Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Dunham.
Hi Ashley, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
In 2016, I was approached by a Los Angeles start-up subscription box to produce content for them about being a working millennial & entrepreneur. Instead of just being a content creator for the brand, I decided to establish my own brand to take ownership of my hard work!
From there, I started creating content for working millennials, things I wish I knew when I started corporate life, and then it has transitioned to being a working mom. In 2017, I started consulting under my own LLC doing marketing & brand development consulting. Since establishing that, I have been able to build domestic & international Marketing structures for a multitude of company dynamics.
This past year I launched a planner/journal for women in pursuit of health, wealth and gratitude called Pursue Bossfidence Daily (available on Amazon). I moved to Florida in 2018 from California.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Bless the broken road, am I right? It has absolutely not been a smooth road getting to where I am today. Not only just moving from California to Florida, but I was also laid off from my LA-based company when my son was 6 months old. Decided to focus on consulting clients, then the pandemic hit, and my clients needed to press pause so I went back to the “office” with a toddler during a pandemic just to make connections here in Jacksonville to build my business back up.
While challenging I am so thankful I’ve had my consulting to fall back on even when contracts were low. A pro tip to anyone is to always do something other than your main hustle because tomorrow is never promised and as we learned with the pandemic, your job isn’t either.
During all of this, I got married, was diagnosed with PCOS, suffered a miscarriage, went through infertility treatments, and finally had our son Logan. Not only has it been a business journey but a personal one too. I’ve struggled outside of my profession as all of us do with imposter syndrome, anxiety, PPA/PPD, hormone imbalance.
Success will never save you from yourself and I’ve had to learn that no matter how hard I’m working that if I’m not working hard on myself and my heart, it never feels like winning. I talk a lot about my PCOS on my Instagram. I’m very transparent about mental health, overall well-being, and mindset.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a full-time “influencer” & marketing consultant. I say influencer in quotes because I don’t believe sharing things I love with my followers is influencing. I am your online shopping bestie who is just like you, juggling being a mom, a wife, an employee, a daughter!
We all wear so many hats, I’m not influencing you for money, I am sharing what’s made my life easier, what my son loves, products that make a difference in my self-care routine. I don’t like the idea of “shilling” for a dollar, and as my followers can tell you I am transparent when I dislike something.
As a marketing consultant, I have had the amazing opportunity to work with domestic and international brands from LA to NYC to Rome and other regions of Europe, Asia & the Middle East. It’s been a whirlwind and I am incredibly thankful for anyone who takes a leap with me. I have been in marketing for over a decade now in some capacity whether it’s social media, advertising, or visual merchandising. It’s a passion of mine.
One of my most proud moments was when I developed an investor relations event at an air hanger in Los Angeles with private jets, Rolls Royce, and native CA wineries. The guest list was compiled of celebrities, athletes, Olympians, and investors. It was one of the best nights of my life and my favorite brainchild to date.
Something that sets me apart from others is that I understand the consumer, I understand what people are looking for. Not from a high level but a street level. I’ve had the amazing opportunity to travel to 46 of the 50 states. I’ve seen everything from the cornfields of Nebraska to sunset in Santa Barbara.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
1. Always have a binding contract! Nothing is what they say it is without a signed mutual agreement.
2. Obtain a retainer! I’ve had clients not pay me for my last month, I’ve had clients pay me beyond net 90; get a retainer to dig into in between the invoices if you need to.
3. Find a mentor! I wouldn’t be where I am today without my 2 mentors. They not only helped me accelerate my career, but they’ve introduced me to amazing people who I can tap into when in need.
Contact Info:
- Email: ashley@bossfidence.com
- Website: Bossfidence.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/Bossfidence
- Twitter: Twitter.com/bossfidence
- Other: https://vm.tiktok.com/TTPd6uPHpq/
Image Credits
Kim Hearts Photography
