We recently connected with Ashley Andrews and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Ashley, thanks for joining us today. Parents can play a significant role in affecting how our lives and careers turn out – and so we think it’s important to look back and have conversations about what our parents did that affected us positive (or negatively) so that we can learn from the billions of experiences in each generation. What’s something you feel your parents did right that impacted you positively.

Raised by Trinidadian parents, I was immersed in a culture marked by ambition and drive. My parents are serial entrepreneurs, and their resilience and proactive spirit were the backbone of our family life. They instilled a “I can do anything I put my mind to” attitude. This mindset motivated me to pursue and overcome challenges confidently.

At home, our family discussions often centered around new business ideas, where input from everyone, including myself and my sisters, was encouraged and valued. My four sisters and I were always given the floor—our suggestions for branding, marketing, and design were not only welcomed but integral in shaping the businesses my parents nurtured.

This collaborative environment helped shape my parents’ businesses and significantly influenced my development. They were pioneers in adopting technology in Trinidad, constantly learning new skills and adapting to changes. My dad’s tech evolution from hardware to coding to e-commerce mirrored my own journey from journalism to PR to social media strategy. My parents’ example definitely set the groundwork for founding my social media agency, Digital Zess, where culture and drive is key.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m Ashley Andrews, the CEO and Chief Strategist behind Digital Zess, a social media agency that’s all about making your brand shine online. I dove into this fascinating world over seven years ago, with a bachelor’s in Journalism from Florida International University and a Master’s in Mass Communication, specializing in Social Media Marketing from the University of Florida. My journey began with a drive to tell stories that not only engage but truly resonate with audiences, especially within dynamic cultural landscapes.

At Digital Zess, we offer top-notch social media strategy, content creation, and management. Unlike other agencies, we focus on creating culturally relevant, shareworthy content and strategies tailored to your brand, helping you genuinely connect with your audience and foster community.

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

“Brag Better” by Meredith Fineman and “Contagious” by Jonah Berger have been pivotal in molding my management and entrepreneurial mindset.

“Brag Better” reshaped my understanding of self-promotion, an essential skill for women in business. It’s helped me embrace the power of voicing Digital Zess’s successes and my own, in an authentic manner.

“Contagious” has provided a blueprint for marketing that sticks. Berger’s strategies for harnessing social currency, psychological triggers, and emotional appeal have greatly enhanced how I create engaging content, ensuring our campaigns not only capture attention but also deeply resonate with our client’s audiences.

Together, these books have shown me the importance of being assertive in achievement and strategic in execution.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

My dedication to culture and community has significantly propelled my reputation as a social media strategist. My agency’s mission transcends beyond social media presence; it’s about creating engaging narratives that reflect the genuine essence of the cultures and communities we advocate for. Our strategies are not one-size-fits-all. At Digital Zess, we pride ourselves on producing shareable content, ensuring our clients’ brands are heard loud and clear across platforms.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://digitalzess.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/digitalzess
• Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/company/digital-zess/