Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ashley Brown. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Ashley, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Are you happier as a business owner? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job?

I am definitely happier as a business owner. Although it comes with its own stresses and issues, I value the flexibility and independence I have as an entrepreneur and sole proprietor.

The last “regular job” I had was as a Communications Director in a multinational public corporation, and while I enjoyed what I did–and the regular paycheck–there was a limitation to what sorts of projects I could work on. There wasn’t much freedom in terms of my daily responsibilities, or even how I could get work done. This was way before working remotely was popular, and we were required to be in the office every day from 8 to 5–wearing heels and hose!

I’m extremely grateful to now be able to work at the times that I feel most energized, wearing what feels most comfortable, on projects that are meaningful to me and my clients. I’ve changed directions several times in my freelance career, from concentrating on advertising and PR to becoming an author and speaker to helping others bring creative projects into the world that are beneficial to others. I wouldn’t have that freedom if I were working for someone else.

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?

After working as an advertising copywriter, PR executive, corporate communications manager, and book editor, I began a freelance writing and marketing career. I’ve created content for and helped promote all sorts of businesses, from retail and tourism to healthcare and manufacturing to professional services. I also love to travel and wrote for multiple travel blogs.

Wanting to align my work more closely with what is important to me personally, I began a blog called JoyDetectives about my journey back to experiencing joy after experiencing some stressful life events. Part of that path was developing a morning ritual, which I realized was something that most of the women I admired also did. I decided to interview them about their morning rituals and ended up writing an award-winning nonfiction book: A Beautiful Morning: How a Morning Ritual Can Feed Your Soul and Transform Your Life. I’ve done multiple events and interviews about it to help others discover how powerful it is to start your day with purpose and literally put yourself first.

I’ve also always had a knack for problem-solving, asking good questions, visualizing what could be, getting things done, and helping others turn their visions and dreams into reality, so I am also a creative project consultant–a sort of creative midwife.

I help bring into the world meaningful creative projects that benefit both their creators and others, assisting women to share their authentic stories and communicate their gifts and messages clearly and effectively. In short, I help the helpers to help more people.

Drawing upon decades of experience, I can assist in any or all phases of a project: envisioning, creating, refining, delivering, and sharing. I specialize in the areas of wellness and spirituality.

My services include:
• Creative concepting and brainstorming
• Organizing information and project elements
• Mapping out the path from idea to reality
• Asking illuminating questions to bring clarity
• Writing, ghostwriting, editing (while maintaining each unique personal voice)
o Websites
o Books—nonfiction, memoir, personal development
o Newsletters
o Articles
o Marketing materials
• Cheerleading and support
• Self-publishing guidance

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

As a lifelong reader, I always turn to books for advice and support. There are quite a few that have made a huge positive impact on me, both as a creative and as an entrepreneur. Here are some of my absolute favorites:

The Big Leap, by Gaye Hendricks
How to Live a Good Life, by Jonathan Fields
Big Magic, by Elizabeth Gilbert
Finding Your Own North Star and The Joy Diet, by Martha Beck
The Happiness Project, by Gretchen Rubin
Joyful, by Ingrid Fetell Lee
Bird by Bird, by Anne Lamott
The Power of Now, by Eckhart Tolle

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

The goal driving my creative journey was originally to feel better–I had some setbacks in my early thirties that caused a lot of anxiety and stress, and I was searching for ways to reclaim my joy. Now it is to help others feel better–to share resources that can help them make meaningful changes and create happier lives–as well as to help others bring their creative dreams to life. Everyone has a story to tell or something important to share that can benefit the world, and I want to help.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://abeautifulmorningbook.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joydetectiveashleybrown/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-ellington-brown-9a14307/