We had the good fortune of connecting with Ashley Faison and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Ashley, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Having had a business mindset since I was in middle school, selling handmade keychains and jewelry during lunch break I have always looked for innovative ways to generate income. I’ve had several business endeavors and believe the entrepreneurial spirit is just in me. Coming from a home that struggled financially, being a business owner for me is about building legacy. I didn’t want to raise my children without being able to provide for them. Ultimately I believe Jesus provides for all of our needs but I like to stay in partnership with Him.
Creating my resume writing and career coaching business was birthed from my career in human resources. I started working on hiring unit tasks and recruitment efforts at 19 years old. In the area of human resources, I’ve also been an analyst for classification and pay matters, processed payroll and benefits, worked on upward mobility efforts, created workforce development plans, and written policies and procedures. My work has required me to review applications, resumes, and sit in on interview panels to hire staff. Having this expertise has given me the insight to understand how job applicants can position themselves for success in their career.
I hope to make a dent in the gender wage cap by empowering women to aim for higher positions with higher pay. I started this business because writing resumes comes natural for me, and I know that’s not the case for everyone looking to promote or apply for a job in general.
I enjoy hosting resume writing and interview workshops so that job seekers can be encouraged by others in the process of creating their winning resume.
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am most proud of the success stories my clients have! On average my clients land promotions that increase their income by $10k-$20k. It makes me so happy to see women win!
To get where I am today I have continued to ask questions, I remain teachable, and I look for ways to improve my processes to ensure my clients are receiving innovative and quality services. I was challenged initially by overwhelm since many of my processes were not automated. Automating processes wherever possible helps to streamline and ensures quality control.
The world should know that I’m a daughter of Christ, wife, and mom who decided to take a chance on myself and raise the bar in my career.
Excuses don’t stop the bills from coming in, so I didn’t stop until I found promotions that were perfect for my career path.
Are you tired of feeling stuck in your current job, yearning for something more? Imagine a life where you’re not just surviving, but thriving in your career, fueled by purpose and passion.
I’m an ally of the unsung heroes of corporate offices, those who quietly persevere. I’m here to light your path and guide you as you embark on your job search expedition.
Each day, I invite you to take that bold step forward, armed with courage and faith. With my support, I’ll show you how to shatter glass ceilings and reach those next-level career goals without succumbing to burnout or drowning in rejection letters. All it takes is a tiny mustard seed of faith.
Remember those days when you felt trapped in a role that drained your spirit? I’ve been there, and I know how it feels to be tethered to a job that doesn’t align with your purpose. That’s why I transformed my own journey after hitting my career rock bottom in 2014. Instead of succumbing to complacency, I embraced the pain of rejection and used it as a compass to redirect my path.
Fast forward to today, I’m a living testament to the power of resilience and determination. I’ve been promoted not just once, but 5 times after a demotion that could have shattered my dreams. My success isn’t about bragging rights; it’s a testament to an unshakable truth that keeps me motivated: what God has destined for you is already within your grasp. No past mistakes, no malicious gossip, no failures can stand in the way of God’s plan for your success.
In 2020, my purpose expanded as I turned my focus towards empowering others in their professional journeys. Thus, this business was born. My mission? To liberate women from the chains of limiting beliefs that have kept them stagnant for far too long. Over just a year, I’ve empowered nearly 100 professionals, to secure higher-paying roles across diverse fields.
Imagine transitioning from daydreaming at your desk to embracing greater financial rewards while consciously nurturing a more fulfilling career. Together, we’ll shatter those confines, rewrite your story, and pave the way for a remarkable journey of growth and achievement. Let’s take the leap – your future, filled with promise, is waiting.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Real friends are rare, my mom passed away in 2014 after a lifelong battle with diabetes. She always told me that if you can count your friends on one hand you are blessed.
If we hadn’t already planned to go international and see the world I have a few ideas in mind.
On Sunday we’d go to Real Life Church, Sacramento for 10am service, then head to Panera Bread for lunch, and then go hang in a bookstore before heading home to lounge around.
We are for sure heading to San Francisco! We’d go to my favorite pizza place – Serranos on 21st and Valencia. I like going on Thursday or Friday to enjoy the hustle and bustle of bay area night life. We’d visit the Top of the Mark for drinks at the Fairmont and enjoy the skyline view and upscale setting.
It would only be right to call my Soul Sis, Chef Shelby Starks to see what’s going on in Oakland. As a native, she has taken me to the best spots to eat and hangout that way!
I’d check my calendar to see if we could corodinate the visit with any event that Free Women Free Women is hosting, the intentionality, sisterhood, and fellowship is unmatched!
We’d check out my go-to for Thai food, The Authentic House of Thai in Sacramento. Maybe a hike. I love the outdoors.
If they are prepared, I’d schedule a professional photoshoot so we could generate some content – cause she’d likely be a businesswoman too!
I’d leave room for her to let me know what she is interested in seeing or experiencing too! New experiences are my jam!
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My husband and family have been my biggest support in life. They have heard me go through every emotion imaginable when it comes to business and they still answer my calls/texts lol. In all seriousness, they’ve seen my journey through life. Like many business owners, I wasn’t dealt the best card by societal standards, yet Jesus has carried me and shown me continuous favor.
Business Coach Angela Lofton-Berry Moore was a shining light of encouragement when I first decided to start my business. She mentored me through structing my business correctly and continues to inspire me as a business woman. The National Resume Writers’ Association, Society of Elite Resume Writers and Coaches, the Free Women Free Women Community’s Founder/Spiritual Coach Trezana Booth, and Business Coach Chandra Brooks were pivotal in my growth as a business owner and leader in my community. I’ve learned so much from these organizations and walking alongside of these women who are all successful in business.
We Should All Be Millionaires by Rachel Rodgers gave me a mindset in business that freed me from the habits contributing to burnout in my life. I was gifted this book by Dr. Gigi Smith and can’t thank her enough.
Black Fortunes by Shomari Wills gave me so much historical inspiration from the stories of black business owners that blazed the trail and became millionaires in spite of slavery like: Mary Ellen Pleasant, Robert Reed Church, and Hannah Elias.
Most recently I completed a study on the book of Esther in the Bible that shined a light on how to use my voice and stand up for others inspite of the odds I may be facing. In business, it is crucial that we use our voice to not only promote our business, but to educate in truth, extend grace, and empower others to take actions that help them reach their dreams and the will of God on their life. This is how we change the world.
Website: Ashleyfaison.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamashleyfaison/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleydaniellefaison
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mrsashleymaddox/
Youtube: www.youtube.com/@yourresumewriter
Other: https://www.google.com/search?q=ashleyfaison.com&rlz=1C5GCEA_enUS953US953&oq=ashleyfaison.com+&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOjIGCAEQRRg5MgkIAhAAGA0YgAQyEAgDEC4YCBgNGB4YxwEY0QMyBggEEEUYPDIGCAUQRRg8MgYIBhBFGDwyBggHEEUYPNIBCDQ3NzBqMGo0qAIAsAIA&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#ip=1 https://www.bbb.org/us/ca/sacramento/profile/coaching/ashleyfaisoncom-llc-1156-90078881
Image Credits
Mezziah Maddox @Maddoptics on Instagram www.maddoptics.com