“These days I’m tired for different reasons. I am choosing to put focus on my own business.”
Ashley’s challenging and life changing path led her to pursuing photography full-time . In the early part of her career, she felt pressure to lead a Corporate life and did just that for 14 years as a Corporate Trainer.. It never felt quite right but her colleagues kept her at the same company for all those years. Her heart wasn’t in it and it was starting to show so Ashley and the company parted ways catapulting her into a moment of truth. Ashley took this as her sign to take the leap and launch her professional photography dream from part time hobby to full time passion. Ashley’s husband challenged her to earn as much as she brought in from her Corporate job within the first year of her new venture. She took on the challenge and made it a reality.
Ashley had been into photography back in high school but never thought it would be her full-time profession. Her dad is very artistic and encouraged this creative side. They would develop film together in the laundry room of their home. Several years into her part time photography journey things started to fall into place when she and her family found a home where she could have a studio. She started by taking photos for friends and families on nights and weekends while keeping her Corporate job but now she was ready to put the emphasis on her own business. One that her heart was truly in.
The family photography portion, which she developed first over 7 years ago, came from a deep desire to freeze time as her own children grow up. Ashley and her husband lost their daughter before having their two sons Easton and Cooper who are now 8 and 6.
She gave birth to her daughter, who had passed away. A heart wrenching experience to endure as she and her husband had to say goodbye to their baby. At that time smart phones didn’t take the best pictures, so she wasn’t able to keep those precious moments of her daughter in a tangible way. After this immense loss they planted a tree in her honour and they feel she is with them everyday.
Her following pregnancies with both her boys were full of fear. Every twinge brought on dread. She had many ultrasounds and avoided Google Doctor to help keep calm. When she had her oldest son Easton, she wanted to document everything. She felt a strong need to capture moments through photography. It became an obsession and people thought she was crazy to think about pursuing this as a career. She has embraced being a mother to her two rough and tumble boys but has a twinge once in awhile thinking about how life with a daughter would have been.
It is only natural that her passion evolved into a career where she could explore her creativity. Eventually her style evolved into the eternally timeless and illuminating portraits that she creates for her business Yellow Brick Road Photography. She is a full-service high end photographer. Meaning she provides the studio space, the sets, children’s outfits and props for her clients. Ashley wants her clients to come and be fully taken care and have an experience. Her hope is that they hire her because they love her style, session experience and portraits.. You won’t be disappointed!
Ashley’s new venture Simply Curate & Co. is all about empowering and embracing women entrepreneurs. At first the purpose of the company was to focus on product development and branding for all companies. However, it has naturally evolved to be a female focused branding venture and she is enjoying where it is taking her. She is pursuing different partnerships and collaborations and recently started a self development day on Mondays where she focuses on her learning, growth and connections. This sets her intent and drives her energy for the week ahead. Ashley is at the point in her career where she can say no to things that don’t fit her style and life.
There were years that were very difficult as she worked two jobs while balancing being a mom to her young boys. As they get older, she is finding her rhythm for scheduling work and saying no, when possible, to things that take her away from her family on weekends. Her husband works shift work so when he works nights, she is on solo Mom duty full time. Hockey keeps her boys and her very busy. Luckily, she finds her brain and creative energy turns on at 10 pm, so she can use that time to get techy, creative and look at her social media analysis for her businesses. Entrepreneurship is no 9-5.
Her branding business, Simply Curate & Co. is going to experience more growth this year. She hopes to continue helping others find their creative voice and figure out where their inspiration comes from. Ashley has hosted workshops in the past and intends to offer more in the coming year. She plans to bring on some support for her Company with an admin person, another photographer and utlize outsourcing where possible. By bringing on more people, she will keep in mind her brand selecting others to join her team. Protecting the integrity of her business will be essential for growth in an authentic way. This is something many entrepreneurs struggle with during expansion phases. She knows she needs help and that is exciting… she’s excited with the growth in demand!
I asked Ashley what she has learned from her children that she uses in her career day to day. She told me that it has really helped her when photographing kids. She understands what they need and can read their mood and adapt to them. She has worked with children with many different challenges and can ease them into the experience. Her children have taught her this patience as well as how to schedule and manage time. A skill we all seem to be tossed into honing when we start managing multiple lives in addition to our own.
Ashley takes notice to the signs in her life, letting them guide her path. She has not let an extremely difficult time in life pass by in vein. She is continuously pushing, learning, connecting and reflecting so she can keep evolving her work and her life. Through hard work and perseverance, she is realizing her potential one captured moment at a time and I feel fortunate to have met her and interviewed her. She gave me an extra bounce in my step, and I hope this story does the same for you.
This story was written by Jenn DiRaddo Jefferson of @careerpump. Please follow along for more impactful content.
Follow Ashley’s businesses @yellowbrickroadphoto and @simplycurateco to learn more about her style and what she can offer you.
Photo Credit Lola Bean lolabeanphotos.com
Stay tuned for a gritty and graceful story about a woman who is helping others retreat and reflect while navigating her own voyage through Mom and career life.
Performing Under Mother Pressure 