We were lucky to catch up with Ashley Albert recently and have shared our conversation below.
Ashley, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?
Starting my business in my mid-20s, I quickly learned that age is just a number—but proving that to others takes intentionality. In many rooms I’ve walked into, whether networking or speaking, I’ve often been the youngest person there. Over time, I’ve overcome biases about my age by showing up consistently, communicating effectively, being personable, and instilling confidence in our clients. I know that no one will ever care about a business more than its owner, so my goal is for our clients to feel that we care about theirs second most. That trust built during our process is what drives our success as an agency.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
After nearly a decade of freelancing while holding full-time jobs, I decided to start my own marketing agency. Drawing on my experience across nearly every service we now offer, my design & business education from Texas Christian University, and the support of others in the industry, I’ve seen the agency evolve into what it is today.
The past few years have been incredibly transformative, teaching me the power of community and mentorship in business. In just our second full year, we hit six figures in bookings, which allowed us to refine our focus and dive deeper into niche markets. Having recently moved our business to Fort Worth, Texas, I’m excited to continue our work in the hospitality industry while shifting our focus toward the western industry—a sector that holds personal significance for me as a business owner.
A major part of this next phase will be multimedia content production—photography and videography—to help brands elevate their online and social presence. Alongside this, we will continue offering our graphic design services, ensuring our clients receive cohesive, impactful visuals that drive their success.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Reflecting on my journey, three factors stand out:
Asking for help:
I learned early that reaching out for support isn’t a weakness—it can be your greatest strength. Connecting with both current and former business owners enabled me to take significant steps in propelling the agency forward.
Networking beyond social media:
While social media is valuable, it isn’t everything. In our most successful year, only 8% of leads came from social channels. In-person networking built the genuine relationships that truly moved the needle for us.
Embracing feedback:
While minoring in design in college, I discovered that constructive—even critical—feedback is essential. This lesson has only deepened in the agency years, pushing myself and the agency to refine and reach new heights.
For anyone early in their journey, my advice is simple: match your work ethic to your ambitions. Ask yourself, “Have I done everything possible to succeed?” and take pride in your efforts. Find a mentor, build a supportive network, and get out there to network in person. Identify what you do best and commit to getting even better every day.
Tell us what your ideal client would be like?
An ideal client is a business that values marketing and trusts our approach to drive success—preferably one in the western or hospitality industry, eager to enhance their content to boost awareness and sales. Most importantly, they’re collaborative: open to fresh ideas while sharing their own insights so that together, we can craft strategies that make a real impact.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.anacocreative.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anacocreative
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/anacocreative/
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/anacocreative/
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.