Meet Asona McMullen | Content Creator, Business Consultant + Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Asona McMullen and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Asona, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
My thought process was simple. Show up with something and create opportunities. For me, I wanted to see more smiles on the faces of kids and parents that didn’t live in the suburbs. I wanted “fun” to be a standard and not a luxury for a particular economic class. My thought was, not only can we provide something at a scale we are able to make affordable, but now, we can provide employment opportunities for youth. With our profits, we can directly put them back into the community by keeping a few youth out of the streets and pour into non-profit organizations that support marginalized groups in our hometown.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
When people ask me what I do, I always take a deep breath and chuckle before asking them, “in which aspect of my life?” As most people would call it, my “9-5” is where you find me professionally thriving in the Marketing Sector. I recently completed my tenure as Kentucky Chapter President of the Society for Marketing Professional Services. I am one of few Black representatives in my position and in my A/E/C specific industry. What I am most proud of, is I demand room at the table. Not vocally, but through my work and my presence. At my current firm, although virtually, I sit at the table where the important conversations are held. I don’t have to hold my hand to speak. I am asked. And often. In a space dominated by those who look nothing like me, to assert value within my existence is what keeps me smiling back at myself in the mirror each morning I prepare to work [with] my colleagues. Has it been easy? Eh, micro aggressions try to hold me back, but when you recognize leadership and surround yourself with those who won’t play about you, your support is too solid to waiver. Although, mentally, it can be draining, I have found myself being more transparent in speaking out about my experience of being “the only one in the room”. Surprisingly, I have a found just a few others who share similar sentiments and we lean on each other to get through. Some of the lessons I have learned have been to step in a space with full confidence that “you belong here”. Not, “too”. Just simply – YOU BELONG HERE. Because those long hours of studying in college, the internships, the networking events, the leadership conferences were all MY work, MY time. I deserve every accolade achieved and I deserve to be in spaces where I am celebrated, not tolerated. Not only do a work a “9-5”, but I am also an entrepreneur (Time2BounceInflatables.com & LexPopUpPicnic.com) and founder of a non-profit organization (LEXProjectProm.org) comprised of a mission to service under-resourced students. My absolute favorite role of all is MOM. And my story is this: I can do all things that make me smile. I can do whatever it is that brings me joy. And what brings me joy is helping others to see the grass is always going to be green where you water it. I love to serve those with what society calls “extenuating circumstances”; because at some point – we all may find it hard to see the light; but someone, somewhere guided us through. I’d like to be a guide even if just for one person. From a young age to even now, people will try to place limits on what you can do. They will try to direct you down ONE path. But that isn’t me. I’ve never been one for limitations. Not just one group of friends, not one hobby, and not even one career. I am a people person who knows people. I meet them where they are to determine how my skill set can help them to attain their goals in both my for-profit work and non-profit work, as well.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Lexington is a place of some hidden gems., but it requires an open mind to explore those places. If I were planning a day, we might brunch at Carson’s, head for a relaxing massage at the Lexington Salt Cave, use our wits at Countdown Games, and finish the night at Creaux for drinks. It’s truly hard to plan a week long trip to a place you’ve lived most of your life. I suppose we’d do a paint and sip at Pinot’s Pallet; or maybe one of the great event coordinators of Lexington has planned a hip hop brunch. If they’re here in June, we’d definitely be involved in the weekly activities of SoulFeast Week. Yoga on the rooftop of the Castle is something we have talked about doing, so add that to our list, too. Sporadically, we’ll hear about a celebrity in town shooting some film or something. Of course, we get some great artist that perform at the Rupp Arena downtown, too. To be honest though, we could use some more diverse entertainment.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
The foundation of my life is dedicated to my late aunt, Iman. She was my hero, mentor, confidant and my very best friend. She left this side of the universe at 35 years young, but her life was full. She taught me resilience, perseverance, and compassion. Iman saw something in me and helped to mold my intellect and talents in every way she could. Her energy and love was unmatched. It is THE inspiration I breathe into every good part of me. Since her passing, I now live to continue her legacy and to create my own. My family has always been small, but the love has remained mighty. Their support of my wildest dreams motivates my existence. My son, Akai Emon (named after my aunt), is the breath of fresh air that keeps joy and optimism present. They are my rock. They keep me balanced and grounded. This is dedicated to them.

Website: lexpopuppicnic.com, lexprojectprom.org, time2bounceinflatables.com

Instagram: miss_asona

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/asonamcmullen