Ashley Flete of Tallahassee FL on Life, Lessons & Legacy

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

Ashley , a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: Have you ever been glad you didn’t act fast?
Absolutely. I’ve learned that not every situation deserves an immediate reaction. Taking a moment to pause has protected my peace and allowed me to respond with clarity instead of emotion. Patience can be just as powerful as action, and slowing down has often saved me from commitments that weren’t aligned with my goals. Some decisions feel urgent in the moment, but time has a way of revealing what’s truly meant for you — and what isn’t.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Ashley Flete, and I’m a storyteller at heart. I currently serve as a Senior Communications Specialist at Florida A&M University, where I have the privilege of amplifying the voices, achievements, and impact of our students, alumni, and community. Outside of my role, I’m also a multimedia creative and former news anchor who uses my platform to highlight meaningful stories, build authentic connections, and celebrate culture—especially within Black and Brown communities.
I’m also a certified lash technician and entrepreneur, building a brand that centers beauty, confidence, and community. Whether I’m crafting a feature article, hosting an event, or growing my clientele, my work is rooted in intention, impact, and representation.
What makes my journey unique is the blend of media, marketing, and community service that shapes everything I do. I’m passionate about creating opportunities, giving back—especially through local initiatives supporting unhoused individuals—and helping people see the best in themselves. Right now, I’m focused on expanding my brand, stepping more into hosting and entertainment, and continuing to tell the stories that deserve to be heard.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who taught you the most about work?
My parents taught me the most about work. I grew up watching them move with resilience, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to providing and pushing forward—no matter the circumstances. Their actions spoke louder than any words ever could. They didn’t just tell me to work hard; they lived it every day.
Because of them, I learned early that excellence isn’t optional—it’s a standard. They instilled in me the belief that faith without work is dead, and that combination of belief and action has shaped everything about how I pursue my goals. Their example taught me to stay grounded, stay grateful, and keep going, even when the road gets tough.
I carry their work ethic with me in everything I do, and it’s a big part of the reason I show up with intention, discipline, and heart in every space I step into.

What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me things that success never could. It revealed my strength in ways I didn’t know I needed to see. Success feels good, but it doesn’t stretch you, mature you, or refine you the way struggle does. In my hardest seasons, I learned how to stand on faith when everything around me felt uncertain. I learned how to breathe through moments that hurt, trust the process, and keep showing up even when the outcome wasn’t guaranteed.
Suffering also forced me to slow down and listen—to myself, to God, and to the lessons hidden inside the pain. It taught me humility, patience, and the value of protecting my peace. It showed me what truly matters, and just as importantly, what doesn’t.
But the biggest gift suffering gave me was compassion. You start to see people differently when you’ve had to rebuild yourself piece by piece. You love deeper. You forgive easier. You understand that strength isn’t about looking unbothered—it’s about surviving what was meant to break you and still choosing to shine.
Success can celebrate you, but suffering shapes you. It’s in those moments that I found my voice, my purpose, and the resilience that carries me today.

So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
A belief I’m committed to—no matter how long it takes—is becoming the woman God is shaping me to be. That means staying rooted in my purpose, honoring my calling, and showing up with intention in every space He places me in. I’m committed to the slow, steady work of building a life and a platform that reflects faith, service, and impact.
One project I’m deeply committed to is finishing the devotional I’m working on. It’s something I refuse to rush because I want every word to be meaningful, honest, and inspired. It’s bigger than a writing project—it’s a spiritual assignment, and I want to make sure I pour into it the way God has poured into me.
I’m also committed to becoming the best mother I can be to my daughter. That is my lifelong project, my greatest purpose, and the most sacred responsibility I carry. I want her to grow up seeing strength, softness, faith, and perseverance in real time—not just hearing about it. Everything I build, every move I make, she’s part of the “why.”
And beyond that, I’m committed to expanding my platform—combining storytelling, media, beauty, and community work in a way that uplifts Black and Brown voices and opens doors for others. I want to continue creating spaces where people feel seen and supported, and I’m not afraid of the long journey it takes to build something meaningful.
This isn’t quick work. This is heart work. Purpose work. And I’m committed to it for as long as it takes because when something is aligned with your calling, you don’t rush it—you grow into it.

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What will you regret not doing? 
I know I would regret not living life to the fullest. I never want to look back and realize I played it safe, held myself back, or let fear write the story for me. I’d regret not following through on the moments that were meant to stretch me, elevate me, or introduce me to a better version of myself.
Most of all, I’d regret letting the “what ifs” get louder than my faith. I don’t want to spend my life wondering what could’ve happened if I had just taken the leap, trusted myself a little more, or believed I was worthy of the opportunities placed in front of me.
I want to live boldly, intentionally, and without hesitation—because the only real regret is choosing comfort over calling.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamflete__/?hl=en
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-flete/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ashleeFlete/
• Other: https://www.thelipstickroyaltyagency.com/post/ashley-flete-inspires-young-women-to-lead-with-confidence-at-dress-for-success?srsltid=AfmBOopTVCIWiBQ2V4Zoqlkq35V1KSYr0U0IQgpe_RgQ6v60YPyGr8Wj

  https://news.famu.edu/2025/from_the_hill_to_the_main_stage_famu_alum_jason_carter_builds_culture_through_one_music_fest.php

Image Credits
Ernest Nelfrard