We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ashley Owens. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ashley below.

Ashley, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

As a kid growing up in the suburbs of North Jersey, I could be defined by one word: timid. All throughout school I was picked on constantly for my stutter and shy, compliant nature. But by the time I got to high school, I decided enough was enough. I forced myself to take public speaking and auditioned for the school play, just to get out of my comfort zone. I ended up getting the lead and from then on, I began to find my voice.

After college, I held many jobs mostly in the entertainment industry, eventually making my way out to New York City and nabbing the enviable position as an assistant to a well-known actress. This was the type of experience where only on the other side did I see how much it taught me about boundaries and limitations and my value. I was treated inexcusably, yet said yes to any request because I did not know my worth. I found myself exhausted in every way and completing many different tasks at a sub-par level just to get them done. A meltdown from my boss resulted in the letting go of every member of her staff, so I headed back to New Jersey feeling like I had failed in an industry that I had a passion for. I had absolutely no direction, sense of worth, or voice.

I took a job as a waitress in a restaurant in New Jersey, and my life changed. Two businessmen I served saw something in the way I sold them a burger, something in me. They asked for my resume and within weeks I was offered a sales position at their company. I provided guidance and structure and through that initial experience and subsequent job, I found my voice. I slowly realized how my genuine, enthusiastic personality and the way I naturally communicate with people were invaluable tools I possessed that could be harnessed to help others find their voice.

After moving to Philadelphia, I had obtained several wonderful positions that went from customer service, to account management to business development, that unfortunately had unavoidable mergers, acquisitions, budget cuts, layoffs etc. I found that my role was constantly changing, not due to performance but the inevitable nature of business. I realized that having my future depicted by others was no longer an option.

With the support from my network and the strategic partners I trusted, I set out to be the leader in my story rather then the follower. I start my own business as a personal networking concierge. While interacting with clients, I have the ability to adapt and manage different personalities, environments and ever changing situations at the drop of a hat. It’s my job to be your advocate in business and remind you why you started. I am fascinated by people’s stories, their journey and what gives them their voice.

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?

I am the first and only Networking Concierge that helps people create the ideal networking situation for them, perhaps even more importantly, gets them out of the wrong one!

As a networking concierge, I work as a strategic partner during networking events and conferences. I train, coach, and speak on becoming an authority at generating revenue by networking with intention.

Starting my career as a personal and executive assistant to two celebrities in NYC, my experience in networking grew as I obtained positions in customer service, business analytics, and account management. Today, Ashley Assists LLC is my brightest success story! Scaling it from an initial concept to a thriving, growing business has brought about countless opportunities, nearly unlimited connections, and intense personal growth, like nothing else!

I have also been interviewed on the Mel Robbins Show on CBS, produces and hosts a podcast talking to entrepreneurs and their screw-ups, raises over thousands of dollars for local nonprofits that I partner with at my Cocktails and Conversation networking event. I also own equity in two other startup companies and has been flying around the country as a keynote speaker.

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

When I headed back to New Jersey feeling like I had failed in an industry that I had a passion for, I had absolutely no direction, sense of worth, or voice. I took a job as a waitress in a restaurant in New Jersey, and my life changed. Two businessmen I served saw something in the way I sold them a burger. They asked for my resume and within weeks I was offered a sales position at their company. I provided guidance and structure and through that initial experience and subsequent job, I found my voice. I slowly realized how my genuine, enthusiastic personality and the way I naturally communicate with people were invaluable tools I possessed that could be harnessed to help others find their voice.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

After moving to Philadelphia, I had obtained several wonderful positions that went from customer service, to account management to business development, that unfortunately had unavoidable mergers, acquisitions, budget cuts, layoffs etc. I found that my role was constantly changing, not due to performance but the inevitable nature of business. I realized that having my future depicted by others was no longer an option.

With the support from my network and the strategic partners I trusted, I set out to be the leader in my story rather then the follower. I start my own business as a personal networking concierge. While interacting with clients, I have the ability to adapt and manage different personalities, environments and ever changing situations at the drop of a hat.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://ashleyassists.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashleyassists/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ashleyassists
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashowens/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/ashleyassists
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyFVSA7ucMGSyeqTeFPTQHg
• Other: https://speakerhub.com/speaker/ashley-owens