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

Ashley, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.

A risk I have taken is writing my first book, which was officially released on September 12. I started the journey near the end of last year after returning from my birthday trip. While it may seem small to some, you just never know where the writing path will take you. I successfully accomplished the very extensive tasks of self-publishing. It’s not for the faint!

But it’s a non-fiction book based on the full circle healing of my and my father’s relationship. I address the daddy issues I carried throughout my childhood and adulthood, the rejection I felt as he and my mom were at odds, and the impact of their divorce as an adult. I’ll tell anyone that divorce is harder for adult children than for small children. We don’t bounce back as easily.

To help paint a broader picture, I asked my dad to provide his side of the story to give a voice to fathers and men. We approach it as a two-way conversation where you get to hear our take on the same timeline of events. He and I are aware our story is not unique and many can relate. When you transparently share the things you’ve buried, forgotten, or wished didn’t happen, you risk experiencing the judgment, critique, and misunderstanding of others. However, the seeds of healing and forgiveness that this book will yield are greater than those concerns. I truly believe there’s no risk without reward.

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?

In addition to being an author, I am also an HR project manager and part-time entrepreneur. I literally started my first business with no idea of the services I would offer. I just knew I needed to get the process started. It was after I received some life-changing advice to at least incorporate my name or make it a business. Consequently, my name would become its own entity and generate value. I was good at many things, but could not pinpoint what I wanted to do as an entrepreneur. I have always had a passion for organization and administration. At a young age, my mother instilled the importance of order and excellence. The skills I have acquired from serving in church, my educational matriculation, and now my invaluable experience in the HR corporate field have all led me to where I am today.

In 2022, I finally made the leap to make it official. I had been providing administrative assistance to others for many years. Friends and family were starting their own businesses and would reach out to me to proofread documents, create flyers or PowerPoint presentations, etc. Thereafter, I had a logo created and built out my website. I’ve been moving forward ever since.

My company [Ashley R Wood, LLC] seeks to assist executives, working professionals, and non-profit organizations in meeting their administrative needs and operational goals to save them time and money so they can focus on the bottom line. I help start-up businesses minimize administrative and operational disruptions through business concierge services. These services include event management, policy and procedure documentation, strategic planning, back-end administrative and operational support, building and redesigning websites, and content development (e.g., presentations, handouts, flyers, webinars, online courses).

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

The summer after my second year of law school, I was put on academic probation. I had not taken the time to master how to really study for law school. It’s a mind game. School had always come easy for me, but this was another beast. I stayed in the library during the week but maintained a social life on the weekend. Unfortunately, that strategy did not work and I experienced my first taste of failure. The school later granted my appeal and I returned for another semester. However, I failed another core class and was thereafter permanently dismissed from law school. It was unimaginable to think I would not finish school or be a lawyer. It took me many years to forgive myself and to face the devastation head-on. But I’m stronger because of it. I never gave up nor did I forget all the tools and lessons I’ve gained throughout the years of figuring out life.

I returned back to school in the Fall of 2019 to obtain my Master’s. While it wasn’t for a J.D., earning my degree with a 4.0 average was a moment of redemption and strength. I worked full-time during the day, was a part-time student at night, and had been out of school for over ten years. It was very challenging! Yet, I was able to prove to myself I still had the ability and I embraced the resilience of returning. While I don’t have plans on going back to law school now, I won’t rule it out totally because life has a way of surprising you. As my dad likes to say, just keep on having birthdays.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

Word of mouth and self-promotion! I have a core client base who have been with me since day one. We are very intentional in supporting each other’s businesses and seeing each other win. Recently, I began self-promoting what I do and what I offer, especially on social media. Many did not know I had a business on the side. In the beginning, I wasn’t concerned about the fanfare because I still work full-time. But you are your best promoter and you have to put yourself out there.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.thislifeisghetto.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/_thislifeisghetto
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/thislifeisghetto.com
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-r-wood/
• Other: www.ashleyrwoodllc.com

Image Credits
323 Creative Designs Photography / Book cover design and logos by Iameye Photos