Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ashley Ketch. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Ashley, first a big thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and insights with us today. I’m sure many of our readers will benefit from your wisdom, and one of the areas where we think your insight might be most helpful is related to imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is holding so many people back from reaching their true and highest potential and so we’d love to hear about your journey and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
Imposter syndrome is a prevalent experience that often affects individuals to varying degrees. In our age of ubiquitous social media, it becomes especially challenging to resist the temptation of comparing ourselves with seemingly flawless counterparts. The relentless cycle of scrolling and comparing can lead us down a seemingly endless rabbit hole.
What’s important to remember, though, is that social media portrays curated versions of people’s lives, offering a partial glimpse rather than the whole narrative. It’s essential to recognize that everyone has their struggles, and the appearance of having it all together is often an illusion.
For me, maintaining a healthy perspective involves constant self-reminders. I remind myself that social media represents one facet of someone’s life, not the entirety. Furthermore, I acknowledge that I am my primary competition. The power to improve and expand my horizons lies solely in my hands. Whether it’s pursuing further education or putting in the effort to acquire new clients, the initiative rests with me.
It’s crucial to understand that self-imposed limitations are the greatest hindrance to our business potential. Failure, for me, is not a setback but rather a stepping stone to progress. Firstly, it signifies my willingness to explore new avenues for improvement, a far more appealing prospect than stagnation. Secondly, each misstep serves as a valuable learning opportunity, revealing the necessary adjustments for a more fulfilling and successful journey forward.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
Ashley Marie Creative Studios embarked on its journey as a photography studio, but it has since evolved to encompass an even broader spectrum of creative endeavors, including design and art. The truth is, my creative spirit refuses to be confined within the narrow boundaries of a conventional 9-5 career that specializes in just one area.
One of my favorite rituals at the close of each year is the delightful process of reflecting on the past and envisioning the future. My business is in a perpetual state of transformation as I allow myself the freedom to explore the various facets of my creativity, seeking what truly nourishes my soul and brings me unbridled joy.
I’m absolutely enamored with collaborating with fellow businesses to craft visual content that harmonizes seamlessly with their distinct brand style. It’s a captivating and enjoyable experience to immerse myself in the minds of other professionals and converse their language through the medium of visual storytelling, particularly through brand photography.
Through my design expertise, I find immense satisfaction in partnering with businesses to craft their brand identity, including logos, business cards, websites, and more. This process allows me to flex my creative muscles and breathe life into a vision that authentically represents the client, effectively becoming the face of their enterprise.
Recently, I’ve been reconnecting with my deep-seated passion for art, a cherished pastime that brought me immense happiness. From being able to draw a perfect stick figure at the age of two to dedicating hours to drawing as a child, I’ve rekindled this artistic flame. I’ve ventured into commissioned art pieces, as well as personal projects, and it’s been a gratifying journey.
In this moment of reflection, I sense a shift in the direction of my business—an authentic and profound exploration of endeavors that fuel my soul. I am eager to embrace the future and see where this exciting path leads.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Three invaluable lessons I’ve gathered over my journey in business, and which I’d enthusiastically impart to budding entrepreneurs, are as follows:
1. Just Dive In & Embrace Failure:
Some individuals believe that they must have every detail meticulously aligned before venturing into the realm of business. However, I’m here to debunk that notion. The truth is, you don’t need perfection to begin your entrepreneurial journey. In fact, perfection is a myth. Even if you feel you’ve created something flawless, upon reflection, you’ll always uncover room for improvement. The fear of failure, viewed through a negative lens, often paralyzes aspiring business owners. I’m here to set the record straight: failure is not the enemy; it’s a powerful ally. It’s through failures that we learn, grow, and evolve into our best selves. The moment you assume you’ve reached the pinnacle of your craft, without room for further growth, you’re at risk of becoming obsolete. So, take the leap, get started, and embrace the journey of trial and error.
2. Recognize When to Seek Assistance:
As an entrepreneur, it’s crucial to identify your strengths and weaknesses. For instance, if accounting isn’t your forte, seeking professional assistance is a wise move. Mishandling finances can be a perilous misstep that might jeopardize an otherwise thriving business. Likewise, if social media marketing is not within your realm of expertise, consider enrolling in a course or hiring skilled professionals. Effective marketing is a linchpin for success. The mere act of establishing a business doesn’t guarantee an influx of clients; it’s the strategic investment in marketing that ensures a steady stream of patrons. Recognize your strengths, acknowledge your limitations, and know when to enlist expert help.
3. Prioritize Outstanding Customer Service:
The heart of our businesses is our clientele. A superior customer experience can catalyze a cascade of recommendations, driving more business your way. Conversely, a poor client interaction can result in negative publicity spreading like wildfire across social platforms. Being the best in your field is not the sole determinant of success; a remarkable client experience is equally pivotal. It’s important to note that providing exceptional service doesn’t equate to bending over backward or granting every client’s wish. Establish clear boundaries for your products and services. What’s imperative is crafting a memorable, enjoyable, and appreciative experience for your clients. The word-of-mouth generated from satisfied clients can be your most potent marketing tool.
Remember that imperfection is the norm in business; failures are stepping stones to success, and they are your greatest teachers. Leverage your strengths and seek help where needed. Lastly, prioritize exceptional customer service, as it’s the cornerstone of lasting success in any entrepreneurial venture.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
I am incredibly enthusiastic about the prospect of forging collaborative partnerships with businesses and entrepreneurs, infusing my creative energy to enhance their visual presence while relishing every moment of the journey! There’s an innate connection I feel with fellow entrepreneurs that ignites a passionate spark within me, propelling my creativity to new heights.
If you’re interested in connecting with me, you can find me on various platforms:
• Facebook: @ahmariecreative
• Instagram (Lifestyle Photography & Art): @ashmariecreative
• Instagram (Brand Photography): @ashmariecreative.biz
• Website: www.ashleymarie.ca
Let’s explore the boundless possibilities together and infuse some fun into our creative collaborations!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ashleymarie.ca
- Instagram: @ashmariecreative.biz and @ashmariecreative
- Yelp: @ashmariecreative
