We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Ashley Flete a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Ashley, thanks for joining us today. Often outsiders look at a successful business and think it became a success overnight. Even media and especially movies love to gloss over nitty, gritty details that went into that middle phase of your business – after you started but before you got to where you are today. In our experience, overnight success is usually the result of years of hard work laying the foundation for success, but unfortunately, it’s exactly this part of the story that most of the media ignores. Can you talk to us about your scaling up story – what are some of the nitty, gritty details folks should know about?

Having a business is nothing easy. Entrepreneurship is a wild ride of ups and downs. Twist and turns. It’s important to set goals for yourself. Small goals that aren’t impossible to achieve. Understand what you want to achieve or provide. Market yourself at all times. I would pass out business cards while grocery shopping. I’ve done several give-a-aways and have partnered with other business. Scaling your business has a lot to do with NETWORKING. Your connections matter. Allow yourself to be a sponge and learn from other people. From their growths and hardships.

Investing as an entrepreneur is essential for business growth, fostering innovation, and branding. I am a firm believer in attending events and conferences that fall within your industry. I see it as a pipeline of resources and connections. Education never stops.

Through my journey, I’ve learned to remain agile and adaptable to the changing market conditions, customer preferences, and competitive dynamics. Continuously learning from all of my successes and failures one step at a time. Being able to take feedback and re-work things is all apart of the game.
The power of good customer service and positive reviews cannot be overstated. When customers have positive interactions with your brand, they are more likely to return. It builds loyalty and your brand’s reputation.
Investing in excellent customer service is essential for building lasting relationships with customers and thriving in today’s competitive world.

Ashley, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Meet Ashley: a dynamic entrepreneur who seamlessly juggles two passions—media hosting and lash artistry. With her infectious enthusiasm and entrepreneurial spirit, Ashley has carved a unique niche for herself in both industries.

As a media host, Ashley captivates audiences with her engaging presence and insightful commentary. Whether she’s hosting an event, marketing fairs, or speaking engagements, her natural charisma shines through, making every interaction memorable. With a keen eye for storytelling and a way of connecting with people, Ashley effortlessly navigates the ever-evolving landscape of digital media.

But Ashley’s talents don’t end there. In her other role as a lash artist, she channels her creativity into transforming clients’ looks and boosting their confidence. With precision and artistry, she meticulously applies lashes, enhancing natural beauty. Leaving her clients feeling beautiful and empowered. From classic to dramatic, Ashley’s lash designs are as diverse as her clientele, reflecting her versatility and attention to detail.

What sets Ashley apart is her unwavering dedication to excellence in both fields. Whether she’s behind the mic or at her lash studio, she approaches every project with passion, professionalism, and a commitment to exceeding expectations. With her infectious energy and innovative approach, Ashley continues to inspire and uplift others, proving that with determination and drive, anything is possible.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

I went from a News Anchor turned Entrepreneur, in the blink of an eye. All while embracing the joys and challenges of motherhood.

I went from television screens, delivering breaking news to learning the ropes of Lashing. It felt like it happened all on God’s time. Although I enjoyed my career in news; I felt myself yearning for something more—a desire to chart my own path and create a legacy beyond the confines of the newsroom.

I decided to take the leap and pursue a skill or what some would consider a trade. With a small vision in mind, I created WinkFairyLashes – “Where Beauty meets Confidence.’ This new found passion provided me with the much needed freedom and time I needed as a mother. Learning how to balance my new business venture with the demands of parenthood. Juggling the ins and outs of branding and marketing with early morning school drop-offs, I’ve learned to embrace the chaos and find beauty in the chaos of motherhood and entrepreneurship.

Despite the inevitable setbacks and many sleepless nights, I kept going, drawing strength from those around me. With the unwavering support of my partner and loved ones, I learned to have patience and grace while navigating the highs and lows of this life-changing journey.

Today, my brand has blossomed into a thriving business, beloved by customers who share their loyalty. As I reflect on my journey from news anchor to entrepreneur, I’m grateful for the opportunity to pursue my passions while simultaneously nurturing my role as a mother. With each milestone achieved and each challenge overcome, I rise.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

Immersing myself in the pages of a book is not just a pastime but a passion that ignites my soul. With each turn of the page, I find myself transported to new worlds, captivated by the magic of storytelling. I enjoy the opportunity to expand my horizons, broaden my perspective, and deepen my understanding of the world around me. For me, reading is not merely a hobby but a lifelong journey of exploration and enlightenment—a source of endless joy and inspiration that enriches every aspect of my life.

I highly recommend some of my favorites;
“The Four Agreements” by Don Miguel Ruiz – it’s a transformative guidebook that offers profound insights into living a life of freedom, happiness, and authenticity.
Four simple yet powerful agreements
-“Be Impeccable with Your Word”
– “Don’t Take Anything Personally”
– “Don’t Make Assumptions”
– “Always Do Your Best”

I also really enjoyed the ride of reading Sara Jakes Roberts
“Woman Evolve” it’s more than just a book—it is a movement of empowerment, healing, and transformation. Through its pages, Sarah Jakes Roberts offers a roadmap for women to embrace their power, rewrite their story, and evolve into the radiant, resilient beings they were always meant to be.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @iamflete_
• Facebook: Ashlee Flete
• Linkedin: Ashley Flete
• Twitter: @iAMflete

Image Credits

Photos By:
Ernest Nelfrard