Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ashley Carver. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Ashley, thank you so much for joining us. You are such a positive person and it’s something we really admire and so we wanted to start by asking you where you think your optimism comes from?
My optimism comes from a combination of faith, family, and personal experience. I believe in the idea that things ultimately work out, even if they don’t always go the way we expect. It’s not that I never feel stress or worry; like anyone, I do. But I have a deep-rooted belief, shaped by my upbringing, that there’s always a way forward, even if it’s not immediately clear.
Growing up, my parents would often remind me, “You may not see it now, but it will be okay.” That phrase has stuck with me, and I’ve carried it with me through challenging times. It taught me to trust that, no matter what, things tend to work out in the end.
Similarly, my grandmothers would often say, “Hold it in the road,” which to me meant doing your best, sticking to what’s right, and persevering. It’s a reminder that while we can’t control everything, we can control how we approach life’s challenges.
In contrast to pessimism, which focuses on the negative, optimism feels like a much more empowering choice. Yes, our minds can take us to a negative place, but the belief that things can get better or that we can overcome obstacles has always felt much more energizing. Optimism, to me, is about holding on to hope and faith, and trusting that, as long as we keep going, we’ll find our way.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I’m a proud native of Atlanta, GA, and the product of two hardworking baby boomers who always prioritized giving my sister and I opportunities they didn’t have. My family, especially my parents, have played a major role in shaping who I am today. Growing up, I witnessed their unwavering dedication to supporting our family, and my mother, in particular, had a profound influence on me. As a retired social worker, she spent much of her career helping at-risk youth navigate challenges and become successful adults. I saw firsthand the difference one person can make when they genuinely care and offer support, and that inspired me to follow in her footsteps.
Ironically, I became a social worker myself, and today, I run my own private practice, A Different Box of Crayons, LLC, which I launched in October 2024. I’m thrilled to be accepting new clients through telehealth, and it’s incredibly exciting to see my passion for helping others evolve into something both tangible and impactful.
What makes A Different Box of Crayons special is the philosophy behind it. The name itself reflects my belief that we are all unique individuals, and our life experiences and challenges vary greatly. Life has a way of throwing unexpected transitions at us—whether it’s a career change, a relationship shift, or other major stressors—and when those moments come, it’s essential to have the right tools to navigate them. In my practice, I focus on helping clients develop those tools—tools for coping, problem-solving, and ultimately leading a healthier, more stable life. My goal is to help clients gain a new perspective on their circumstances, so they can feel empowered to make meaningful changes in their lives.
What excites me most about my work is the opportunity to guide people through some of the toughest times in their lives and help them realize that they have the strength and resilience to overcome any challenge. Whether someone is going through a significant life change or simply needs support in managing everyday stress, I’m here to help. At A Different Box of Crayons, our approach is all about growth, learning, and finding a renewed sense of hope—because I believe every person, no matter their circumstances, has the potential to create a brighter future for themselves.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Honestly, I’m still navigating my path, but looking back, I can point to a few key qualities that have been especially important. The first would be patience. When I first started out, I was eager to finish school, become licensed and start working as quickly as possible. But I quickly learned that there are a lot of steps in between, including gaining work experience, building a network, and putting in the hard work needed to get there. Patience allowed me to embrace the process and trust that each step was necessary for growth.
Another critical skill has been perseverance. There were many challenges along the way, but staying focused on the bigger picture and pushing through the tough times was key. Even when things didn’t go according to plan, maintaining that “never give up” attitude made all the difference.
Finally, building a strong support network has been essential. Having people around me who believe in my vision and offer advice, encouragement, and sometimes tough love has been invaluable. I’ve learned that wisdom is one of the best teachers, and having mentors, in particular, has been a game changer for me. My mentors has challenged me, provided guidance, and kept me grounded, and I am incredibly grateful for their support.
For those early in their journey, my advice would be to embrace patience and remember that success doesn’t happen overnight. Stay committed, even when progress feels slow, and build a network of people who can provide both guidance and encouragement. And don’t underestimate the power of mentors—having someone to push you and help you see things from a different perspective can accelerate your growth in ways you never expect.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
Thank you for this question—any chance I get to talk about my parents, I’m all in. As a parent myself, I often find myself reflecting on how they were able to have such a profoundly positive impact on my life. If I had to sum it up in one word, I’d say love. The love they showed me, both through words and actions, was unwavering. They were always there, whether it was to offer encouragement, give affection, or just be present. That deep, unconditional love gave me the foundation I needed to feel secure in who I am and capable of taking on challenges in life.
But beyond love, my parents also set a high expectation for me to contribute to society and support my family. They taught me the value of hard work, responsibility, and integrity. I grew up knowing that success wasn’t just about achieving personal goals, but about being a positive influence on others and doing your part to make the world a better place. Their example instilled in me a strong sense of duty—not just to myself, but to my community and future generations. They didn’t just encourage me to dream big, but also to roll up my sleeves and work hard to turn those dreams into reality.
As a parent myself now, I can see how challenging it must have been for them, but I’m deeply grateful for the lessons they taught me through their love and their example. They shaped who I am, and I try to honor that every day in my own life and work.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.differentboxofcrayons.com/
- Instagram: @a.different.box.of.crayons.com
Image Credits
Q, @quturemedia
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