Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley-lauren Elrod

Hi Ashley-lauren, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?

I want to emphasize that this journey has been far from easy. I’ve always strived to be a visionary in my own right, which is why I named my production company Visionary Woman Productions. My journey started when I was around seven years old. I felt very early on what my life purpose was going to be, even though I didn’t fully understand how dynamic and versatile it would be. As I’ve grown older, I’ve come to appreciate the beauty of it all.

I’ve always been creating, whether it was writing intricate stories, producing full plays in my basement, sewing costumes and puppets, leading group creative projects at school, or mentoring peers. Looking back, I can see that I was born to be a producer, director, performer, and social impact leader – all roles that I fulfill today.

While many parts of my life were supported and nourished, there were also many parts that were not. This led to confusing and frustrating years, especially from adolescence to adulthood. I am a survivor of multiple abuses and suicide attempts, and I was forced to grow up quickly as a kid. This has led to an ongoing healing and deconstruction journey in my life. Sharing parts of my story has been crucial to inspiring, educating, and helping others who can relate to my journey.

These experiences have led me to lead an Emmy-nominated, mission-driven production team. I am passionate about collaborating with brands, businesses, creators, and more to combat epidemics through partnerships, community, and impactful content.

Visionary Woman was born over 14 years ago to fulfill a need at my school, helping my peers prepare for the real world of the industry before graduation. My friends and I collaborated on self-produced projects on the weekends to submit to magazines, which led to us being featured in Vogue, Vibe, Essence, and more. While I was already working hard as a signed working actor, junior talent agent, and stand-in on big shows in Chicago, it prompted my idea to equip my friends with the tools needed for success upon graduation. This accidental business evolved through many pivots, rebrands, and additions into what it is today. I am using my brand and company to actively do good in the world, and I feel like I’m just getting started.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?

Building my personal brand as a performer and social impact leader, while owning a production company, has been far from smooth – I think anyone would be able to say that! Any work in entertainment and social impact requires constant ideas, pivots, and the ability to be flexible in every way.

There have been a multitude of struggles in my personal life which has affected my business life in a lot of ways at times. It’s tough when you are choosing to move forward in breaking generational curses and taking accountability for yourself, while others around you refuse to do the same. I truly don’t think that the issue of navigating these situations as an adult with as much grace and boundaries as you can sometimes has a detrimental effect on your own life, goals, and business is talked about nearly enough.

This personally is something that I have had to navigate especially in the past few years, and to make the decision and come to the realization that I can only do my part, and what anyone else chooses to do is their business. No one else is my responsibility but me, and I cannot let those who choose not to heal affect the road I am choosing to take on the other side.

The struggles of healing from childhood abuse which led to abuse in adulthood, a suicide attempt that I survived, while attempting to run a company and help others on their own healing journey, while also showing up to perform has not been a road filled with rainbows and butterflies! I could spend the next few years unpacking all of what this looks like for you, and probably still wouldn’t be able to accurately explain the full story.

All in all, these challenges have led me to be who I am today. They have shaped me into the courageous, resilient, audacious woman who is saying these words right now – the woman who looked death in the face and survived. Do I feel behind in life a lot of times? Yes. Do I feel that if things had been different growing up, I would be in a different space now? Yes. Do I often wonder if things would have been easier in a different life, sometimes? But, instead of letting those questions simmer, I take hold of my life in the present and fight for what I want in the future, which is to help many people find hope and healing, create impactful content that changes lives, and perform my heart out in every beautiful way with people I love and trust.

In the end, I will never let the struggles and bumps on the road keep me from fighting for the purpose that was instilled in me from birth.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?

I am the owner of Visionary Woman Productions, a unique production company that focuses on creating impactful content and developing strategic partnerships to address important issues. One of our noteworthy projects was producing content for the Dove Kids 2023 Online Safety Act and representing the Act as a spokesperson in Congress. This involved mobilizing my local communities to sign a petition for the Act, aiming to create a safer online environment for children and teenagers.

Our commitment lies in creating meaningful projects, such as our upcoming short film “Verge of Remembrance.” This film is inspired by real-life experiences and addresses themes of childhood abuse, healing, and PTSD. The narrative centers around Kayla, a woman facing a significant life change while haunted by a forgotten past. Through this film, we hope to raise awareness for survivors of child abuse and individuals dealing with mental health challenges. Furthermore, 10% of the film’s funding will be donated to our advocacy partner, The Chicago Children’s Advocacy Center, to support the establishment of a first-ever co-network space in America for survivors of sexual abuse, domestic violence, and sex trafficking to receive 24/7 care.

At Visionary Woman Productions, we are known for our organized, empathetic, supportive, diverse, and honest team and work environments. We maintain high standards and strive to deliver the best, setting us apart from others in the industry. Given that the industry can be marked by chaos and unhealed individuals in positions of power, draining the creative energy and meaning from many experiences, we set ourselves apart by striving to be different. Whether it’s through our business model, social impact and community initiatives, or the exceptional experiences we create for our clients and teams, we aim to leave a lasting positive impression that keeps people returning to work with us.

What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?

I’ve learned an important lesson over the past few years: there will always be people who don’t like you, especially in the entertainment industry. It’s important to speak up for yourself and not give in to negativity.

I recently had a conversation with a new mentee about standing up for yourself and your values. I told her that it’s okay if others don’t agree with you. I’ve probably been blacklisted by certain people for not being easily manipulated, especially by men, but I don’t care. I believe in God after everything I’ve been through, and I’m convinced that no one can block what’s meant for me.

The truth always comes out in the end, and you don’t need to defend it, regardless of how many lies are spread about you. I think this is something in particular many women are still wary about which I always tell them not to be. In the end, the truth always comes to light which we have evidently seen this past year alone, and those certain people can only get away with things for so long. Through it all, hold your head up high, live your life, and trust that it’s handled.

Pricing:

• 6 Week Coaching: $750
• 10 Week Coaching: $1,500
• 45 min Consultation: $175
• 1 hour 30 min Consultation: $275
• Production Services: Email for meeting.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.visionarywomanproductions.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashleylaurenofficial/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VisionaryWomanProductions
• Twitter: vwproductions
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzQUJ-rI06jvIr_fmZc9WQA
• Other: https://www.ashleylaurenonline.com/actingcoaching

Image Credits

1st photo: Jessica Osber Photography
Headshot: Jessica Osber Photography