We were lucky to catch up with Ashley Denson recently and have shared our conversation below.
Ashley, appreciate you joining us today. What do you think matters most in terms of achieving success?
Simply put, you need God to be successful, “for nothing will be impossible with God” (Luke 1:37). God created everything in the universe, including each and every one of us. He wants us to win, and not just spiritually, but financially, professionally, relationally, and every other aspect of our lives. In order to do this, you must first understand your identity and God’s purpose for your life. Once you develop a plan and have clear vision, then press in that direction. Note that the “press” is ever critical. You have to commit to making the maximum effort that can be made, to attain your goal. As long as you believe in yourself and the vision that God has laid before you, you can be successful. Norman Vincent Peale, American Protestant Clergyman and Author said it best, “Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars.”
Ashley, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
My name is Ashley Denson, and I am a child of God, follower of & disciple for Jesus Christ. I was born and raised in Rockwall, Texas, and I am the oldest of 3 children by my father and an only child by my mother. Growing up I was a social butterfly – always on the scene, cutting jokes or singing to people. My upbringing wasn’t glamorous, as I’ve endured my own set of trials and tribulations. However, I was fortunate enough to be raised in an environment that embraced my outgoing personality and encouraged my dreams of being more than a small-town anomaly.
I have experienced so much of the world to date, being a graduate of Howard University in Washington, DC, a Legislative Assistant for the late Congressman Ralph Hall on Capitol Hill and a flight attendant for over 8 years. Additionally, I have a multitude of events experience being the owner of my own event planning business, and consultant to several larger entities in the Dallas Area, DC, Atlanta, California and beyond.
As is probably the case for many, my life changed drastically in COVID. Having plenty of time to seek the voice of God, I gained a new understanding for what God was calling me to do in my next chapter. Having always had a heart for people, I felt Him leading me into Christian Counseling, so that I can continue to consult entrepreneurs and small businesses on ways that they can become more efficient. However, this time, I’m striving to provide the consultations with a biblical foundation and more Christ-conscious solutions. Thus, in January 2022, I launched AND Solutions, LLC.
I am a Certified Christian Counselor & Life Coach, who aims to help individuals and businesses be the best versions of themselves that they can be. While Christianity is my foundation, I work with believers & non-believers. The only exclusion I have, is that I only work with clients who are serious about pivoting their mindsets & taking bold strides towards their purpose/goals. I’m really excited about this chapter in my life, and it is my prayer that I live up to what God has purposed me for.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
Sometimes it takes a crisis or maybe even a global pandemic, to shake up our monotonous daily routine, root up a linear focus and breakdown pride in our lives. That’s how God works. He uses life’s unexpected twist and turns to break us down. All of it with the intent to build us back up, strengthening our faith and moving us into proper alignment for the purpose that He has for our lives.
My own experience with pivoting came when I resumed flying in 2021. I had been on voluntary leave from work for a year. When I returned to the company, I noticed that I did not have the same zeal that I previously had. Work conditions were not stellar, being that my airline lost almost one fourth of its workforce due to COVID. In addition to that, passenger frustrations with the federal mask mandates, were making the friendly skies, not so friendly anymore. With the environment feeling extremely different, I pursued some hearty prayer & fasting, seeking spiritual wisdom for what I was experiencing and for what I should do next.
My decision to end my aviation career did not stem from necessity, by way of job loss, or financial circumstances, but rather a yearning to do something that I was passionate about and to act in obedience to God. In the closing weeks of 2021, God gave me the vision for AND Solutions, LLC, so I decided to pivot, according to His will. Fueled by faith, I launched my new coaching and consulting business in January 2022!
Where do you think you get most of your clients from?
I am a firm believer in divine providence and provision. As a result, limited dollars have been allocated to actual marketing and advertising. Usage of the AND Solutions, LLC website, and postings via Instagram, have been the preferred mode of advertisement.
This is because, to date, the best source for soliciting new clients, has come from word-of-mouth referrals and the sharing of previous client success/personal testimonies. Word-of-mouth or referral marketing, is all about getting people talking about your brand or business, as a means to gain new customers, who are focused on key targets and obtaining results. This recommendation occurs when someone who uses or knows your brand, recommends it to others in their network – friends, family members, or colleagues. This source of generating clients is more personable and often more purposefully, not just casually, mentioned.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.andccs.com
- Instagram: @andsolutionsllc
Image Credits
Photography: Jennifer Allen, Just Elope LLC Shoot Styling & Set-up: Sabeina Harris, A Seat At The Table Branding Agency