Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ash Brown. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, Ash thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. The first dollar you earn is always exciting – it’s like the start of a new chapter and so we’d love to hear about the first time you sold or generated revenue from your creative work?
It’s wild how time plays tricks on the mind. One moment you’re filing the paperwork for a dream, and the next, you’re looking back at a decade-long legacy. Having a multifaceted brand like Ash Said It LLC is a bit like being the conductor of a high-energy orchestra; you never quite know which section the events, the podcasting, or the voice artistry will capture the audience’s heart first. But every empire has a “Day One,” and for me, that day was draped in white lace and nerves of steel.
Interestingly enough, the first paid gig didn’t come from a studio or a stage; it came from the altar. I had just officially formed the company when a young couple reached out. They had been following my journey across social media and found themselves in desperate need of a wedding officiant. I said “Yes” before my brain could even process the gravity of the request! Then, the reality set in. My mind raced with “What ifs” What if I stumble over the vows? What if I ruin their “forever” moment? But then, a counter-thought emerged: What if I don’t? What if I’m exactly who they need? I had to dig deep into my soul to find that spark of professional confidence, and once I found it, it was unshakeable.
The couple chose a location I had never heard of, despite spending most of my life in Georgia: Flat Shoals Park. As I headed west, I felt like an explorer on a mission. I’ve seen so much of this state, but I had never encountered a Georgia landscape quite like this. It was breathtaking! Lush greenery gave way to the roar of rushing water I didn’t realize we had waterfalls this spectacular tucked away in our own backyard.
The setting was as dramatic as the commitment being made. The couple awaited me right at the edge of a cliff, a sight that made my pulse quicken. I made a silent pact with myself: Don’t look down. Focus on the love, not the drop. With the roar of the falls behind us and the height making my heart race, I presided over their union. Surrounded by both sets of parents, the air felt thick with hope and history. I maintained my composure, my voice steady and clear, guiding them through their “I dos” as the sun danced on the water below.
There is a specific kind of magic in that first transaction. I wasn’t just officiating a wedding; I was validating a business. I was “tickled pink” to realize that my skills had real-world value. That day at Flat Shoals Park wasn’t just the union of two people. It was the official launch of a service provider who hasn’t slowed down since.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I am Ash Brown, and Ash Said It LLC is more than just a company, it is my heart on display. We are a lifestyle brand dedicated to radiating positive energy through social media, deep-dive blog posts, and dynamic broadcast programming. With over a decade of experience as a radio announcer and the discipline of a veteran honorably discharged from the military, I’ve learned that the most powerful frequency we can broadcast is resilience.
To be honest, I never planned to build an empire. The thought hadn’t even crossed my mind. The last several years were a season of grit and grace; being a full-time caregiver for my mother for over three years was the most demanding, yet rewarding, role of my life. I would do it all over again in a heartbeat. My mother didn’t just tell me how to be a lady; she showed me through her quiet strength. She never allowed anyone to dim her meek yet resilient spirit, and thank God, I inherited that same spark.
When I buried my mom Donna Theresa in 2014, I faced the hardest moment of my entire existence. I felt lost. My heart was no longer in military service, and while I knew I needed to leave, I had no blueprint for where to go. I spent that year working odd jobs, pouring my soul into building other people’s brands only to realize I had nothing to show for it.
Then, the light bulb finally flickered on. I asked myself: “Why am I wasting my time helping people who aren’t interested in helping themselves?” I decided right then to take my 13+ years of industry experience and pour it into something I could finally call my own. That was the moment Ash Said It was born.
This company is my baby. I believe in it with a conviction I’ve never felt before. When I filed with the state and shared the news with former colleagues, the confirmation was instant. Instead of doubt, I received encouragement, marketing strategies, and genuine excitement.
Of course, not everyone shared the vision. Some “friends” tried to talk me out of it, but I realized quickly that negative spirits have no place in a house built on purpose. I cleared the room to make space for the light.
If there is an idea sitting on your heart right now, you owe it to yourself to follow through. Support won’t always come from the people you expect. Sometimes, you have to be your own cheerleader—and that is more than okay. Never stop.
Today, my podcast is a global voice featured on Spotify, iHeartRadio, iTunes, and countless others, with over 2100+ episodes and more than 700,000+ streams since 2015. I’ve had the distinct honor of partnering with iconic brands like The Fox Theatre, State Farm Arena, and Lake Lanier Islands. My journey started with a spark of resilience, and I’m here to tell you that yours can too.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
The biggest lesson I had to unlearn was to stop listening to all the voices around me. Everyone had an opinion and was compelled to share it.
One of the most profound lessons I’ve had to master is the art of trusting my own instincts. For a long time, my mother was my North Star; I sought her counsel for every decision, big or small. But when she passed away I was thrust into a new kind of adulthood. I didn’t just lose my mother; I lost my sounding board.
In the wake of that grief, I learned a harsh truth: vulnerability can be a magnet for the wrong people. While I was mourning, some around me saw my sadness as an opportunity to discourage my dreams or steer me off my path. I had a “friend” look me in the eye and tell me to drop the media stuff and “get a real job.” Another tried to talk me out of becoming a flight attendant, claiming it wasn’t a viable path.
Then there was the man I was dating while I was in the “creative lab” forming my company. When I excitedly shared the name **Ash Said It**, he shot it down instantly. No logic, no constructive feedback—just a flat “it doesn’t sound good enough.”
Looking back, the irony is striking. The voices that tried to keep me small ended up stuck in the very limitations they tried to project onto me. Meanwhile, I ignored the noise, trusted my gut, and have since traveled to over 17 countries and built a global brand.
I’ve realized that people who truly love you will never try to shrink your vision. Often, others discourage you because they can’t wrap their minds around a dream that wasn’t given to them. Sometimes it’s a lack of imagination; sometimes it’s a reflection of their own insecurities.
The moral of my story is simple: Stand in your truth. That vision in your heart was given to you for a reason. You don’t need a committee to validate your calling. Trust your gut, protect your peace, and keep moving forward. You don’t have to worry about the people trying to bring you down. Rotten fruit always falls on its own.
How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?
Building a thriving creative ecosystem requires more than just applause; it requires a fundamental shift in how we value the new.
As a creator who has spent over a decade in the media industry, I’ve seen firsthand how the gates are often locked by those who prefer the safety of a reboot over the risk of an original voice. If we want a culture that truly flourishes, society and the industry at large must do more to champion the voices we don’t know yet.
Look at Hollywood: we see the same franchises, the same sequels, and the same formulas recycled over and over. While there is comfort in the familiar, this safe bet mentality acts as a ceiling for innovation.
Society supports creatives best when it demands variety. We need to open the floor to the storytellers, the digital artists, and the visionaries who haven’t had their big break yet. There is an ocean of talent across all fields, and their work deserves more than just a passing glance; it deserves an opportunity to be the next cultural landmark.
To support a creative ecosystem, we must move away from seeing art as a commodity and start seeing artists as an investment. This means purposefully seeking out independent creators, local podcasters, and grassroots artists rather than waiting for them to be vetted by a major corporation. It means creating mentorships and funding that provide a bridge for those who have the talent but lack the blueprint.
Most importantly, it requires a validation of the path acknowledging that creative work is real work. When we stop asking artists when they’re going to get a real job, we give them the psychological space to actually build one.
Every household name we celebrate today was once an unknown talent waiting for a single yes. I think of the young creatives sitting in their home studios right now, pouring their hearts into projects that might change the world. They don’t need another remake; they need a platform. We owe it to the next generation of visionaries to be their advocates.
When we support a new voice, we aren’t just buying a product we are fueling a dream and ensuring that the creative well never runs dry. Hopefully, the world starts opening those doors wider, because I know for a fact that the talent waiting on the other side is extraordinary.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ashsaidit.com
- Instagram: @1loveash
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ashsaidit
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@ashbrown1
- Yelp: https://yelp.to/ciEvRpt8Ra
- Other: Latest Episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ash-said-it-show/id1144197789?i=1000754757215
