We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Ashley Lagos a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Ashley thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What sort of legacy are you hoping to build. What do you think people will say about you after you are gone, what do you hope to be remembered for?

So often, women find themselves navigating through seasons of life marked by trauma and pain, often not of their own making. Sadly, societal double standards and outdated beliefs can magnify these struggles, casting them as defining chapters in many women’s lives. They’re told they can’t rise above their hardships, and tragically, many never do.

My aspiration is to leave behind a legacy that proves otherwise. I want to empower women to transcend their darkest days, transforming what others might see as shameful into springboards for success. My own journey, born from the trauma of sexual assault and exploitation in the sex industry, defies grim statistics. Despite the odds, I not only survived but thrived, building a flourishing business.

I draw from my own messy past to cultivate empathy in my work with clients, understanding their drive to succeed amidst adversity. My legacy isn’t just about guiding women with tough backgrounds toward success; it’s about creating a safe space for them to shed shame and defy stereotypes, rewriting their narratives on their own terms.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m Ashley Lagos, a seasoned digital marketing expert with a remarkable 14-year journey in the industry. Crafting compelling narratives that share the personal stories behind my client’s businesses, is my specialty; stories that not only captivate but also forge genuine connections, driving substantial increases in online sales for my clients—often by an impressive 17% or more.

My expertise isn’t confined to the digital realm; I excel in cultivating thriving online communities and have a rare knack for motivating them to transition into vibrant in-person gatherings.

Throughout my career, I’ve become synonymous with transforming businesses’ online presence, infusing vitality into their stories and fostering authentic connections with their customer base. For me, storytelling goes beyond mere product promotion; it’s about cultivating relational buy-in, a distinctive approach that sets me apart in the competitive digital marketing arena.

I don’t just grasp the mechanics of digital platforms; I understand the essence of human connection. This exceptional talent enables me to create and nurture online communities that seamlessly transition into lively in-person groups. It’s this fusion of digital acumen and interpersonal finesse that has propelled me to become a sought-after figure in the marketing realm.

Beyond my professional accolades, I’m a woman of faith, unapologetically guided by my non-traditional belief in Christ. This spiritual cornerstone not only shapes my character but also propels my ventures forward. In a world that often compartmentalizes faith and business, I seamlessly integrate my convictions into my work, infusing a refreshing authenticity into my projects.

One of my standout initiatives is the establishment of an online faith-based community targeting Gen Z through the lens of urban art and culture. Embodied by the Instagram account @XII_Church, this venture exemplifies my commitment to engaging younger generations in innovative and culturally relevant ways. Through this platform, I provide a space for exploration, dialogue, and connection, where faith intersects with the vibrant tapestry of urban art and culture.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

In the digital realm, metrics reign supreme. It’s all about gauging what content resonates, what drives sales, and how engagement levels stack up. For a while, I was consumed by ensuring that the content I produced for clients performed well according to these metrics. I’d tirelessly replicate successful content just to boost engagement. However, I soon realized that despite its apparent “virality,” the actual conversion rates weren’t as promising.

That’s when I had to pivot my perspective and shift my focus towards the impact the content was making. Were we creating content that genuinely enriched people’s lives, prompting them to engage with or purchase from my clients? Or were we simply chasing after vanity metrics? I realized that prioritizing impact over accolades was imperative.

It’s irrelevant if a million people watch your video if it fails to positively impact them to the extent that they want to engage beyond those fleeting moments on a smartphone screen. Ultimately, the focus must be on creating content that leaves a lasting impression and drives meaningful engagement.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

I’ve learned the importance of being selective and not assuming that every client who wants to work with me is the right fit for my company’s culture. Especially in the early stages, there’s often a temptation to take on any client just to maintain cash flow. But this mindset is rooted in scarcity—the belief that this client is my only option at the moment.

However, this approach can backfire. Bringing on the wrong client can actually hinder my ability to serve the right ones effectively. So, sometimes the smartest move in growing my business is recognizing when to turn down a client. It shifts my focus from desperation to intentionally building a company that aligns with my values.

By refusing to work with clients who aren’t a good fit, I prioritize quality over quantity. It’s about creating a client base that I’m proud to serve, even if it means saying no to immediate financial gains in favor of long-term success.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.msashleylagos.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/msashleylagos/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleylagos/

Image Credits

Anna Delgado