Women with Purpose | Interview with Ashley Beaudin
I am so excited to continue with the new blog series for the Rachel Allene blog! This past year, I have learned so much about growing a business, building a brand, increasing online sales, growing a mailing list, etc. through the influence and expertise of other highly creative and talented women. They have encouraged me, inspired me, and taught me to be fearless in my pursuits. They run their businesses with intention, purpose, and with a heart to give back. I am excited to start sharing some interviews with these women. They will offer insight, real talk, and actionable steps for growing a successful and profitable business (while making a difference!)
Today's interview is with Ashley Beaudin. I first learned about Ashley from her campaign #theimperfectboss and have since continued a friendship. She is a fierce business owner who is passionate about women living boldly. She is bold in her life and I appreciate how she unapologetically chases after things.
I hope you enjoy my interview with Ashley, the creative force behind #theimperfectboss. Ashley also helps women on a mission create movements alongside their businesses, so that they can grow their community, visibility and impact.
1. How long have you been in business?
2 years full-time. I've been building online communities for the last five years.
2. Describe your business and brand
I am a heart encourager, mentor and movement maker for creative women. I have a vision to empower thousands of women to bring their gifts to the world. I love teaching women how to use more heart, vulnerability + community in their lives and businesses.
3. What is the biggest struggle you face with your business?
My biggest struggle when it comes to my business is that space between the vision I see in my heart and the reality I see with my eyes. It can be easy to grow tired or impatient in that in-between. I have had to learn over time that the most amazing things don't often happen overnight, they require a bold and messy journey.
4. How do you overcome these struggles?
I remind myself that it is less about more arriving and about who I am becoming. I surround myself with people who won't let me quit. I consistently process how I am feeling about my business, so that I don't operate out of fear or doubt instead.
5. What is a big dream you have for your business?
My ultimate dream is to inspire millions of women through writing and speaking. I want to create events where there are such cultures of encouragement, that someone just walks into the room, and their life is changed.
6. What is your best advice for brand new business owners?
My best advice is to know why you matter and know why your work matters. Find all the things that are holding you back, sit with them, face them, feel them and let them go. The best thing you can do for the world is to get out of your own way.
7. How do you recharge? What do you love doing outside of work?
I love writing, art, painting with my fingers, meeting new people and the bliss of the spa. You know it's true.
8. How do you ditch the hustle and embrace grace?
Ditching the hustle is a constant surrender. I think we all feel so surrounded by the hustle all the time and before we know it, we're caught up in it. I have to be intentional about pausing, loosening expectations of myself and focusing my eyes more on the vision than the busy work.
9. What's your best productivity tip?
Hands down, it is to outsource the things that drain you and batch your tasks.
10. To you, what does it mean to run a heartfelt business?
I cannot imagine running anything other than a heartfelt business. To me, it means to lead your business with your whole self. You do everything out of the core of who you are without feeling like you need to compromise yourself. You always return back to that place.
11. What's your biggest pet peeve?
When people stop communicating or are afraid to have honest conversations because they are uncomfortable.
12. What's your go-to celebration when something big happens with your business?
DONUTS.
