Meet Ashley Herrera

We were lucky to catch up with Ashley Herrera recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Ashley , we’re so appreciative of you taking the time to share your nuggets of wisdom with our community. One of the topics we think is most important for folks looking to level up their lives is building up their self-confidence and self-esteem. Can you share how you developed your confidence?

One thing I’ve always done is go after what I want.

I don’t always know how it will happen but I do know what I want and I’ve learned that if I stay focused, put in the work, and keep showing up, things always begin to move. Doors open. Opportunities align, and most importantly, I grow into the woman who’s ready for it.

That’s where my confidence comes from.

It’s not about being fearless. I’ve felt unsure, scared, and even unqualified many times, but what I’ve never done is let that stop me. From modeling on major runways to building a mortgage company, from mentoring others to speaking on stages; I’ve chased every dream with intention, even when I didn’t have a full map. I trusted the vision and backed it up with action.

Confidence, for me, has come from consistency.

From taking the leap.
From doing the work.
From proving to myself over and over again that I can follow through on what I start.

I believe when you know who you are and what you’re called to do, you don’t need every step laid out. You just need enough belief to take the next one. That belief, plus a relentless work ethic, has shaped the woman I am today.

So if you’re wondering how to build confidence, here’s my truth:
Don’t wait until you feel ready. Start.
Work with what you have. Learn as you go. Stay focused on what you want, and don’t stop until it’s yours.

That’s the path I’ve walked. That’s how I’ve built the self-esteem I carry today.
That’s the mindset I bring into everything I do.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

What I do is more than a job! It’s a mission.

By trade, I’m a mortgage expert and co-founder of Loanoligi, where we help families navigate the home loan process with heart and strategy. As a Lady Boss Home Developer, we are making strides in our newest community: The Mighty Hope Addition. We’re building homes, building equity, and building hope. I believe homeownership changes lives, and I’m proud to be part of something that gives families not just keys to a home, but a foundation to thrive.

But that’s just one piece of the puzzle.

I’m also a model, TV host, speaker, and mentor. Through it all, I lead with the belief that your story, your light, and your dreams matter. Whether I’m walking a runway during Fashion Week, hosting segments on The American Dream TV, or mentoring those who want to break into real estate; I’m living proof that you can go after your dreams and make an impact on others at the same time.

What’s most exciting to me right now?
We’re growing fast and with intention.

We’ve launched seven new home floor plans in our Mighty Hope Addition development to complete a 22 single family home development in Abilene, Texas.

I’ll be taking the stage as a featured speaker this fall and continuing to build out a mentorship and education platform to help others rise. Whether that’s becoming a homeowner, an investor, or a model who owns her voice.

Everything I do, whether it’s through real estate, fashion, or community, it is connected by one mission:
To build hope, empower dreams, and help others rise.

I want people to know that you don’t need to have it all figured out to start. You just need to believe that your dream is worth the work. And I’m here to remind you that it absolutely is.

So stay tuned! Big things are coming! Let’s rise together.

-Ashley Herrera

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back on everything I’ve walked through personally, professionally, spiritually; I can confidently say there are three qualities that have had the biggest impact on my journey: Vision, Discipline, and Boldness.

And here’s the truth, none of them came naturally. I had to develop them, step by step, through experience and intention.

1. Vision

From day one, I’ve always had a strong sense of what I wanted even if I didn’t always know the how. That vision kept me grounded when things got messy, uncertain, or slow. It gave me something to chase, to believe in, and to build toward.

Advice:
If you’re just starting, get clear on your why. Don’t worry about how big your dream is just give yourself permission to dream it. Write it down. Visualize it daily. And then reverse-engineer your steps. Vision without action is just a wish but a clear vision with intention, that’s your blueprint.

2. Discipline

Talent will open the door, but discipline is what keeps you in the room. There were days I didn’t feel like showing up but I did anyway. From late nights working on loan files to early mornings at castings or rehearsals, I had to build the muscle of consistency.

Advice:
Start small, but stay consistent. Whether it’s 20 minutes a day of skill-building, committing to one goal each week, or setting a non-negotiable morning routine. Discipline isn’t about being perfect, it’s about showing up when you’d rather not. That’s where confidence is built.

3. Boldness

Every breakthrough I’ve had come from doing something before I felt fully ready. Starting a mortgage company with my mom, saying “yes” to a major fashion show, competing in a pageant in my 30’s; it all required boldness. And every time I stretched beyond my comfort zone, I grew.

Advice:
Take the risk. Send the email. Apply anyway. Introduce yourself. Pitch the idea. Boldness isn’t about not being scared, it’s about moving through the fear with purpose. And the more you practice courage, the more natural it becomes.

If you’re at the beginning of your journey, my best advice is this:

You don’t need to have all the answers. Just have the courage to start, the discipline to stay with it, and the vision to see it through.

You’ll be amazed at who you become along the way.

Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?

Without a doubt, the person who’s been the most helpful in helping me grow, overcome challenges, and develop the skills I needed to succeed, is my husband.

We’ve been walking this journey together since high school. That means he’s seen every version of me. The girl with big dreams, the woman chasing them, and everything in between. He’s believed in me when I doubted myself, supported me when things got heavy, and challenged me when I needed a push. That kind of steady love and accountability, It’s rare and it’s been a game-changer.

We don’t just share a life, we share a vision.

In our business, we’ve learned to work as a team by clearly defining our roles. We’ve figured out what we each do best, and we lean into that with full trust and respect. There’s no ego, just alignment. That’s how we’ve been able to grow and lead with purpose.

I handle the design, the creative, and the forward-facing side of the brand. He brings the structure, the communication, and the systems that keep everything moving. Together, we’ve built something powerful and more importantly, sustainable.

What I’ve learned through our partnership is that success isn’t just about what you’re building, it’s about who you’re building it with. When you have someone in your corner who sees the vision, shows up with you, and walks through both wins and losses side by side, you move differently. Stronger. Smarter. With deeper purpose.

If you’re chasing a big dream, surround yourself with people who will support your growth, not your comfort. Find your people, honor your roles, and build something together that matters.

That’s what we’re doing every day and I’m so grateful I get to do it with him.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://TheAshleyHerrera.com
• Instagram: @teamherreraog and @theashleyherrera
• Facebook: @theashleyherrera
• Youtube: @theashleyherrera

Image Credits

FemForce – Kimberly
Hadim Deputy
Maria Hayes