Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ashley Martin. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Ashley, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Being a business owner can be really hard sometimes. It’s rewarding, but most business owners we’ve spoken sometimes think about what it would have been like to have had a regular job instead. Have you ever wondered that yourself? Maybe you can talk to us about a time when you felt this way?

I am happy as a business owner. The lessons I have  learned about business have allowed me to elevate my thoughts for an elevated quality of life both  professionally and personally. Here’s the back story: I am a corporate girl turned entrepreneur. I have  had the privilege of experiencing a massive amount of highs and lows associated with a ‘job” such as  coaching professionals, hosting over forty-five corporate training classes, working with top-of-the class nurses, and inevitably being laid off. Determined to never over-commit or as my grandmother  would say “put all your eggs in one basket” I dived in head first in becoming a business owner.  

I learned quickly that entrepreneurship was a brand-new arena and even though I arrived in the arena  ready to thrive there was still a long list of responsibilities and mindset switches I had yet to fully  fathom. The first two years were a trial and error spending the majority of my time tightening up my  systems and processes and even changing my business plan structure to not only create a scalable business but creating opportunities to directly work with my target audience. I went from a job to non stop legacy building in my own business. I wouldn’t trade these new experiences to ultimately assist  in building another’s legacy.  

In the last few years, I experienced moments when I pondered whether going back into my career job would be the best option not only financially but mentally moreover. It was during those moments of  reflection that I identified that true growth is and always will be uncomfortable and creating a better  strategy for overcoming and solidifying myself as an industry leader would position me to never  question my capabilities in creating a business legacy. The first year and a half I spent time  overcoming disappointment, and rejection, and what I later learned was imposter syndrome. It was  during these times, months, days, and seconds that provided hand on experience that aided me in improving client experience and creating what is typically an overly looked valuable service that would  not only help others scale their businesses but turn chaos into clarity with organization and support.  

I chose therapy, I chose to be intentional in every relationship, and most importantly I submersed  myself in local networks and cohorts that would educate me on how to be strategic and creative. In  conclusion, while business ownership has its caveats, I wouldn’t exchange it for a job.

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?

I am Ashley Martin owner of A Splash of Ash virtual and personal assistant services. We assist business owners in organizing their personal and professional lives, focusing on the brand and not just the tasks. I received my official start in 2020 after helping a local contracting company scale from 1 to 4 employees and 65% increased revenue. I identified early in my career my natural skills in teaching, organizing, and leadership. It was during my time spent with this client I realized how my services could be of benefit to my community. I joined a local organization Workshop in Business opportunities or W.I.B.O for short. This class assisted me with proper business structure, marketing, and business plan creation. I then used my social media platforms to market my services. A Splash of Ash offers three pillars of services: Social Media Management, Administrative/Project Support, and Personal Assistance. Our differential advantage from our competitors is that we truly focus on the individual and brand versus a list of tasks. We are committed to assisting the business owner in finding a sense of relief in collaborating with individuals committed to their growth. A Splash of Ash proudly boasts the solidified reputable character it has gained over the last 2 years and its remarkable customer retention. 80% of my clients have been with the company for a year or more which again solidifies our Reputation and our ability to get the tasks done.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

The best source of new clients for my brand has been social media. Today it’s unheard of for a business interested in thriving to fail to show up where 4.26 billion new and potential customers are every day. Business owners often express their lack of time management or need for administrative support through social media posts.

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

Funny you ask, l am proud to say it my capital to start my business was very minimal. The pandemic while Devastating for some was pivotal in preparing for purpose. Initially, I only needed About $100 to start my business which included business registration costs only. I was fortunate enough to already be in my own home where I converted a small space into a makeshift office. I also owned a decent laptop which allowed me the access I needed to my target audience. I created a free website on WIX, signed up for a free Google Business profile, created a logo in canva, and allowed the natural sunlight to capture my headshot via my iPhone 10plus. I then began to use my free social media platforms Instagram and Facebook to build my audience and community. The rest is history!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://ashtheva.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_splashof_ash/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SplashofAshEffect
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-martin-225b6a66/
• Other: https://maps.google.com/?q=A%20Splash%20of%20Ash,%20Barrington%20Downs,%20Florissant,%20MO%2063031&ftid=0x87df3774a61f7be7:0xa64fa58a727f8b4f&hl=en-US&gl=us&entry=gps&lucs=47062714&g_st=im

Image Credits
MONARCH STUDIOS-RAVEN ELYSE