We were lucky to catch up with Ashley Lania recently and have shared our conversation below.
Ashley, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Naming anything – including a business – is so hard. Right? What’s the story behind how you came up with the name of your brand?
Growing up, I had the privilege of witnessing my parents’ unwavering determination as they pursued their dreams, notably in establishing a thriving hip hop talk show.
Observing them from behind the scenes, I learned valuable lessons on the importance of taking control of one’s life, exhibiting leadership qualities, and maintaining a boss mindset, regardless of the obstacles faced as a family or individually.
Given my innate ambition and deep-rooted connection to hip hop, it was only natural for me to fuse these two worlds together in the creation of my agency, BossyByNature. The name itself, a play on the name of iconic 90s hip hop group NaughtyByNature, reflects this fusion. Hip hop had a profound impact on my upbringing, and now, in a beautiful full circle moment, I have the incredible opportunity to collaborate with brands that embody hip hop culture and work alongside legendary artists.
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?
My name is Ashley Lania Little and I am the soul behind BossyByNature Design Studio. Initially established in 2018, the company began as a blog aimed to empower and educate creative professionals. Over time, it has transformed into a progressive digital production and design agency headquartered in Los Angeles. Our clientele spans a diverse array of industries, from celebrities to fashion, retail and non-profit organizations.
After years of juggling my business and a corporate career in social media, I made the decision to bid farewell to the corporate world and dedicate myself fully to my business. Working in social media marketing at a Fortune 500 company provided me with invaluable insights and knowledge beyond my expectations.
Throughout my 10+ years in the marketing and advertising industry, I have gained a plethora of experiences in every aspect of marketing, including graphic design, content creation, social media management, and creative direction.
Today, BossyByNature Design Studio is comprised of a team of dedicated creative professionals who are passionate about excellence and pushing the boundaries of creativity. We are committed to delivering exceptional results through strategic planning, content creation, and impeccable design.
Within the BossyByNature brand, we also have the BossyByNature Design Shop, a valuable resource hub for content managers and budget-conscious business owners seeking professionally designed assets that they can utilize independently. We understand the need for high-quality visuals and offer a range of digital resources to meet those needs.
Additionally, we are excited to announce the upcoming launch of a series of courses. These courses will cover various essential skills in the field of marketing, including graphic design, email marketing, social media management, and more.
As a mentor and marketer, my ultimate goal is to leverage my skills to support other aspiring women in the marketing field, while also promoting brands that prioritize the empowerment of women and culturally diverse communities.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
At BossyByNature Design Studio, we take immense pride in our commitment to working with women-focused and culturally-diverse brands.
We’re not just witnessing the rise of women and diversity in business; we’re actively contributing to it.
In a world where more than 50% of all businesses are initiated by women, we are riding the leading edge of business ownership embracing the power of diversity and innovation.
Marketing to and speaking with women is not just a strategy for us; it’s our essence.
Recognizing that women are some of the world’s top spenders, and catering to their needs is not just good business; it’s an acknowledgment of their influence and power in the global economy.
This is why, at BossyByNature Design Studio, we offer a comprehensive range of services tailored to appeal to the dynamic and influential female demographic.
Our commitment to providing the best in fashion, beauty, and lifestyle brands is exemplified through our collaborations with esteemed brands like Simone I. Smith, Sister Love MJB, Humility, and more.
Working with such remarkable brands fuels our passion for making a meaningful impact. As we navigate the vibrant landscape of women-owned businesses, our mission is to propel women forward by keeping diversity and innovation at the forefront of our advertising strategies.
As we navigate the vibrant landscape of women-owned and multi-cultural businesses, our mission is to propel them forward by keeping diversity and innovation at the forefront of what we do.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
Integrity and value have played vital roles in establishing my reputation within the industry. The ability to provide value and effectively communicate it has been instrumental in securing ongoing opportunities. Once given the opportunity, I continuously seek out innovative ways to contribute to a team or brand, always striving for excellence and embracing new ideas.
Integrity holds great significance for me and is deeply ingrained in both my company culture and brand identity. Upholding principles such as doing the right thing and leading with kindness are prime examples of the importance I place on integrity. By consistently demonstrating these values, I aim to foster trust and maintain strong relationships within my industry.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.bossybynature.co
- Instagram: instagram.com/bossybynatureco
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bossybynatureco
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/73800263
Image Credits
Kaye McCoy – Photographer