits and different organizations throughout the valley." If you are a small business owner that needs any kind of support and guidance Ashley is your girl! Take it from me, she is a game changer!
- What advice would you give the younger generation about life and or about going after the career or hobby you currently have? "Don’t let anyone silence your voice, be true to who you are and embrace that. Go after your dreams and goals, and don’t be afraid to take a risk. Fear is crippling, but there is also a lot of beauty behind fear. We take chances on other people and things, we have to take more chances on ourselves. Always look inward, find self-worth and love from within, not from the outside world."
- Wise words from Ashley: "My life was not always easy, I had to work hard for and on myself, and I continue to do that every day. I was 19 years old when I had my first child, and I had to make a choice on the direction I wanted to go in. I chose to better myself in any way possible to provide for my daughter. It was hard in many ways. Financially I was not in the best position, and was not supported in my career at the time. I was a young mom who didn’t have a lot of direction. But I kept pushing and leaned into the support that I did have, I took steps on repairing past and current traumas though life coaching and therapy. I wanted to be a remodel and something my daughter could be proud of, and that started with working on making myself whole on the inside. By investing in myself, I gained a different type of strength, confidence, and courage that I didn’t have before. I didn’t have to look for outside gratification to feel like I was a good person or of value as much as I did before. This helped me to be a better person, mom, daughter and wife. I am not perfect by any means and I still have struggles just like everyone else, but my foundation is a lot stronger which helps me to navigate those hard times. I want anyone that is reading this to know there is always a way. Invest in yourself, believe in yourself, and never stop pushing the boundaries. The only ceilings that are there are the ones that your mind creates. Don’t be afraid to leap, and If there is not a seat at the table, bring your own!"
All I have to say is, wow! Ashley is one of the hardest working women I know and quite honestly she is goals in all aspects of her life! She is always willing to help and provide any knowledge she has and share connections with people. I am inspired by her vulnerability and her willingness to share her knowledge and wisdom; especially related to the struggles associated with being a working mother at such a young age. People are often quick to pass judgement on successful people and say "oh, they had it easy" or "oh, they have always been so successful" and that is usually far from the truth. Everyone has to work their way up the ladder and have determination and discipline to complete it. Ashley definitely embodies a powerful woman with grit to persevere! She is influential, powerful, successful, an amazing mama and gorgeous woman and I am so blessed to have her as a friend and mentor. Ashley, you are Creatively Linked! Welcome to the family girl!
