Story & Lesson Highlights with Ashley Edokpayi of Washington DC and NYC

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Ashley Edokpayi. Check out our conversation below.

Ashley, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
Anytime I’m in nature! Going for long walks near water, hiking on a local trail, watching a summer sunset, Being in nature and stillness always resets my mind and body.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Ashley Edokpayi. I’m a storyteller and the founder and owner of Bloom Creative, a DC and NYC-based consulting agency. At my agency, I leverage my expertise and cultural background to connect with purpose-driven businesses, amplify narratives, and build community. I launched my agency in 2020 after sitting on the idea for a few years. I wanted to combine my 12+ years of experience working for communications teams, social justice nonprofits, and in journalism to offer comprehensive services for BIPOC and woman-owned businesses and creators.

Since launching five years ago, I’ve grown a scalable business as an emerging entrepreneur and have partnered with organizations like Grantmakers for Girls of Color and Well-Read Black Girl, while serving over 50 creators and small businesses nationwide. In 2024, I was a nominee for the Black Women Marketers Entrepreneur of the Year award, recognized for my impactful client work.

In my latest venture as the co-creator of DIASPORA Magazine (we just published volume 3!), I’m able to connect African and Afro-descendant creatives and innovators, amplify their stories, and cultivate a vibrant community.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
I would say it was a collection of moments, specifically during 2017. I had the opportunity to leave my home city of DC and travel the world, which included an itinerary of living in a new city every month across four continents. The experience opened me up to so many new cultures and realities – I was able to explore how vast the world is, but how interconnected we all are at the same time.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Always stay curious, creative, adventurous, and kind.

Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
Achieving real social justice and racial equity.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. When do you feel most at peace?
When I’m near the ocean or in the mountains. They both bring me a specific type of calm that I don’t experience anywhere else.

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