Brittney Ashley Talks About Creating Flexible Work Environments For Moms
May 29, 2024
Hi, Brittney! Please share a brief introduction about yourself and your business:
Hello, I'm Brittney, a determined and multi-passionate entrepreneur. Proudly Metis, dyslexic, and a devoted mother of two young children (2 and 5). My mission is straightforward: to empower women and mothers to work from home. This vision sparked the creation of Creative Dynamics, aimed at establishing a flexible work environment tailored to moms. Recognizing the global need, I collaborated with diverse women, continually developing my skills along the way. Now, as a certified business and imposter syndrome coach, I'm deeply passionate about assisting individuals in unlocking their full potential. My journey is a story of resilience and growth, evolving from a dynamic entrepreneur into a mentor dedicated to empowering others. My latest venture involves hosting the radio/podcast segment, 'Breaking Norms Building Dreams.' Here, I encourage individuals to share their inspiring stories while dismantling societal barriers. As I continue to write my entrepreneurial story, my commitment to empowerment, collaboration, and breaking down norms shines through in every endeavor. The next chapters involve strategic planning, bringing coaching into the agency, and exploring innovative ways to monetize the radio show, ensuring sustained growth and impact.
What an incredible mission, Brittney! What excites you about being an Entreprenista League member?
Being a member of the Entreprenista League excites me primarily because of the incredible opportunities for collaboration and upliftment among women entrepreneurs. The prospect of joining forces with like-minded individuals, sharing experiences, and collectively uplifting one another is truly empowering. It's a platform where women can come together to celebrate achievements, navigate challenges, and inspire each other on our entrepreneurial journeys. The sense of community and mutual support within the Entreprenista League resonates with my commitment to creating a business that empowers and excels women.
We're so happy you found your place here! What made you take the leap to start your own business?
Taking the leap to start my own business was driven by a combination of factors. First, I identified a significant gap in the market for moms seeking flexible job opportunities. Second, I envisioned creating a platform that empowers women through collaboration under one umbrella. The most profound motivation, however, came when I faced the harsh reality that life is short. The pivotal moment was the loss of my stepfather. It served as a poignant reminder to seize the moment, prompting me to take a step back, reflect, and ultimately take the leap into entrepreneurship with a newfound determination.
What was your background prior to starting your own business?
Before venturing into entrepreneurship, my background was quite diverse. I like to joke that I was a bit of a hippie. I hold a BBA in Marketing Communications and a diploma in Tourism and Hospitality. My professional journey has taken me through various industries, ranging from the tech sector to event management. This eclectic background has provided me with a unique blend of skills and experiences that I now bring to my own business endeavors. Today, I am a certified business coach and certified and specialize in helping individuals overcome imposter syndrome, adding a valuable dimension to my entrepreneurial journey.
Did you always know you wanted to be an entrepreneur?
It never occurred to me initially to become an entrepreneur. However, after navigating the toxic corporate tech world, I recognized that I couldn't return to that environment. Driven by a determination to establish a business that empowers and uplifts women, I am committed to continuous personal growth, not only for my agency but also to enhance my coaching and leadership skills. This unexpected journey has been incredibly fulfilling, as I strive to make a positive impact on both individuals and the broader business landscape. Now, I'm gearing up to expand and grow my coaching business, embracing new challenges and opportunities on this empowering path.
Take us back to when you first launched your business, what was your marketing strategy to get the word out and did it go as planned?
When I first launched my business, my primary marketing strategy was collaboration with other business owners who aligned with my values. I believe in the power of partnerships and building a network of like-minded individuals. This approach has remained my biggest and most effective marketing strategy to date. It not only helped get the word out about my business but also fostered meaningful connections and mutual support within the entrepreneurial community. While there were challenges along the way, the collaborative strategy has consistently proven to be authentic and successful.
What is the biggest challenge you have encountered along the way and what did you learn from it?
The biggest challenge I've encountered along the way is learning how to juggle mom life and business life. I haven't mastered it yet, but I love the opportunity to learn as I go. Along the way, I've also learned to give myself grace, understanding that it's a journey with ups and downs, and it's okay not to have all the answers.
Giving yourself grace is often overlooked - but so necessary. What is the accomplishment you are the most proud of to date?
I'm most proud of simply starting, learning to say no and trust my instincts, and launching my own radio show.
Do you believe in work/life balance? What are some of your best tips?
Yes, achieving work/life balance is crucial, even for moms who are navigating the demands of both professional and personal responsibilities.
Here are some tips to help you maintain a healthy balance:
1. Set Clear Boundaries: Establish specific boundaries between work and personal life. Define dedicated work hours and communicate them to your colleagues and family. This helps create a clear distinction between professional and personal time.
2. Prioritize Self-Care: Make self-care a non-negotiable part of your routine. Whether it's a few moments of meditation, regular exercise, or indulging in a hobby, taking care of your well-being is essential for sustaining energy and focus in both work and personal life.
3. Delegate and Ask for Help: Don't hesitate to delegate tasks, both at work and at home. Whether it's assigning responsibilities to colleagues or getting support from family members, sharing the workload can alleviate stress and create more room for balance.
4. Schedule Quality Family Time: Plan dedicated quality time with your family. Whether it's a weekend outing, family dinner, or other activities, having scheduled moments for connection helps maintain a strong bond amidst busy schedules.
5. Learn to Say No: Recognize your limits and be willing to say no when needed. Overcommitting can lead to burnout, so prioritize tasks and commitments that align with your goals and values.
6. Create a Dedicated Workspace: If possible, establish a dedicated workspace at home. This helps create a physical boundary between work and personal life, making it easier to mentally switch between the two.
7. Utilize Technology Wisely: Leverage technology to streamline tasks and enhance efficiency. However, be mindful of setting boundaries for technology use, ensuring that work-related emails and tasks don't spill into personal time.
All such powerful tips! What have you achieved recently that you'd like to celebrate with our community?
Embarking on the journey of creating my own radio show has been an exhilarating experience. Titled "Breaking Norms, Building Dreams," the show is a manifestation of my passion for challenging conventional thinking and inspiring others to pursue their aspirations. I am proud to share that not only did the inaugural episode mark the beginning of this exciting venture, but it also garnered an impressive 121K plays. The overwhelming response has fueled my determination to continue breaking norms and encouraging the pursuit of dreams through the power of broadcasting.
What's next for your business? What can we expect to see over the next few years?
As a highly goal-oriented individual, the next phase for my business involves strategic planning and expansion. Over the next few years, you can expect to see the integration of coaching services into the agency. I am actively crafting ways to seamlessly incorporate coaching elements that align with the agency's mission and goals. Additionally, I am exploring avenues to monetize the radio show, seeking innovative strategies to elevate its impact and sustainability. The focus remains on growth, diversification, and creating a holistic platform that not only empowers women but also ensures the long-term success and sustainability of the business.